Sometimes the Best Seat Isn't Behind the Wheel
Most car enthusiasts would agree that driving is half the fun of owning a great vehicle, but we would argue that some cars are actually more enjoyable when you're sitting in the passenger seat. Whether it's their enormous size, luxurious rear seats, or stressful driving experience, certain vehicles make being chauffeured around far more appealing than taking the wheel yourself. In fact, some manufacturers put so much effort into passenger comfort that the person behind the wheel almost seems like an afterthought. Here are 20 cars that prove you don't always have to be driving to enjoy the ride.
1. Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended
The Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended is practically made for people who have absolutely no intention of driving themselves anywhere. Its huge rear cabin offers reclining seats, exceptional sound insulation, and enough legroom to get seriously comfortable on long journeys. Meanwhile, whoever's driving has to maneuver an extremely expensive, unusually long sedan through traffic and tight parking spaces, which doesn't sound nearly as relaxing.
2. Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
There's something particularly appealing about relaxing in the back of a Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, especially when it's equipped with reclining executive seats and a rear-seat entertainment system. Passengers can enjoy massage functions, generous legroom, and an impressively quiet cabin without having to worry about the road ahead. Although the driver gets plenty of luxury, they're still responsible for handling a large sedan that's clearly designed with rear-seat comfort in mind.
3. Cadillac Escalade ESV
The Cadillac Escalade ESV certainly makes an impression from behind the wheel, but its enormous size can quickly become frustrating when you're navigating crowded streets. Passengers, however, get to appreciate its spacious interior, comfortable highway cruising, and available rear entertainment screens. With three rows of seating and plenty of room for luggage, it's a much more enjoyable experience when someone else handles the parking.
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4. Toyota Century
Japan's Toyota Century has long been associated with executives, government officials, and other high-profile passengers who'd rather be chauffeured around. Its understated exterior hides an exceptionally comfortable interior, with rear-seat amenities receiving far more attention than sporty driving characteristics. The Century's relaxed handling and conservative performance make perfect sense once you realize that driving excitement was never really the point.
5. Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase
Bentley produces plenty of cars that are genuinely exciting to drive, but the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase puts a much greater emphasis on rear-seat luxury. Its beautifully finished cabin features reclining rear seats, extensive leather upholstery, and more than enough room to stretch out comfortably. Driving such a large, expensive sedan through busy city streets demands considerably more attention than admiring its exceptional craftsmanship from the back.
6. Chrysler Pacifica
Minivans aren't exactly known for driving excitement, and the Chrysler Pacifica doesn't do much to challenge that reputation. However, its comfortable seating, spacious interior, and available rear entertainment features make it an excellent choice for passengers on longer trips. Kids can watch movies while adults appreciate the generous cabin space, leaving the driver to handle traffic and the inevitable requests for bathroom breaks.
7. BMW i7
BMW has built its reputation on producing engaging driver's cars, but the electric i7 gives you some pretty convincing reasons to sit in the back instead. Available features include a massive 31-inch BMW Theatre Screen, reclining executive seating, and an exceptionally quiet cabin. Although its electric powertrain delivers impressive acceleration, the combination of substantial weight and generous dimensions means it isn't exactly the most nimble sports sedan.
8. Lexus LM
The Lexus LM takes the familiar luxury minivan concept and makes rear-seat comfort its biggest selling point. In its most luxurious four-seat configuration, passengers get reclining seats, an enormous entertainment screen, and even a partition separating them from the driver. Considering how much attention Lexus has devoted to the rear compartment, getting behind the wheel almost feels like missing out on the vehicle's best features.
9. Lincoln Navigator L
There's no denying that the Lincoln Navigator L offers a commanding view of the road, but its sheer size can make everyday maneuvering more complicated than necessary. Passengers get to enjoy its comfortable second-row seating, generous legroom, and impressive highway refinement without any of those concerns. It's especially appealing on family road trips, when you can relax in the spacious cabin without worrying about squeezing such a massive SUV into a parking spot.
