To the towkay who’s always chauffeured to work, a limousine should be spacious, luxurious and boast a badge that’s synonymous with success. Not surprisingly, many of these company bosses would opt for a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which is the “traditional” choice for this purpose.
CEOs who are keen drivers, however, would probably want a limo with all the aforementioned attributes, plus a fun-to-drive factor. After all, driving a big business saloon (perhaps when the chauffeur is on leave) doesn’t have to be a humdrum affair.
Looking to stand out in the company carpark is the Jaguar XJ Portfolio, which we test here in short-wheelbase form (the long-wheelbase model wasn’t available). Despite being the oldest contender here (it was introduced to Singapore in early 2010), this big cat still promises to deliver a “growling” performance with its muscular engine and well-tuned chassis.
Understated in looks but not in size is the Audi A8. The largest saloon of the group offers plenty of lounging space, while also aiming to impress with its solid build and advanced infotainment features.
Giving both the Audi and Jag a run for the money is the BMW 7 Series in 750Li configuration. Having recently been updated, the German flagship now packs an enhanced powertrain as well as an upgraded interior that’s filled with even more amenities.
Which of these contenders will put the biggest smile on the face of a towkay? Continue reading to find out.
750Li – Most comfortable seats and largest footrest make this cockpit great for long drives. Overall visibility is also the clearest, thanks to the generously sized rear view mirror plus wide front and rear windscreens.
XJ – The most compact cabin, but looks the classiest thanks to generous wood and chrome trimmings. Not the most practical, though, as rearward visibility is low and the storage points are smaller than its rivals’.
A8 – Has the best fit and finish, and is well-suited to towkays of all sizes, thanks to the seat bolstering, which is the most flexible of the three cars. The largest door bins make this cockpit the most convenient of the three as well.
