Chauffeur News

Rating the best chauffeur car in the world is down to one’s own perspective. To rate the best chauffeur car by price would be quite simple but to rate the best chauffeur car by the other factors such as usability, comfort, style and ride is a different story. For some clients the Rolls-Royce Phantom or Maybach would be too much of a statement and they would not be seen dead in one. For others who wish to make a statement  the S-class Mercedes, BMW 7 Series or Lexus LS600 would be considered pale in comparison, possibly akin to the way the average man look upon a taxi cab. Taking into account all of these factors we have come up with a balanced view. A middle perspective which considers the view from the clients perspective, the chauffeurs perspective, as well as the frequency of journeys undertaken; We present our view.

1. S-Class Mercedes

We have purposely not named a particular model as we believe, across the board, the S-Class Mercedes is the number 1 chauffeur vehicle in the world. Introduced in 1954 the S-Class is considered the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz range. “Sonderklasse” is the German word for “special class” or “in a class of it’s own” and the “S-Class” was derived from this word. Time and time again, technological innovations from Mercedes-Benz has, by default, made the S-Class Mercedes the world’s best-selling luxury sedan. Although we have not named a particular model of S-Class, we are focussing on the long wheelbase versions and whether it’s the V12, V8, V6 or the most popular diesel version, we have to hand the trophy to the S-Class as it is the industry standard chauffeur car on this planet. For the most part, the PA’s for CEO’s, politicians, media figures, businessmen and big names in the entertainment industry, insist on booking the S-Class as they know what they are getting and they can relax knowing that they have made the right choice of chauffeur vehicle for their boss. From the chauffeurs point of view they can expect reliability and sturdiness and the cockpit hosts all the tried and tested requirements to ensure the passenger is driven in comfort and style.

2. BMW 7 Series

Now, we could spark off some serious debate naming the BMW 7 Series as our choice, as the runner up for the best Chauffeur car in the world. The BMW 7 Series encompasses all that the S-Class has and is another preferred choice for top business people being chauffeured around the world. The BMW 7 Series is BMW’s flagship car, and like the S-Class, BMW’s latest an innovative technologies and designs trickle down into their other models beneath. It was introduced in 1977 and is now on it’s 5th generation, so although the S-Class has been around over 20 years longer, the BMW 7 Series is also steeped in tradition. The BMW 7 Series is the chosen chauffeur car for the Olympics in 2012, and what also prompted us to place the 7 series as the runner up, is it’s huge presence in the Eco friendly trend towards significantly lower fuel consumption and CO2 emission vehicles. With BMW’s latest release the BMW ActiveHybrid 7, it is interesting that BMW co-developed the system with Mercedes, and it is exiting thought that BMW at some point will release its Hydrogen 7 worldwide, as BMW claim the vehicle is the “world’s first production-ready hydrogen vehicle” although a 100 vehicles have been produced to test the technology.

3. Rolls-Royce Phantom

We were very keen to put the quintessentially British Rolls-Royce marque into the number 1 slot. Our first Rolls-Royce Phantom was number 52 off the production line and quite simply we adore this vehicle. With the likes of Simon Cowell and Alan Sugar propelling the Phantom even more into the media spotlight, without deliberation, one could easily hand the title to the Lion King of chauffeur cars. However, lets face some simple facts. How many are there? In 2010, 2,711 cars were sold during the year. If you are going to Elton Johns party then the Rolls-Royce Phantom or Maybach is a must, but if your aim is to be chauffeured around London to various business meetings or events, then the Phantom is not conducive. If we were deciding what is the best car in the world then our results would certainly favour the Phantom but we are deciding here on the best chauffeur car in the world.

4. Bentley Flying Spur

There is one thing that most certainly kept the Bentley Flying Spur off the top spot, and that is its ride. It has a firm and sporty ride, and when you are chauffeured, you can really sense the Bentley want’s to go but do we really need the fastest four-seat coupe of our time for general chauffeuring. This Continental continues Bentley’s tradition of sporting Grand Tourers and if you were being chauffeured from London to Nice there would be no better choice. The Flying Spur, like the Rolls-Royce Phantom certainly turns heads, it’s styling is supreme, and the 6.0 litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine producing 552 bhp is rock solid. The Flying Spur is built to last. Hand built at Bentley’s own manufacturing plant in Crewe in England, the Flying Spur is an all round super chauffeur car.

