Mercedes EQS Facelift 2026: Why 800V Charging Matters for UK Chauffeur Travel

The Mercedes EQS facelift 2026 is not just another electric car update. It is a serious signal for the executive chauffeur industry.

Mercedes has revised its flagship electric saloon with faster charging, a larger battery option, steer-by-wire technology and a more confident luxury identity. For private clients, corporate travel managers and chauffeur operators, the important change sits beneath the bodywork. The EQS now moves to an 800-volt electrical system.

That matters because chauffeur travel runs on timing. A premium saloon cannot sit idle for long charging breaks during a full working day. Airport transfers, corporate roadshows, hotel collections and long-distance journeys all require predictable movement.

At MCR EXEC, we currently operate a Mercedes-led fleet across Manchester, the North West and wider UK. Our live fleet remains focused on the Mercedes E-Class, Mercedes S-Class and Mercedes V-Class. However, the updated EQS gives the industry a clearer view of where premium electric chauffeur travel is heading.

Mercedes EQS Facelift 2026: What Has Actually Changed?

The latest EQS update is a major technical revision. It is more than a mild styling refresh.

Mercedes UK now describes the new EQS as offering increased range and faster charging. The official UK model page states that the car can reach over 500 miles on a single charge and add up to 199 miles in 10 minutes.

Several technical changes explain that improvement. The car now uses an 800-volt charging architecture. It also offers new usable battery capacities of 112 kWh and 122 kWh, depending on version. The larger battery can charge at up to 350 kW on compatible rapid chargers.

The update also introduces steer-by-wire technology. Mercedes describes this as a system designed to improve manoeuvrability and control. That matters in a chauffeur environment, especially around hotel forecourts, airport pickup lanes and tight city-centre streets.

Visually, the new EQS receives a more confident front end. Mercedes has moved closer to traditional flagship saloon cues, including a bolder grille treatment and a more elegant standing-star identity.

That is important. The original EQS divided opinion because of its smooth “one-bow” design. Many private clients liked the silence and technology. However, some still preferred the classic presence of the S-Class.

Why 800V Charging Matters for Executive Chauffeur Travel

For private motorists, faster charging is useful. For chauffeur operators, it can change the whole operating model.

A chauffeur vehicle must work around booked journeys. It cannot charge whenever convenient. It may start with a Manchester Airport collection, continue with a city-centre meeting schedule, then finish with an evening return to Cheshire, Leeds or London.

That means charging windows are short. A realistic pause may only be 10 to 20 minutes.

This is where the Mercedes EQS facelift 2026 becomes far more relevant. A car that can regain nearly 200 miles in around 10 minutes becomes easier to plan into a professional schedule.

It still depends on the charger, route and weather. No chauffeur company should pretend otherwise. Winter motorway driving, full passenger loads and luggage will reduce real-world range.

Even so, the 800V system removes one of the biggest objections to the earlier EQS. The original car had luxury, comfort and silence. The facelift adds the charging speed needed for serious fleet use.

Mercedes EQS Facelift 2026 and UK Chauffeur Operations

The UK chauffeur market will not switch overnight. That would be unrealistic.

Most premium operators still rely on proven Mercedes saloons and MPVs. The Mercedes S-Class remains the benchmark for executive saloon travel. The Mercedes V-Class remains the preferred option for VIP groups, families and airport luggage requirements.

However, the updated EQS gives operators a more practical electric option. It could suit city work, airport transfers, retained corporate travel and short-to-medium long-distance journeys.

The best use cases are clear:

• Manchester to London corporate travel with planned charging support.
• Manchester Airport chauffeur transfers for sustainability-led clients.
• City-centre retained chauffeur work with short charging breaks.
• Hotel, boardroom and private aviation transfers requiring quiet travel.
• Corporate clients who need lower-emission supplier options.

The limits are also clear. A chauffeur operator still needs dependable charging access. It also needs backup planning when chargers are unavailable, occupied or underperforming.

That is why mixed fleets will remain important. The future is not simply electric or combustion. The future is choosing the correct vehicle for each journey.

What the Updated EQS Means for Corporate Travel Buyers

Corporate clients now think differently about ground transport. Price and presentation still matter. Sustainability also matters more than it did five years ago.

