Motor journalists are often known for their relentless pursuit of evaluating new vehicles from the driver’s seat. However, an intriguing perspective shift occurs when they take a back seat, quite literally, to assess the vehicle from a passenger’s viewpoint.
Recently, after a lengthy flight from Australia to Tokyo, I found myself in such a situation. Instead of opting for the usual taxi or train ride from Haneda Airport into central Tokyo, a colleague and I decided to extend our experience of testing electric vehicles by booking a luxury EV limousine.
Exploring the Comforts of a Luxury EV Limousine
The goal was to examine the ride quality from the back seat—a perspective crucial to limousine clients who prioritize comfort, tranquility, and rear-seat space. After a bit of online research, we discovered Seattle Black Limo, a chauffeur service with a worldwide presence, including Tokyo.
While the service offers conventional luxury sedans and SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, it also provides fully electric options through its Japanese affiliate, such as the Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan. Our bilingual chauffeur, immaculately dressed in a black suit, met us at the airport and escorted us to the waiting EQS.
The Therapeutic Experience of Riding in an EQS
From the back seat, the spaciousness of the EQS is immediately apparent. With a length of about 205.4 inches and a width of 75.8 inches, the car offers more than 40 inches of rear legroom, thanks to its extended wheelbase of over 126 inches. After a nine-hour flight, the ability to stretch out in such comfort, devoid of engine noise and vibration, was remarkably soothing.
Priced at $400 for the transfer, shared between two passengers, the experience was a worthy investment, especially before an important meeting. The ride demonstrated how electric vehicles excel as luxury limousines, offering stability, reduced body roll, and a composed ride thanks to the EQS’s low-mounted battery.
The car’s performance is noteworthy, with its electric powertrain delivering 443 hp, propelling the EQS from zero to 60 mph in about 4.4 seconds. However, the real charm lies in its seamless acceleration at highway speeds, allowing the driver to navigate traffic effortlessly.
Quiet and Smooth Acceleration Redefines Luxury
The EQS’s 118kWh battery provides the range and rapid-charging capability essential for limousine services, adding substantial range during short stops. This is a significant advantage for operators who frequently transport clients between airports and business districts.
A luxury limousine should fade into the background, allowing passengers to converse, make phone calls, or simply gaze out the window without distraction. While the S-Class is known for its quiet ride, the EQS takes noise, vibration, and harshness reduction to another level.
The electric Mercedes proves that in the world of luxury limousines, where quietness and refinement are paramount, it stands out. For those seeking a fast, quiet, and smooth luxury limousine experience, the EQS is difficult to surpass.
Original Story at www.forbes.com