5. Maybach

If you are looking at opulence then look no further. In other ratings for the best Chauffeur car in the world the Maybach is certainly at number 1, but in our humble opinion, the Maybach does not top the list. Founded in 1909 the luxury car manufacturer Maybach was founded by Father and Son team, Wilhelm and Karl Maybach, who built their first experimental car in 1919. Before 1940 Maybach produced many classic and opulent vehicles. In Tokyo in 1997 the Mercedes-Benz Maybach was presented at the Motorshow and the Maybach 57 and Maybach 62 caught the eyes of the world. Like the Rolls-Royce Phantom, consumers were offered various options to personalise their vehicles, and with 0 to 60 mph times of under 5 seconds, the Maybach was powerful in so many ways. There are more features in the Maybach than all the vehicles above, comprising of an endless list of luxury options, but we must bear in mind that the Maybach is the most expensive of all the contenders.

At iChauffeur we believe that London is one of the greatest cities in the world, and we’re not alone! London was crowned Destination of the Year at the UKInbound Awards 2011. The awards, which recognise excellence amongst UK inbound tour operators and suppliers, also honoured a host of London attractions, events and personalities as the Capital swept the board at the awards.

With its rich mixture of historical buildings, world-class museums and art galleries, contemporary attractions and night-life, and world-famous concert and sporting venues, London has something to offer everyone.

And with the Royal Wedding of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales to Kate Middleton on April 29th 2011, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012 the world’s attention will be on London for years to come.

There is no better way to enjoy London than to take a tour of the city, and there is no better way to enjoy a tour than to have your own personal tour guide. iChauffeur offers full and half-day tours of the city by our friendly and knowledgeable chauffeurs, all from the comfort of one of our luxurious and stylish cars. Pass Buckingham Palace in our Rolls Royce Phantom and you might be mistaken for the Queen, while a trip to Harrods in our Bentley is sure to turn heads amongst the Kensington class!

Whether a tourist visiting for the first time, or a Londoner who wants to take a fresh look at the greatest city on earth, let iChauffeur be your guide.

After an extremely long four day financial roadshow, with gruelling hours following detailed itineraries, one of our chauffeurs arrived at the office at 8am. He told us that he had just finished. We witnessed a strong sense of accomplishment from him as he recalled how the roadshow had gone from start to finish. He explained, as lead driver, how the chauffeur cars followed one another through the financial district of London arriving on time for various meetings. He explained how the numbering of each chauffeur car had been a success, as all the cars were black S-Class Mercedes and BMW 7 Series and looked the same. He explained to us that the clients were extremely happy and they had got onto their flights safely at Heathrow Airport.

They say if you enjoy what you do then time flies. If there is one quality a Chauffeur can posses, that makes him stand out from the pack, that is his enthusiasm and enjoyment. Servicing the community and getting self satisfaction from doing what you love is crucial. Some chauffeurs have advanced driving certificates and some have trained with The British Chauffeurs Guild. Some have attained security qualifications and some Chauffeurs have all of these qualifications. However, some have none of the previous but have a quality about them that naturally compliments the Chauffeur industry.

Chauffeurs see and hear things that are confidential. Chauffeurs sometimes almost become part of the clients family and embrace the duties of an uncle or close relative. Chauffeurs are also the first point of contact for the foreign traveller and undertake a diplomatic role. Good Chauffeurs serve people, and in turn serve themselves very well.

After years of working mainly with S-class Mercedes and BMW 7 series iChauffeur have decided to open it’s doors to the business sector and introduce theE-class Mercedes. Sometimes when just one passenger needs to be chauffeured to a destination, the E-class Mercedes is the perfect choice if your business is looking to save money on chauffeur transportation.

The E-class Mercedes has a 540-litre boot which is ideal for airport transfers and with only four cylinders and 2.2 litres the average fuel consumption is 37.1mpg which is impressive. The E-class Mercedes is number one in Western Europe with 30 per cent of the market share. During it’s recent facelift 2000 alterations were made which will ensure that business travellers get chauffeured in style.

