The future of luxury ground transportation is here! Elegant electric cars and SUVs are now on the market. Stretch limousine and party bus models may soon follow suit.
Breaking New Ground in Luxury Ground Transportation
Since 2015, Tesla has monopolized the market of luxury electric sedans and SUVs with the launch of the Model X. However, the year 2018 is the year of the luxury electric SUV. This year saw the introduction of Jaguar’s I-Pace, Audi’s E-tron, and Mercedes’ EQC. In addition, BMW shared plans for its up and coming iNext all-electric SUV.
Let’s take a look at how these automakers are changing the future of luxury sedans and SUVs.
Tesla Model X – So Strong It Can Pull An Airplane!
Tesla: The Industry Pioneer
The Model X all-electric SUV was the very first of its kind. This SUV is all-wheel-drive with dual motors, autopilot capabilities, and two battery pack options (75kWh and 100 kWh). The Model X recently received a 5-star rating in every safety category by NHTSA, making it the highest safety-rated SUV on the market. This SUV has the lowest probability of rollover and overall injury of any SUV.
Tesla is expected to launch the Tesla Semi as early as next year and a next-generation Roadster in 2020. Tesla is also currently planning new interior designs for the Model S and X.
Anticipated features for these new models include:
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larger horizontal touchscreen technology,
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a single vent air conditioning system that runs along the entire dash,
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a smaller and more embedded instrument cluster,
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and a superior autonomous driving system.
Next year’s plans to further enhance the luxury segments of the Model S and X include major changes in the seating. The new models will have improved ventilated seats with softer, superior materials. The rear seats will also get an upgrade with a second-row console.
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Other new additions are a wireless phone charger, improved front storage, a mobile app that enables access to remotely activate various features of the vehicle, and other connectivity features.
Due to these new features, the base prices of the Model S and X have risen. However, both of these models will offer these premium features as standard.
Tesla is also considering other advanced technical features, such as a dashcam, using its Autopilot cameras. There is even talk of an alert system to notify family members when a Tesla owner selects home as a destination in the navigation system.
Model X’s price ranges from $83,000 to $140,000, depending on battery pack options and the choice of other special features. This model’s range is 295 miles on battery alone. It comfortably seats seven, goes from 0 to 60 in 2.9 seconds, and has a towing capacity of 5,900 lbs.
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Jaguar: Changing the Game
The new I-Pace all-electric SUV is a game changer for Jaguar. Until recently, the company only manufactured luxury sports coupes and sedans. This new vehicle is a real head turner with the true style and grace of the classic Jaguar.
Basic features include:
- 18” 15-spoke alloy wheels,
- LED headlights,
- 8-way semi-powered Luxtec sports seats,
- Touch Pro® Duo infotainment system,
- Interactive Driver Display with a virtual instrument cluster
- Meridian™ Sound System,
- Park Package: including park assist, 360-degree parking aid, and rear traffic monitor.
Connectivity features include Remote, Navigation Pro, and a stolen vehicle locator. The Connect Pro technology features Smart setting, Pro Services, and even a 4G Wi-Fi Hotspot. Higher-end models are available with even more features. These add-ons bring in more high-end tech options. For comfort, there’s the 10 or 18-way grained, heated and cooled leather sports seats that remember your preferences.
For better driveability and safety, there’s the Drive package. This package includes blind spot assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go and high-speed emergency braking, as well as a 360-degree surround camera.
The price for Jaguar’s I-PACE ranges from $69,500 to $85,900, depending on the choice of model and special features. Standard for all three models of the I-PACE are a 90 kWh battery with an estimated range of 234 miles, and accelerates from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds.
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Audi: Modern Advances with Classic Style
The 2018 Sportback E-Tron, Audi’s all-electric SUV, is both stylish and classy. It’s also quite powerful, with nearly instantaneous torque. Its liquid-cooled, permanent-magnet-driven electric motor generates 102 hp of electric power. The acceleration is down-right impressive.
Standard features include heated front seats and a panoramic sunroof, along with keyless ignition and entry. Audi pre sense® front assists the driver prepare for an imminent front-end collision while Audi pre sense® basic aids in securing the vehicle’s seat belts and windows in the event of an emergency maneuver.
The Audi virtual cockpit is a fully digital 12.3-inch screen with easy to program audio, MMI® Navigation plus, classic, and Infotainment viewing modes. In addition, a 7-inch retractable MMI® center console display offers access to driver assistance features and functions with MMI® touch and handwriting recognition technology.
