Top Luxury Car Hire Options in London and What to Avoid
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When it comes to public transport, London has undeniably fantastic options; with the world famous Tube, efficient buses that run throughout the night, and the classic distinctive black cab, there are many ways you can get around the capital. To travel with the true comfort and convenience that you deserve, however, it’s worth looking away from public transport, and towards luxury car hire in London, instead.
Our serviced apartment guests often enjoy VIP car rental, whether they’re looking for rental cars for one day, or longer-term premier prestige car hire. With that in mind, we’ve taken the time to check out the many options available for the best London car rental, so that you can easily see which companies are worth your time, as well as what to watch out for when hiring your luxury car.
• Fleet includes: McLaren, Aston Martin, Maserati, Jaguar, Tesla, Mercedes Benz, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari
• Typical hire charge: Bentley from £610 / day, Rolls-Royce from £1030 / day, McLaren from £795 / day
• Trustpilot review score: 4.8
• Good for: Impressive fleet that includes electric vehicles
For supercars and hypercars, Starr Luxury Cars are extremely well regarded. Their fleet is extensive, including cars by McLaren, Aston Martin and Maserati.
Not limited to two-seater speed machines, however, Starr offers a wide range of executive luxury cars, 4x4s and more. Electric vehicles are also catered for, with multiple Tesla models alongside Mercedes, Jaguar, and other manufacturers bringing the newest environmentally-aware vehicles to discerning customers.
Starr provides both self-drive and chauffeured options for a relaxed experience in London and across Britain.
• Fleet includes: Aston Martin, Ferrari, Audi, BMW, Maserati, Lamborghini, Porsche, Range Rover
• Typical hire charge: Many executive luxury cars from £136 / day, supercars from £495 / day (when booked for 7+ days).
• Trustpilot review score: 4.5
• Good for: Experienced and professional service, competitive rates
Offering a wide range of cars, competitive rates, and excellent customer service, the Dream Collection from well-known company Hertz is among the best options for car hire in London.
Their fleet includes manufacturers such as Mercedes Benz, Porsche, BMW, Aston Martin and Ferrari, all of which are available in Central London.
Staff at Hertz Dream Collection understand the quality customers expect, both in terms of the vehicle and the service, and they work hard to provide it.
Focused on bringing a true quality experience to their customers, Platinum Executive Travel concentrates on providing exactly the sort of service you expect from a luxury car rental company. PET boasts some unique offerings in the UK, such as the only Bugatti Chiron for hire, as well as a unique Purple Lamborghini Aventador SVJ (see below).
• Fleet includes: Lamborghini, Bugatti, Mercedes Benz, Rolls-Royce, Range Rover
• Typical hire charge: Contact for quote
• Trustpilot review score: 4.4
• Good for: Unique hypercars, exceptional service
If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind driving experience during your time in London, then PET is there to provide it.
• Fleet includes: Ferrari, Bentley, BMW, Range Rover, Rolls-Royce, Porsche, Lamborghini
• Typical hire charge: Contact for quote
• Trustpilot review score: 4.1
• Good for: Central London Mayfair location, guaranteed exact car booking
Season Car Rental is based directly in London and offers a superb range of cars for its clients. With a wide selection of Bentley and Range Rover vehicles, it offers a genuinely British experience for luxury car rentals in London.
Season Car Rental has been one of the best central London car rental options for more than a decade and deserves its solid reputation.
• Fleet includes: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Rolls-Royce, Mercedes Benz, Bentley, Audi
• Typical hire charge: Contact for quote
• Trustpilot review score: N/A, very positive social media testimonials
• Good for: Hypercar and supercar range
Offering a huge range of cars, from sporty supercars through to chauffeured stretch limousines, Oasis Limousine comes well recommended. Though based in Bradford in the North of England, Oasis Limousine will bring any of their prestige luxury cars for rent to London for both short and long term rental.
• Fleet includes: Jaguar, Mercedes, Porsche, Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Range Rover, Tesla
• Typical hire charge: Competitive rates, contact for quote
• Trustpilot review score: 2.8
• Good for: Multiple locations
A multinational company, Avis has plenty of experience and support when it comes to luxury car rental. Their range is wide, including electric vehicle options with Tesla, Audi, and Porsche but lacks the supercar options that the smaller, more specialised luxury car companies can offer.
Their size also allows them to offer competitive rates, but customer service can suffer as a result (as evident with their Trustpilot score).
What to Know When Renting a Luxury Car in London
Luxury car rental services can require some stringent conditions. Supercar rental in London is only available to drivers over 30 years old, and both the deposits and insurance excesses for all types of luxury rent-a-cars can be considerable, to say the least.
Some companies ask for a secondary, back-up credit card and all will ask for multiple proofs-of-identity. Check the car thoroughly for any scratches or other issues before signing the paperwork and take your own photographic evidence of the car prior to driving.
Plan in Advance
Plan your car rental in advance and be aware that some companies, especially the larger chains, reserve the right to substitute a similar model car on the day, should your exact vehicle not be available. If the specific make and model of car is important to you, make this clear in all communication and ask them to confirm before pick up.
Give Yourself Plenty of Time
Driving in a new location can be overwhelming, especially in major cities like London. Remember that cars in the UK drive on the left-hand side of the road. Traffic and unfamiliar driving conditions can have an effect, so give yourself plenty of time to get familiar with the car and the driving before needing to arrive at your location.
Give Yourself Plenty of Time
Ensure you remain within the speed limit when driving in London as enforcement is strict and there are many cameras which can catch you unawares if you’re not careful. There are several other charges in London, too, such as the Congestion Charge, ULEV charging zone for emissions, and the DART charge for using the nearby Dartford Crossing.
These can all be easily registered for and paid online but must be considered when driving in London and nearby. Some rental companies will cover these for you, so do ask when arranging your hire.
Things to Avoid (and Bear in Mind) When Choosing Luxury or Supercar Rental in London
The companies on this list all have solid reputations for good service and reliable vehicles, but many others exist who may also be of interest – especially if you have a very specific car in mind. However, not all car rental companies are created equal so bear in mind the following when looking to rent a luxury car in the capital:
- Ensure you check online reviews to determine their suitability. Look to use a company that has a wealth of positive reviews across a wide range of websites and social media platforms. Don’t take a company at face value, do your due diligence to make sure they really offer what they say they do.
- Do check pricing. Prices vary significantly depending on car model, with a highly sought-after supercar, such as a Ferrari, often approaching as much as £1000 per day, but you should always check alternatives before agreeing. Avoid overstretching your budget.
- Choose a car that actually suits your needs and driving skill. Consider if you need space for passengers and luggage and, if you are unsure, check with the hire company before committing.
- Check the terms of the rental agreement, especially the insurance and excess amounts. Rental cars will have a standard maximum number of miles per day (typically 100). Check your planned travel and agree on any excess mileage prior to driving away. Make sure you understand where and when you’re meant to return the vehicle.
Enjoy Your Luxury Car Hire in London
At Sanctum, we strive to ensure that our clients have the best possible experience when they visit the capital. Hiring a luxury car for the duration of your stay (or even just for a fun day out) can be just the thing you need to really elevate your trip.
And after all that adrenaline from a day behind the wheel of a supercar, what better way to relax than in the comfort of one of our luxury serviced apartments? Get in touch with us here to go about booking one.
