Limousines have become a familiar sight for many Americans, as they are used for more and more transports every year. Government agencies and corporations use limousines to transport important personnel and the entertainment industry uses limousines to transport high profile celebrities. Many other individuals hire limousines for special occasions or for business travel. Many individuals believe that all limousines are alike, but there are actually several different styles of limousines available. Being able to identify the different types of limousines may help you find the perfect limousine for your special occasions.
There are several features that are signature to all limousines.
- All limousines are unusually long luxury cars, allowing the passengers riding in the limousine an ample amount of space and leg room in the back of the vehicle.
- Limousines are typically driven by a chauffeur and there is a partition between the passenger compartment and the driver for privacy. These partitions are generally made of a sliding, soundproof glass window that can be opened for conversations with the driver or closed and obscured with a curtain when the passengers do not wish to be disturbed.
- Limousines are typically either black or white in color, although some companies have incorporated different colored limousines into their fleet for customers that would like something a little different.
The first type of limousine to discuss is the traditional limousine.
Traditional limousines are the most popular type of limousines for purchase or rental. These limousines are extended large luxury sedans with a longer frame and wheelbase to provide additional room for the passengers. These traditional limousines are usually intended to carry a maximum of six or ten passengers depending on the size of limousine chosen. Traditional limousines will also include high quality audio systems, a mini bar with refrigeration unit, and a television with or without a video player.
Stage limousines are the second type of limousine commonly seen on
Stage limousines are often considered not to be a true limousine as it is closer to a cross between a bus and a sedan. These vehicles typically have multiple rows of forward facing seats and multiple doors for access to the passenger compartment. Stage limousines are typically used for large groups of individuals traveling to a common location such as a wedding chapel, casino, or vacation destination.
The last type of limousine commonly seen is the limousines classified as exotic.
This classification of limousine includes all types of limousines that are not traditional or stage styled. Exotic limousines are created by car designers to be unique or the “ultimate stretch limousine”. Limousines that include a working hot tub in the rear are a classic example of an exotic limousine. There are not many exotic limousines available for purchase or rental as many of the vehicles are custom created for a specific customer. The cost of modifying a vehicle into an exotic limousine is considered by many companies to be much too expensive and not in high enough demand to recoup the costs.