Mercedes S-Class, the occasion

The car

A Mercedes-Benz S-Class, usually in its long-wheelbase form. The S-Class has for decades been the reference car for chauffeur work: the rear seat has generous legroom, the ride is soft over London’s worn road surfaces, and the cabin is insulated to a degree that makes a motorway at speed feel calm. Depending on the specification, rear passengers may have their own climate controls and reclining seats.

Capacity

Three passengers, two large suitcases and two cabin bags. The boot of an S-Class is about the same as an E-Class, because the extra length of the car goes into the rear cabin. If a principal is travelling with staff and a lot of luggage, the usual arrangement is the S-Class for the principal and a V-Class for the staff and bags, timed to travel together.

When is it worth it?

When the person in the back matters to you, and you want them to notice. When a passenger is arriving after a long night flight and wants to rest properly for an hour. When the journey itself is part of a celebration. When a guest is used to this standard and anything less would be noticed.

If none of those apply, the E-Class does the practical job just as well, and we would rather you book what you need.

VIP and principal arrivals

For high-profile passengers, discretion matters as much as the car. Tell us whether the chauffeur should hold a name board, a company name or nothing at all, and whether the passenger prefers to be approached or to find the chauffeur. Share any security arrangements or an agreed meeting point. We do not discuss who we carry.

Private aviation

At the business aviation terminals at Biggin Hill, Farnborough and RAF Northolt, and at the private jet centres at Luton, Stansted and London City, the S-Class is often requested. Give us the handling agent and the expected landing time. The chauffeur arrives early and waits at the terminal building. Depending on the airport and the handling agent, the car may be allowed close to the aircraft.

Weddings and celebrations

Couples often book the S-Class for the journey from the wedding to the airport, or for an arrival home after the honeymoon. Tell us about the occasion and we will make sure the car is spotless and the timing generous. We do not add ribbons or decoration unless you ask, and we will tell you in advance what we can and cannot arrange.

Long-haul recovery

After twelve hours in the air, the drive from Heathrow to Hampstead or Chelsea can be the first real rest of the day. The S-Class rear seat is made for it. The chauffeur keeps the temperature where you want it, drives smoothly and does not make conversation unless you start it.

Booking for someone else

Personal assistants and office managers book most of our S-Class journeys. Give us the passenger’s name, flight and mobile number, the name to display, and how you want to be kept informed. We can send a message when the passenger is in the car and another when they arrive. The fare is fixed and invoiced to you.

Included in the fare

Flight tracking, waiting time in the arrivals hall, meet and greet, luggage help, airport parking, and the Congestion Charge and airport drop-off charges where they apply. The price does not change on the day.

Hotel arrivals in Mayfair and Knightsbridge

The grand hotels of Mayfair, Knightsbridge and Park Lane see a steady stream of chauffeur-driven cars, and their door staff are used to them. The chauffeur pulls into the forecourt or stops at the entrance, the doorman takes the luggage, and the passenger walks straight into the lobby. If the room is not ready, the hotel holds the bags. Tell us the hotel and any arrival instructions from the concierge, and the chauffeur will follow them.

Choosing between the S-Class and the V-Class

A principal travelling alone or with one companion suits the S-Class. A family of four, or an executive travelling with two colleagues and their luggage, suits the Mercedes V-Class, which has a similar standard of finish with room for six. Some clients book both: the S-Class for the principal and the V-Class for everyone else. That arrangement also keeps the principal’s car free of luggage, so the boot can carry only what they need at the other end.

Advance notice

Flagship cars are in demand around major events in London, from fashion weeks to state visits and large conferences. Book as early as you can, especially for dates in June and September. If your plans are not fixed, a provisional booking with the date and airport is better than none; details such as the flight number can follow.