2018 Audi A8: Vorsprung durch Flagship The rebooted A8 will take on the 7-series and S-class with plenty of new technology.

What It Is: Audi’s big sedan, internally called D5, rebooted to take on the Mercedes-Benz S-class and the new BMW 7-series.

Why It Matters: After the launch of the latest and immensely successful Mercedes-Benz S-class and the thoroughly upgraded BMW 7-series, the A8 is showing its age. This will be the first Audi to launch with an entirely new user interface, previewed by the Prologue concept and the e-tron Quattro concept unveiled in Frankfurt last year.

Platform: When Wolfgang Dürheimer was chief of R&D at Audi, there was talk about using the Porsche Panamera’s MSB rear-wheel-drive platform, but the A8 D5 will be built on an enlarged, four-wheel-drive, and primarily aluminum version of the modular-longitudinal MLB Evo architecture. Expect the new A8 to contain a plethora of minor electrical miracles, including novel safety features and self-driving capability.

Powertrain: In the rest of the world, the A8 will come powered by everything from a turbo four to an electric motor. Here in the States, we’ll get a lineup similar to today’s: a twin-turbo V-6, two versions of a turbocharged V-8, and a twin-turbocharged W-12. A diesel option might be available, emphasis on “might.” And a fully electric A8 is a possibility in the coming years since the A8 shares its architecture with the all-electric next-gen VW Phaeton.

What Might Go Wrong: Once the sportiest entry in the luxury segment, the A8 is losing its edge. The new model needs to push Audi design and big-car dynamics forward.

Estimated Arrival and Price: Global launch in early 2017, with a U.S.-market intro later that year as a 2018 model. It will remain in the $80,000-to-$130,000 range.