Advanced features are also available on the Premium Plus and Prestige models, such as:
- Active lane assist,
- Parking system plus with a rear-view camera,
- Adaptive cruise control,
- Smartphone interface,
- And Bang & Olufsen® Sound System.
Prices for the Audi E-Tron range from $39,500 to $48,100, depending upon the choice of model and special features. Acceleration is 0 to 60 in 7.6 seconds with a 248-mile range.
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Mercedes-Benz: Creating New Concepts
The EQC all-electric SUV is still in production. This concept vehicle should be available in the United States around early 2020.
Opinions differ on this SUV in relation to size, range, and performance. Two motors will power the EQC’s 80 kWh battery. The company currently claims that the battery life will be 280 miles. However, they are still using the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) testing protocol versus the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s). Therefore, the actual numbers may be 30 to 50 miles lower.
Several different driving modes are proposed for this vehicle with performance, comfort, high efficiency, low consumption, and maximum range in mind. In addition to the driving modes, Mercedes offers a wide range of regenerative braking options, including one-pedal driving.
Standard features include an onboard infotainment and navigation system, which will plan routes based on the state-of-charge of the battery pack and the location of charging stations. The Ionity charging network in Europe is expected to be significant by the time the EQC is available in Europe next year.
Mercedes will start production in Bremen, Germany sometime in 2019, where the German automaker produces its C-Class and GLC vehicles. Production in China will soon follow. To date, there is no pricing information available. The EQC’s proposed acceleration is 0 to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds with a 280-mile battery range.
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Evoke: A New Kind of Limousine Company
Evoke is an Australian limousine service whose fleet consists of Tesla electric vehicles. This company was established in 2015 with just one Tesla sedan. They now have a fleet of eight Tesla vehicles that, to date, have driven more than 25 laps around the Earth. The company recently hit a very important milestone, becoming the first to clock up more than 1 million kilometers (over 62,000 miles) with Tesla electric vehicles.
- Over the past 3 years, the company has served 40,000 customers without a single one left stranded due to a flat battery.
Evoke founder Pia Peterson stated, “A lot of people [have] had misconceptions about electric vehicles…they were worried about the range and if they could book a long distance trip with us. We’ve certainly broken down some of those barriers, and some of those customers have gone on to buy electric vehicles themselves.”
The company plans to expand its limousine service to Sydney, followed by Melbourne and Brisbane markets. According to Peterson, Evoke is the largest Australian limousine exclusively using Tesla vehicles. However, other limousine services have also added Tesla vehicles to their limo fleet.
Peterson has noted that electric vehicles are low maintenance, with zero emissions, and provide customers with a quieter and smoother ride than conventional vehicles. She also reports that electric limousine cars are in a unique situation when it’s time to recharge. They can make downtime productive, such as when passengers are often delayed at the airport or in the city. During these wait times, the vehicles can be charged and ready to go with the ability to travel over 400 km (248 miles) on a single charge.
Finding the Best Limousine Service
A1A Limousine Service is based in South Florida but provides affordable luxury ground transportation worldwide. With our services, you can experience the convenience, reliability, and comfort of a luxury limousine car whether you’re planning a vacation, business event transportation, corporate travel, a private party, or just a night out with friends,
South Florida offers incredible beaches, theme parks, amusement parks, shopping, and beautiful scenic walks. You can walk the boardwalks and beaches and let your professional chauffeur meet you wherever and whenever you decide.
There is no need to hunt for a parking place or to retrace your steps back to your car. Our black car service gives you the convenience of arriving at the front door.
Need a ride from the airport?
Personal concierge will greet you and assist with your luggage. Then you can relax after a long flight in first-class luxury ground transportation. Our airport shuttle service provides dependable and safe transportation to your destination.
Our chauffeurs are expertly trained and knowledgeable of the area, as well as high traffic zones. Their professional appearance includes arriving well groomed and expertly dressed, ready to provide you with the best quality service in luxury ground transportation.
A1A Airport and Limousine Service offers a wide variety of beautiful luxury sedans, including Town Cars, Cadillacs, and Mercedes, stretch limousine cars, party buses, and vans. No matter the size of your party, we’ve got you covered.
We strive to provide the best in safe, comfortable, reliable luxury ground transportation, locally and worldwide.
Contact us to book your reservation today!