eBusiness Weekly
Whether you’re an executive going to and from meetings or heading to the airport, a black car service is usually more comfortable that grabbing a taxi or an Uber, and it can be more convenient.
Chauffeuring in its modern form has been in existence since the horse and buggy days, with a heritage spanning back to the hackney carriages that sprung up in London and Paris in the 17th Century.
As the Crown Victorias, Town Cars and Continentals age, the next-generation of black car models have been making their way into fleets.
Here are 10 of the best cars to look out for if you’re hiring an executive black car service.
Bentley Bentayga
Despite not being at the wheel, Bentayga passengers can feel fully in control of their ride experience. A touch screen remote allows rear-seat passengers to adjust their seat’s position and the level of heat, ventilation or massage capabilities, control the entertainment systems and monitor the car’s speed and the outdoor temperature.
Depending on the way the car is specified, passengers may have the added benefit of a bottle cooler in the center console, twin 10.1-inch screens that have the capability to stream video from a mobile device and mood lighting. Two cupholders are standard in the back. Passengers have 40.9 inches of legroom.
Bentley Motors has dealerships across the globe.
Rolls-Royce Phantom
The ultra luxury nature of any Rolls-Royce is exemplified by what’s afforded to its rear-seat passengers. A cooler built into the center is made for champagne or whiskey decanting. The headrests can be cushioned and elevating footrests are available. A rear entertainment package and picnic tables are available with center armrest controls for each passenger. The Phantom has 19 cubic feet of cargo space.
An Extended version of the Phantom may come with a Privacy Suite, which includes privacy glass and curtains along with a sound insulated Privacy Division between the front and rear compartments.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom features an array of options for being chauffeured around.
BMW 7 Series
Getting around in a sporty 7 Series will likely mean that you will be able to utilize BMW’s Luxury Rear Seating Package. At the center of the package is a 7-inch command tablet (mounted on the center console or usable from anywhere through the Wi-Fi hotspot) that operates infotainment, comfort and communication features. The rear seats have heating, ventilating and massaging capabilities.
The 7 Series boasts 44.4 inches of rear legroom and 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space.
Lexus LS
The Executive Package makes the Lexus LS an ideal space for luxury travel. It is available on the Lexus LS and offers rear passengers 22-way power-adjustable rear seats with butterfly headrests, memory, multifunction massage, and heated capabilities. Power-retractable headrests and a right-side rear power reclining seat with an ottoman are also part of the package.
The executive sedan has 17 cubic feet of cargo space and 38.9 inches of rear legroom.
Lincoln Navigator
For those seeking a little more height in their ride, the Lincoln Navigator offers a suitable luxury experience for second-row passengers. Heated seats in the second row are available in either the captain’s chair or 40/20/40 split seat configuration. The captain’s chair option places a 4.2-inch LCD display with multimedia audio controls in the center console for passengers to access.
The brand’s Lincoln Play rear entertainment system, with screens mounted on the back of each front seat, is also an option.
The Navigator is roomy and allows for a third row of guests. The second and third rows get 42.6 and 40.9 inches of legroom, respectively.
Getting in and out of the Navigator is helped by power running boards and push-button second-row seat releases for access to the third row.
Cadillac Escalade
Now in its fifth generation, the commanding road presence, interior comfort and air suspension options on upper trims makes the Cadillac Escalade a popular choice for ferrying groups from A to B. Rear climate controls add to the comfortability. Power-release second row seats make for unfettered climbing into the third row. An optional front center console cooler keeps refreshments chilled. Dual rear-mounted independent 12.6-inch screens make up the rear entertainment system. Two HDMI and two USB C ports are also afforded to the rear seats. Heated and ventilated seats are available for the second row.
Audi A8 L
When outfitted with the Executive Plus package, the Audi A8 L gives rear passengers control over media and climate settings in a center console display. If traveling from meeting to meeting, rear Matrix LED reading lights are available to go over notes and briefs. The package also adds heated rear seats.
A separate Luxury package can tack on ventilation and massage functions for those seats, along with heated door armrests and center armrest, lumbar and memory function support.
Second-row legroom measures 44.3 inches.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The German automaker’s S-Class can come with several rear seat packages as part of its Executive Line. Some of those features include quad-zone automatic climate control, rear-cabin wireless charging capabilities, rapid-heating and ventilated rear seats, a rear right “executive seat” with chauffeur controls and a memory system for individual passengers.
An infotainment system tablet, docked in the center console and removable, controls the rear entertainment system. The S-Class has 44 inches of second-row legroom.
Land Rover Range Rover
The option to add Rear Executive Class seats to a Range Rover adds a slate of creature comforts. At the highest spec, passengers can utilize climate seats, memory functions, four-way lumbar support, foot rest, a foot warmer and a pillow pack.
Passengers can stretch out with the Land Rover’s 39.3 inches of legroom for the second row. The redesigned 2022 Land Rover Range Rover is coming soon and will offer four-passenger seating, which will allow for a more exclusive travel experience. — Newsweek
