Long Wheelbase premium models are fast becoming popular in Beijing amongst the multi-millionaires that hail from the growing Asian markets. Bearing this demand in mind, Mercedes is unveiling the LWB version of its Mercedes-Benz E-Class in China and one of those automobiles were spotted outside the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. Mercedes is rolling out this LWB edition in collaboration with Beijing Auto and the model will likely be dubbed the Beijing Benz E300L. The LWB E-Class is 7mm shorter in height than the standard model but the overall length is 14-centimeters longer. [Images by auto.sohu.com]

The high-end luxury models from all big names have an LWB model in their contingent and Hyundai has sort of realized that too take the competition to that level, there should be one in its kitty too. And the preparations for it have already been made with a LWB variant of the Hyundai Equus spied in Ulsan, South Korea. The spy shots revealed a different front-grille on a supposed recycled prototype design.

The biggest give away from the spy shot is the badge at the rear which reads VL500 meaning that the VS460 badge worn by the current Equus range-topper will not be the flagship any more. Indeed it will be a new 5.0-litre Tau V8 engine worth over 400hp that will now embrace the sedan. We expect this sedan to go public sometime next year (at least the Standard wheel base) as a 2011 model and will be priced around $50,000.