Many businesses now review supplier emissions, especially across business travel. Chauffeur transport often sits within Scope 3 reporting. That means travel managers need suppliers who can explain vehicle choice, journey planning and future fleet direction.

The Mercedes EQS facelift 2026 gives travel buyers a more credible electric flagship to consider. It offers luxury without asking clients to compromise on comfort, refinement or image.

For London travel, electric vehicles now receive a reduced Congestion Charge rather than a full exemption. From 2 January 2026, Transport for London introduced a new Cleaner Vehicle Discount for electric cars registered on Auto Pay. That reduced the daily charge to £13.50 instead of £18.

That saving alone will not justify a vehicle change. However, it forms part of a wider cost and compliance picture.

For corporate travel buyers, the strongest benefits are practical:

• Lower tailpipe emissions for city work.
• Quieter journeys for calls and confidential travel.
• Stronger sustainability reporting evidence.
• Improved suitability for clean-air policy changes.
• A premium saloon experience closer to the S-Class standard.

How MCR EXEC Views the Electric Chauffeur Transition

MCR EXEC will not rush a vehicle into service just because it is new. That is not how serious chauffeur operations should work.

Our responsibility is simple. We must provide the right car, the right chauffeur and the right plan for each booking.

Today, clients booking through our fleet travel in current Mercedes executive vehicles. These include the Mercedes E-Class, Mercedes S-Class and Mercedes V-Class.

For corporate bookings, airport transfers and retained travel, our focus remains reliability, presentation and journey planning. That includes licensed operation, professional chauffeurs, clean vehicles and clear communication.

Electric vehicles will enter premium chauffeur fleets when the business case and client experience both work. The updated EQS moves that point much closer.

For now, the Mercedes S-Class remains the natural first-class saloon choice. The Mercedes V-Class remains the strongest vehicle for groups, luggage and family airport travel. The E-Class remains a practical business-class option.

Current MCR EXEC Chauffeur Service Guide

Our chauffeur services start from the following guide rates. Final quotations depend on route, timing, waiting time, vehicle availability and service type.

Hourly chauffeur hire has a minimum booking period. Event bookings may require longer minimum hire periods due to traffic, waiting time and return journey planning.

Electric Chauffeur Travel in the UK Is Entering a New Phase

The new EQS does not make every existing chauffeur vehicle obsolete. That would be a lazy conclusion.

Instead, it shows that electric executive travel is becoming more operationally realistic. Range is improving. Charging speeds are rising. Luxury electric saloons now feel closer to professional fleet use.

The wider Mercedes strategy also matters. Reports suggest the future electric flagship will move closer to the S-Class name and identity. That makes sense. For chauffeur clients, the S-Class badge still carries unmatched authority.

If Mercedes can combine electric performance with true S-Class cabin presence, the market will respond. Chauffeur operators will then have a stronger reason to replace diesel and petrol saloons across city and corporate work.

Until then, the strongest operators will manage the transition carefully. They will test vehicles, review charging access and protect service standards before changing the fleet mix.

Mercedes EQS Facelift 2026: Final View for Chauffeur Clients

The Mercedes EQS facelift 2026 is an important moment for premium ground transport.

It gives the chauffeur industry a more serious electric saloon. It also gives corporate clients a clearer path towards lower-emission executive travel.

However, the vehicle itself is only part of the experience. A successful chauffeur service still depends on planning, communication, licensing, presentation and reliability.

That will not change when the drivetrain changes.

MCR EXEC will continue to review electric fleet opportunities as the market develops. In the meantime, clients can book a professional corporate chauffeur service, Manchester Airport chauffeur or retained executive journey through our current Mercedes fleet.

For quotations, visit our online booking page or speak to the team about corporate travel requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mercedes EQS facelift 2026?

The Mercedes EQS facelift 2026 is a major update to Mercedes-Benz’s flagship electric saloon. It introduces 800V charging, larger battery options, faster rapid charging, steer-by-wire technology and revised styling.

Why does 800V charging matter for chauffeur travel?

800V charging allows much faster DC rapid charging on compatible infrastructure. That makes electric chauffeur vehicles easier to use during busy working days with short breaks between journeys.

Can the new EQS replace the Mercedes S-Class for chauffeur work?

Not immediately. The Mercedes S-Class remains the premium saloon benchmark. However, the updated EQS is now much closer to becoming a realistic electric alternative for selected chauffeur work.

