Chicago, IL is a city of contrasts. The birthplace of gospel and electric blues, you have the city skylight on the one side and Lake Michigan on the other.
The Windy City is a prime tourist hotspot and it welcomed 48.9 million visitors in 2022, according to tourism agency Choose Chicago.
If you’re looking to visit any time soon, the best way to experience all the city has to offer is on four wheels. Lucky for you, there is no shortage of car services in Chicago, IL.
In this article, we’ll look at luxury car rental trends in Chicago so you can pick the best transportation services to suit your needs.
What’s Trending in Luxury Vehicle Rentals?
A car rental service can be somewhat pricey. The good news is that there has been a slight price drop. If a luxury vehicle is your preferred mode of transport, we’ve got a few suggestions.
Private Black Car Service
For the ultimate mark of luxury, you can’t go wrong with a private black car service. According to Eminent Limo, rental companies provide chauffeur-driven cars. If you have a taste for the finer things in life, limousine service is also on the menu.
Trips to and from O’Hare International Airport will make you feel like you’re in the lap of luxury.
Being chauffeur-driven isn’t the only perk of a black car service. Some Chicago private car services give passengers the power of being in control.
The Bentley Bentayga has a touchscreen remote that allows rear-seat passengers to control the infotainment system and monitor the car’s speed.
Then, we have the extended version of the Rolls-Royce Phantom. A Privacy Suite ensures complete concealment with privacy glass and a sound-insulated Privacy Division between the front and rear.
High-end Cars
A few car rental agencies offer upscale luxury and exotic sports cars. Customers can choose from brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche, and Tesla.
The business model of car rentals is also evolving. On the opposite side of the U.S. is an agency that dabbles in the exotic car-sharing platform. Similar to peer-to-peer car rental, the company’s well-heeled clients include athletes and celebrities. What started as a niche concept has now flourished into a money-making investment.
The showroom contains exotic rides belonging to Chicago Bears’ tight end Marcedes Lewis to Arizona Diamondbacks’ outfielder Tommy Pham, Sportico reported.
The athletes are investors in the fleet management company. By purchasing luxury cars, not only do the clients finance the vehicles, but the owners get to drive the cars whenever they’re in LA.
Luxury Electric Vehicles
When Hertz sold off a third of its EV fleet earlier this year in favor of purchasing petrol cars, many asked why. The company blamed the massive sell-off in part on Tesla’s price cuts.
However, car rental companies are feeling the pressure of going carbon neutral. According to Bloomberg, around 215,000 EVs made up about 3.3% of the global rental fleet in 2023.
There is an appetite for electric cars. The latest survey from YouGov showed that 18% of Americans would prefer an electric or hybrid car rental when going on holiday. Currently, the Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan are clear favorites.
The fear of running out of power while on the road may wipe the wind from your sails. Despite the scarcity of EV charging stations, EV mileage can depend on factors such as incline, acceleration, and temperature.
A way around “range anxiety” is to plan your trip accordingly by checking into hotels with charging stations. Presently, California has the most charging stations with the goal of having 25,000 chargers by 2025, Afar reported.
The Future of Luxury Car Rentals
Luxury mobility in the rental space shows no signs of slowing down. Travel World reported that the sector is likely to reach $61.96 billion by the end of 2028.
The uptick in business travel and corporate bookings are significant contributors to the growth. The appeal of technology integration is also a driving force, especially for Gen-Z and Millenials.
According to Travel World, the emergence of niche car rentals is accelerating interest. Models like vintage cars and special edition vehicles pander to customers who seek exclusivity and rarity.
As demand for travel experiences grows, tourists will also want convenience, style, and personalized assistance.
When choosing a luxury car service in Chicago or anywhere else, make sure the company comes highly recommended. Check third-party websites for independent reviews. Research their vehicle fleets and how old their models are. If you’re happy with your decision, explore the Windy City.