The E220 CDI is not as sporty looking as the S-class but this is not what this chauffeur car is about. It aims to deliver a smooth ride for passengers at an affordable cost. For as directed journeys in Central London and for longer business journeys and airport transfers, the E-class Mercedes is a more economical way of travelling, while adhering to the style of its big brother, the S-class.

Yesterday, Sunday 6th February 2011 marked the centenary of the Spirit of Ecstasy registration by Rolls-Royce. As part of Rolls-Royce’s Spirit of Ecstasy celebrations, one hundred Rolls-Royce motor cars, vintage and modern paraded round London. Our photographer was on hand to record the end of the drive at Syon House and Park in Isleworth, West London. We have published a set of photographs of the Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary Drive so that you can marvel at some very beautiful Rolls-Royce cars.

We were particularly delighted to see so many special Rolls-Royce cars rolling to this wonderful location very close to our Isleworth office, in West London. We have been privileged to drive many wedding parties to Syon House, which is a beautiful wedding venue in our chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce cars including our Rolls-Royce Phantom wedding cars and of course our vintage Rolls-Royce wedding cars. The Spirit of Ecstasy is a truly iconic mascot for Rolls-Royce and an important milestone in the history of Rolls-Royce.

Spirit of Ecstasy Parade Video

Many thanks to Markettiers4dc.com for permission to publish this video.

Learn more about Rolls-Royce Motor Cars on their official news page.

2011 marks the centenary of one of the most celebrated and iconic motoring emblems in the world. One might argue that the Cavallino Rampante, the “prancing horse” logo that adorns Ferrari cars, or the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star designed by Gottlieb Daimler are more acclaimed. However as Rolls-Royce celebrate the centenary of their Spirit of Ecstasy mascot, few can fail to miss her grace, style and poise, which compliment the luxury car manufacturers ethos perfectly.

To mark one hundred years of the Spirit of Ecstasy, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Goodwood are producing a collection of bespoke Phantom models. This Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary Collection of one hundred Rolls-Royce Phantoms will be embellished with features inspired by the legendary flying lady such as a range of exclusive exterior colours, wood veneers and leather options.

The lady who was the inspiration for the Spirit of Ecstasy, Eleanor Thornton would I am sure approve that Rolls-Royce are choosing to celebrate this milestone with several events through 2011. On the 6th February, the date on which Charles Sykes’ Spirit of Ecstasy design was first registered, Rolls-Royce will host a drive through central London featuring one hundred contemporary and historic Rolls-Royce cars. Wafting through key landmarks en route, such as Berkeley Square and Conduit Street, the current and original homes of Rolls-Royce in London.

Eleanor Thornton was the original model for the design of the Spirit of Ecstasy Rolls-Royce Mascot. Eleanor Velasco Thornton was the lover of the Baron Montagu of Beaulieu. She died on 30 December 1915 when the SS Persia, on which she was travelling with the Baron was torpedoed without warning by a German U-boat. The Baron survived, but her spirit still flies on every Rolls-Royce.

iChauffeur are proud to continue to offer chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce Phantom and Rolls-Royce wedding cars to their clients and already 2011 is looking to be a remarkable year.

London City Airport – Closest private Jet Centre to Central London

Sitting next to London City Airport runway is Canary Wharf, a world class financial landmark and rival to the traditional centre of London finance, the City of London. This is how close you are to the financial district. With free Wifi within the terminal the passengers are served well especially as a fifth of London Airport transfers happen here.

In 2009, British Airways introduced a twice daily service to New York City’s John F. Kennedy Airport which widened London City Airports range across the world. With 38 flights an hour LCY main users are for business, but leisure traveller numbers are increasing as well.

iChauffeur Transfers to London City Airport

You are only 30-40 minutes away from London’s W1 district from London City Airport by Chauffeur, so if you are a business traveller, and want to reach the airport quickly, London City is ideal. A chauffeur journey to Canary Wharf is 15-20 minutes which makes life so efficient for the frequent business user. With chauffeur vehicles like the S-class Mercedes, BMW 7 series and Mercedes Viano close to London City, iChauffeur can provide luxury Chauffeur transfers to and from the airport seamlessly.