10. Audi A8 L
The Audi A8 L delivers the kind of understated luxury that makes even a lengthy journey feel considerably less tiring. Depending on the model and configuration, rear passengers can enjoy reclining seats, massage functions, and even a foot massage feature. Its technology and sophisticated suspension make it pleasant to drive, but the extended wheelbase is really there to benefit whoever's sitting in the back.
11. Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600
Luxury SUVs don't get much more indulgent than the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, particularly when it's fitted with individual executive rear seats. Passengers can recline, enjoy massage functions, and appreciate the elevated seating position without having to think about the vehicle's considerable bulk. Its powerful engine makes acceleration feel effortless, although navigating something this large through narrow streets isn't everyone's idea of a relaxing afternoon.
12. Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended
Unlike some chauffeur-focused luxury cars, the Rolls-Royce Ghost is actually engineered to be enjoyable for its owner to drive. Even so, the Extended version offers additional rear legroom, reclining seats, and a remarkably peaceful passenger experience that's hard to resist. You could certainly appreciate its effortless V12 performance from behind the wheel, but letting someone else handle the driving gives you more time to enjoy everything else.
13. Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival might look more stylish than your average minivan, but its greatest strengths really become apparent when you're sitting in the second row. Certain trims offer VIP Lounge Seats with reclining functions, extendable leg rests, and heating and ventilation for extra comfort. While the driver handles the usual responsibilities of transporting a full vehicle, rear passengers can get comfortable in a surprisingly luxurious setting.
14. Genesis G90
Genesis has made a serious effort to compete with established luxury brands, and the G90 shows just how much attention it gives to passenger comfort. Available rear-seat features include reclining adjustments, massage functions, and individual entertainment screens, depending on the version. The car's smooth ride and substantial dimensions favor relaxed cruising over aggressive driving, making the back seat an especially appealing place to spend your time.
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15. Toyota Alphard
The Toyota Alphard is enormously popular in parts of Asia, where its roomy interior makes it a favorite for premium passenger transportation. Higher-end versions feature luxurious second-row captain's chairs, reclining functions, and plenty of space to stretch out and relax. Its tall body and comfort-focused suspension aren't particularly rewarding for enthusiastic drivers, although those same characteristics are much easier to appreciate when you're enjoying the ride from the back.
16. Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner
The Bentley Flying Spur delivers serious performance, so it's certainly not a car that needs to be chauffeured to be enjoyable. Still, the luxurious Mulliner specification offers beautifully finished rear seating, exquisite materials, and enough comfort to make giving up the driver's seat surprisingly tempting. Its considerable size also means that navigating congested city streets isn't necessarily the best way to appreciate everything this expensive sedan has to offer.
17. Volvo EM90
Volvo's EM90 is an electric luxury minivan that puts passenger relaxation at the center of the experience. Its spacious cabin features individual second-row lounge seats, extensive comfort adjustments, and a strong focus on keeping the journey peaceful. Although its electric powertrain delivers smooth performance, the EM90 favors comfortable transportation over driving excitement, something that becomes especially obvious once you've settled into its luxurious rear seats.
18. Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV combines the peaceful operation of an electric vehicle with an exceptionally comfortable and spacious interior. Available rear-seat entertainment and luxury seating features give passengers plenty to appreciate, especially during longer highway journeys. Meanwhile, drivers still have to manage a heavy, technologically complex SUV, which can make navigating tight urban spaces considerably less appealing than simply relaxing in the back.
19. Volkswagen ID. Buzz
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz has plenty of personality, but its best qualities are more about passenger enjoyment than enthusiastic driving. Its roomy cabin, upright seating position, and flexible interior layout make it particularly attractive for families and groups of friends. Although its electric powertrain delivers smooth acceleration, the tall body and substantial dimensions mean it's better suited to leisurely cruising than spirited drives along winding roads.
20. Range Rover SV Long Wheelbase
The Range Rover SV Long Wheelbase takes an already luxurious SUV and gives rear passengers even more reasons to leave the driving to someone else. Available SV Signature Suite seating includes reclining chairs, a center console, and premium amenities designed specifically for people who prefer being chauffeured. Although the Range Rover is impressively capable both on and off the road, its expensive finishes and considerable size make being driven around town an especially attractive option.
