The S-Class limo at Taipei airport
Photo by Peter Lyon
I may be a motor journalist who tests new cars and writes about them for a living, but these days, I find myself wanting to do more ‘back seat’ driving. Because rear seat ride quality, comfort, and luxury are very high on the menu of why many people buy cars. And on a recent work trip to Taiwan, my long-held opinion of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class was further reinforced, but from the back seat. Indeed, being pampered in a quiet, luxurious rear seat might become addictive.
But to be honest, the typical test drive protocol we media follow does not really give us the time or chance to ride in the back seat, except for the 40-seat buses that often ferry us from airports or hotels to remote locations for test drives.
So on a recent trip to Taiwan to look into the country’s latest efforts in the world of electric vehicles, I decided to take the opportunity to book a limo from the airport to my hotel. After looking for limo companies that have global reach, and therefore global quality and customer satisfaction levels, I came across SAL Limo Service headquartered in Miami, Florida, but also offering services in California and the greater New York area. Strategically however, this limo service also offers limo rides through affiliates in Europe and Asia. After accessing their US site, and making the booking, SAL Limo service’s local Taiwanese affiliate Amy Express was given the job of my meet and greet at Taipei’s airport.
The car I booked could only be one make and model. As part of my job, I test drive luxury cars including Porsches, BMWs, Jaguars, Ferraris, Audis and Maseratis, among others, but when you want to ride in ‘the best,’ you only really have one option. Often referred to as the world’s best car by influential media such as Top Gear, that car is the Mercedes Benz S-Class.
The S-Class rear seat ride is unparalleled in its segment
Photo by Peter Lyon
Sharing the US$295 fee for the S-Class ride with a colleague—which makes the limo choice quite a reasonably priced option for airport transfers—we were met at Taipei airport by a black-suited driver and quickly escorted to our waiting black S-Class just outside the arrivals hall. Having landed in Taipei right on top of rush hour, our transfer to the downtown hotel was apparently slightly longer than usual —around 45 minutes, but it was the most comfortable three-quarters of an hour I’ve spent in a long time. With the front seats slid forward, we had loads of legroom, and the overall cleanliness inside and out was exemplary.
I have driven various iterations of the S-Class over the years and found it to be the leader in its segment in ride, craftsmanship, safety, refinement, and of course status. When offered a ride in anything below a Rolls Royce or Bentley, just about everyone I know leans towards an S-Class.
Now, in the back seat, it’s easy see why people choose this model as a limo. Apart from the obvious prestige and status factors, this car really does deliver unparalleled levels of ride quality, comfort and luxury, and quietness that’s only equalled by Lexus. And when the driver knows how to accelerate, lane-change and brake smoothly, without any jerky movements or pitching—like our driver, then the transfer is that much more pleasant.
SAL Limo Service’s partner service in Taiwan was top class, and did their job smoothly and efficiently, while the S-Class really is the measuring stick by which all other limos are gauged. I arrived fresh—a little pampered, yes—and ready to attend my afternoon interview. Can’t wait for my next back seat ride. I’m sure I can find someone to go dutch with me.
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