Heathrow Airport Made Easy

With iChauffeur based just a few miles from Heathrow Airport we are in a perfect position to provide luxury Chauffeur Transfers to and from Heathrow. Whether you are flying into Heathrow Terminal 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 our Chauffeurs will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall at Heathrow Airport with a name-board. Our Chauffeurs will greet you and assist you with your luggage and get you to your destination with the least fuss. We monitor all flights arriving into Heathrow Airport, so if your flight is delayed, our Chauffeurs will arrive suitably to avoid any waiting time charges.

Cost Effective Airport Transfers

One would imagine the cost of a Chauffeur driven Airport Transfer would be too much for the average traveller, but you will be pleasantly surprised to find the cost extremely affordable. Whether you are travelling alone and want an Eco Friendly service in the Lexus Hybrid, at a reasonable price, or whether there are 7 passengers returning from Holiday, and you are looking for a People Carrier, iChauffeur have the right Airport Chauffeur vehicle for you.

The iClass

While I must admit we are having a bit of fun here playing with words, introducing the concept of the iClass. The possibility of Mercedes Benz collaborating with Apple is an interesting thought. Latest reports confirm Mercedes Benz have sent iPads to 40 of their US dealerships for trial. This will allow Mercedes Benz sales team to stand by the vehicle with the customer and show them presentations and specifications of the vehicle. New software will enable the customer sign documents and buy the vehicle inside the car.

In Car Entertainment

A German firm have introduced a docking station on the back of the drivers headrest which will also charge while in use. The iPad tablet docking station enables clients to pivot and turn the device and with wifi connection this is a very powerful tool. Previously iChauffeur clients could watch DVD’s and TV in the back but now they are able to do so many other things. We are piloting this scheme later this week when our new Mercedes BlueTec AMG Sport pack will have the Apple tablet installed for our passengers. Cost wise this works out around half of what Mercedes Benz would charge for rear entertainment bearing in mind two iPads will be required. All said and done, we shall see, but my prediction is that iChauffeurs iClass will be a no1 smash.

Rolls-Royce Design

The task of designing any new Rolls-Royce is huge. The premise is to try and maintain the Rolls-Royce DNA, to keep the spirit of ecstasy alive and the Rolls-Royce family uniqueness. You can see various features in older models inherent in their modern designs. Each design starts life as the EX’ Experimental car, initially sketched out on pencil and paper. With computer technology, life sized clay models are eventually created, so the designers can witness the classic finished design shapes first hand.

Goodwood Factory

Rolls-Royce Motorcars spiritual home, as they call it themselves, is located in Goodwood on a historic estate famous for motor sport. Their ecologically sensitive and purpose built headquarters are a real flagship for Rolls-Royce. From the outside, the building has a stunning glass mile, through which you get the tantalising view of the assembly line with natural light pouring in from the ceiling. When I entered the factory I got a strong sense of professionalism throughout and also community. It seemed like I was in one big Rolls-Royce club, where everybody was heading towards the single goal of manufacturing the perfect automobile.

Manufacture

The state of the art assembly line is where each Rolls-Royce is hand built piece by piece. It was a pleasure to watch the shell of the car being added to and it gave me a sense of putting a toy car together when I was a boy. The body shell takes five coats of the finest paint and lacquer and seven days to obtain a flawless finish. The finest of sandpaper is used by hand painstakingly smoothed for a first class finish. The wood shop is home to the most beautiful veneer created from a single tree. As each Phantom is made to order, a piece of veneer is kept at the factory in case of damage, so a replacement piece with identical grain can be fitted to your vehicle. The leather shop too has its own uniqueness. It houses top quality hides and 200 pieces are gathered for a single vehicle using eleven hides. The Bulls the hide comes from are kept in a field in Germany without any barbed wire fencing so that there are no tags or imperfections. The hides are then hand stitched with the whole process taking two weeks. Before the Rolls-Royce can finally leave the assembly line exhaustive testing and quality control are carried out culminating in a final test drive. For me, the Rolls-Royce marque of excellence makes their range of cars simply the best in the world.