Most people prefer to drive their own cars. Driving yourself is admittedly a fun experience, especially when you’re behind the wheel of a luxurious car. But, not everybody likes to drive. At least, not all of the time. There are some that prefer to let someone else do the driving for them as they kick back and relax in the backseat or take care of business or both.
Executive cars are targeted directly at those individuals. These luxury machines combine prestige with a refined driving experience. All the while, passenger comfort is prioritized above all else. Below, we’ve rounded up 5 of the best chauffeur-driven cars on the market for executives and CEOs.
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Mercedes-Benz S-Class
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First introduced back in 1972, Mercedes-Benz’s flagship vehicle has become the benchmark in terms of passenger safety and comfort. The recent model is no exception.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class comes in slightly longer with a wider wheelbase than the 2020 model. It’s also the only vehicle in its segment with a flush door handle designed to automatically pop out upon approach. On the inside, the S-Class houses a giant 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen for virtual adjustments of vehicle functions.
Under the hood, the 2021 S-Class comes with a 429-hp turbocharged in-line six with hybrid assist. However, for the S580 models, a 496-hp twin-turbo V-8 is available. Either of the two engine options works well. Neither makes a difference in terms of ride quality anyway.
Mercedes-Benz also added a clever rear-axle steering system that adds to the maneuverability of the S-Class. This effectively allows the S-Class’s rear wheels to turn up by as much as 10 degrees when handling tricky twisties and corners.
As a bonus, the S-Class will automatically give backseat passengers a massage by simply yelling out “I’m stressed.”
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Audi A8
Vehicles with lavish if ostentatious interiors fill this particular segment of vehicles. However, even in a price range filled with the best chauffeur-driven cars, the Audi A8 stands out with its luxurious cabin.
Entering the backseat of the Audi A8 feels like being transported into your very own comfortable home office on wheels. If upgraded, the second-row seats come with power-adjustable and massaging seats, as well as footrests. It even comes with folding tables for when you want to eat or take care of some paperwork while on the go.
Speaking of going, the A8 has plenty of power available. Although it’s not as fast as its contemporaries, the standard 335-hp turbocharged V-6 is no slouch. There is also a 453-hp twin-turbo V-8 option available, as well as a 443-hp plug-in hybrid model. In addition to this, all power trains come in all-wheel drive, which further adds to the ride comfort.
One of arguably A8’s biggest flaws, the confusing dual-screen configuration, also isn’t as much of a problem for those in the backseat.
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Rolls-Royce Phantom
Exquisite and imposing, the Phantom is a head-turner inside and out. Although the name in and on itself would’ve been enough, the Phantom combines modern elements with the classic Rolls-Royce designs to create the ultimate status symbol.
For the extended wheelbase model, Rolls-Royce gave the Phantom all the bells and whistles. We’re talking about taking comfort to the extreme. It comes with the finest wood, metal, fabric, and leather that money can buy, which will immediately surround you the moment that you step in. This is on top of the rear-seat legroom that mirrors those found in limousines.
Everyone who owns a Phantom wants theirs to be different as well. This is why Rolls-Royce makes every Phantom by hand. At the same time, owners can customize their own Phantom down from the smallest details like interior trimmings to even the exterior colors.
Under the hood, Rolls-Royce claims that the 563-hp twin-turbo V-12 can go 0-to-60 in 5.1 seconds. Although most executives probably won’t appreciate their chauffeur putting this to test, the Phantom is plenty capable of smoothing out all road imperfections in case that happens. Rolls-Royce even added a pothole-spotting camera that lets the suspension adapt to road conditions in real-time.
With an exterior and interior tailored specifically for kings, the Phantom is, by far, the best chauffeur-driven car on the market.
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2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S Executive
Most luxury chauffeur-driven cars seem to put too much of a premium on passenger comfort. Although that’s not necessarily a bad thing, not all those who prefer to be driven want something that won’t feel as good when they’re driving it themselves.
The 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S offers an excellent compromise between a high-performance daily driver and a luxurious space when being chauffeured to and fro.
The Executive model, in particular, is all about creating the right kind of ambiance. It offers near-unprecedented amounts of space, both in the front and in the rear. The latter, especially, comes with limo-like legroom for passengers and 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Then, once you open the door, the Turbo S Executive exudes luxury befitting that of its high asking price.
When fully upgraded, the Turbo S Executive comes with leather-covered four-zone automatic climate-control vents, a fire extinguisher, massaging and ventilated seats, soft-close doors, and even a power rear sunshade.
Finally, if, for some reason, you feel like you have to get to somewhere really far and really fast, the Turbo S Executive can remind you that it is still very much a Porsche.
The Turbo S Executive comes with a 620-hp V-8 powertrain that can hit 60 from a standstill in less than 3 seconds. It also comes with an optional Sport Chrono package for those who prefer to get an additional Sports Plus Mode.
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Range Rover SV Autobiography
If you prefer to be chauffeured in a luxurious elevated ride, the Range Rover SV Autobiography is an ideal choice.
The 2021 SV Autobiography delivers surprising refinement for an SUV. Specifically, this model comes with a longer wheelbase, larger rear doors, and arguably more elegant proportions that result in even more legroom in the rear.
Although every Range Rover comes with leather seats, wood-veneer trim, and a heated leather steering wheel as a standard, the SV Autobiography takes things up a notch. This version extends the leather all the way up to the headline with massaging seats and finished wood lining up the cargo compartment for added luxury.
Also unique to the SV Autobiography model is that it has a metal armrest and adjustment knobs, as well as a brushed finish metal cup and a bottle cooler.
For when ride height and off-road capabilities take precedence over premium comfort, the SV Autobiography is the best chauffeur-driven car that won’t force you to make as many compromises.
If none of the cars above do it for you, but you still want an easy life, you can opt for car subscription. This way you can try out new cars every month without having to worry about the cost of ownership.
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