CHAUFFEUR firms will be highly interested in the new Audi A8 LWB (long wheelbase) model for its additional 130mm length and wider opening rear passenger doors.

Rear seat passengers will enjoy the benefit of standard seat heating, an upgraded climate control system which enables precise temperature modulation in the two rear ‘zones’ and electrically operated rear window and side window blinds as they relax in the additional seating space.

In the super-luxury W12 model, comfort is taken to even greater extremes by replacing the standard rear seat arrangement with two individual sculpted rear seats. These can be heated and ventilated and feature fore/aft adjustable bases and angle adjustable backrests.

The key model for most chauffeur businesses will be the 3.0-litre TDI (250PS) and 4.2-litre TDI (350PS) engines.

Also available is a 4.2-litre FSI (372PS) petrol and, exclusively for the long wheelbase model, a 6.3-litre W12 petrol with 500PS and 625Nm torque. The ‘W’ engine configuration is essentially a V12 but compacted into a W shape to provide lighter weight and more compact packaging.

The Audi A8 LWB made its world public debut at the Beijing Motor Show (April 27-May 2). UK order books will begin in late July priced from around £58,000. However, chauffeur firms will have to wait until the end of the year for first deliveries.

Audi A8 Long Wheelbase

• Audi LWB open for order in late July
• First deliveries from December 2010
• OTR prices expected to start from around £58,000
• 3.0-litre TDI (250PS), 4.2-litre TDI (350PS), 4.2-litre FSI (372PS) and 6.3-litre W12 FSI (500PS) power
• 130mm increase in wheelbase length to maximise rear passenger comfort
• Additional equipment includes heated outer rear seats, sunroof, deluxe four-zone climate control and electric rear and side window blinds