AUDI claims the burgeoning market for premium brand vehicles will see it break the £100,000 mark for its models within the next few months.

According to figures from analysts JATO, prestige marques such as Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo have seen a 5.5% rise in sales over the first six months of 2003, in a static overall market.

To feed demand, Audi is launching a long wheelbase A8 this month, and will eventually have a 10-strong line-up for its flagship car by May 2004.

Audi UK director Kevin Rose said: 'Our centre of gravity is rising sharply as the top-end price point of our range increases. Demand for exotic Audi products is becoming stronger among prestige buyers and these enthusiastic customers are prepared to pay for the car they want. For us that means a theoretical 'with extras' price of more than £115,000 for our top model next year.'