If you are the one being driven, the best car is the one designed around the rear seat. The benchmarks are the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, Rolls-Royce Phantom and BMW 7 Series / i7, followed by the long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which remains the world’s most common chauffeur sedan. Among SUVs, long-wheelbase models like the Cadillac Escalade ESV and Range Rover LWB lead, while the Lexus LM shows what a chauffeur minivan can be. Here is what makes a great rear seat, and which cars deliver it.

What makes a great rear seat

  • Legroom and a long wheelbase. Long-wheelbase versions exist almost entirely for rear passengers.
  • Recline and leg support. Executive seats that recline with calf rests.
  • Ride quality. Air suspension, predictive road scanning and a heavy, well-insulated body.
  • Quiet. Double glazing, acoustic insulation and noise cancellation.
  • Controls within reach. Rear climate, seat, blind and audio controls.
  • Easy entry and exit. Wide doors, the right seat height and, ideally, a curbside exit.

Sedans

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class — extra wheelbase for the rear, reclining seats, refrigerator and exceptional quiet. See our Maybach guide.

Rolls-Royce Phantom (Extended) — coach doors, a flat floor and unmatched presence. See the Phantom history.

BMW 7 Series / i7 — Executive Lounge seat and the 31-inch Theatre Screen. See the BMW i7.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (long wheelbase) — the practical benchmark and the car most chauffeured services use. See our S-Class rear-seat guide.

Genesis G90 — impressive rear comfort for the money. See the Genesis G90.

SUVs

Cadillac Escalade ESV — second-row captain’s chairs, huge space and luggage room. See our Escalade.

Range Rover LWB / SV — refined, with an optional four-seat executive layout. See the Range Rover SV.

Mercedes-Maybach GLS and Bentley Bentayga EWB — four-seat lounges with reclining seats.

Vans and minivans

Lexus LM — a four-seat rear lounge with a partition and 48-inch screen. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter executive conversions — standing room and individual seats for groups. See our Sprinter.

Which should you book?

For one to three passengers, a long-wheelbase luxury sedan offers the best rear-seat experience. For families and groups with luggage, a full-size SUV. For seven to twelve, a Sprinter. Read choosing the right vehicle for your group.