The Audi A8 is a full-size luxury executive car built by the German automaker Audi to replace the V8 model as its flagship offering. First brought to the market in 1994, most versions of the A8 have featured quattro all-wheel-drive as standard as well as a Multitronic or Tiptronic automatic transmission. The A8 rivals long-running German competitors, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series, along with the Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS, and the long-wheelbase Volkswagen Phaeton; all are competitors in the same size and price category. Two generations of the A8 have been produced in both short and long wheelbase form.