Does MCR EXEC currently operate the Mercedes EQS?

MCR EXEC currently operates a Mercedes-led fleet focused on the E-Class, S-Class and V-Class. Electric fleet options will be reviewed when they meet client expectations and operational requirements.

Is the EQS being replaced by an electric S-Class?

Industry reporting suggests Mercedes is moving towards an electric S-Class strategy. The EQS name may eventually give way to a more traditional S-Class electric identity.

Can I book a Mercedes S-Class chauffeur with MCR EXEC today?

Yes. The Mercedes S-Class remains available for suitable premium chauffeur bookings, subject to availability and journey requirements.

  
 
 
 
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Pedro was fantastic couldn't of asked for anymore from pick up to drop off, we will definitely use again 👍
  
 
  
 
 
 Robin Jefferson 
 
30 August 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Adam provided excellent advice and local knowledge, really helpful!
  
 
  
 
 
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26 August 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Polite drivers, clean cars, and great service. Easy to schedule from another country. Made leaving a large gig a breeze. Thanks!
  
 
  
 
 
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22 August 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Billy was fabulous- made our evening perfect - thank you .
  
 
  
 
 
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21 August 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Faultless service, professional and courteous drivers. Will definitely use again!
  
 
  
 
 
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17 August 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
I can not recommend this company highly enough-from the initial contact with Adam who immediately understood the complexity of the situation and what was required at short notice  right through to the helpful driver Mohammed who collected the passengers at exactly the arranged time / location and delivered them safely  - I was given constant updates during the journey and if needed could easily contact either the driver or customer support quickly -which was very reassuring - will definitely use this company again -  5*s just isn’t enough !
  
 
  
 
 
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10 August 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
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28 July 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 Harold Emsley 
 
24 July 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
We hired MCR to take us both to and from London and Southport for the Open Championship. Both drivers were truly exceptional and courteous to us. Both vehicles were comfortable and well maintained. We felt very safe while we were in their care. I will definitely call on them again the next time we’re in the UK! They were truly amazing!!!
  
 
  
 
 
 John Mines 
 
19 July 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Friendly, efficient and professional. I booked MCR Exec to pick us up from home, stop off en-route to collect my mother (and my rather voluminous wedding dress!) and take us to a hotel the night before our wedding. Getting a quote and booking was really efficient - I requested a large vehicle and was assigned a Mercedes V Class, which was perfect and roomy for us. Most importantly, I wanted a reliable pick-up, with a clean car and guaranteed air-con. We experienced all three, and our driver Billy was so helpful in making sure out dress bags were kept crease-free! He drove carefully and gave us bottles of chilled water, which made the hour journey very comfortable. I was really pleased to receive such good service and while it was more expensive than pre-booking a cab via an app, we arrived earlier than our ETA and the whole experience gave me peace of mind. A luxury service that I’ll be passing onto my company as a recommendation for Exec travel in the future. Thank you.
  
 
  
 
 
 Emma-Vijay 
 
12 July 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
I had an amazing experience with MCR Exec Chauffer Service. They were punctual and professional. The company communicated with me from the beginning which immediately put me at ease. The driver was respectful and knowledgeable of the area. I highly recommend using them for your travel needs. I will be using MCR Exec Cauffer Service again! Thank you MCR for a wonderful experience.
  
 
  
 
 
 Laura Snow 
 
9 July 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Very smooth booking process. My driver Pedro was top class. Car was very comfortable. Will definitely use again and recommend to friends/family
  
 
  
 
 
 Thaddeus Cheung 
 
30 June 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
this is a first class service ,i would recomend this to any one,
  
 
  
 
 
 adrian weaver 
 
29 June 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Great service to get my daughter and her friends to the prom on time. Driver extremely courteous and polite. Nothing was too much trouble. Turned up ahead of schedule. Definitely recommend. 👍👍
  
 
  
 
 
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26 June 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 V Y 
 
22 June 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Lovely Experience with MCR Exec. Meticulous Driver and Happy passenger Experience. Will book again soon.
  
 
  
 
 
 Suzanne Wang 
 
21 June 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Booking 3 luxury airport transfers from Singapore could have been stressful, but Adam of Mcr Executive Chauffeur Service made the entire process incredibly efficient and smooth. The live booking links and precise meeting instructions were fantastic for coordinating from afar. All 3 transfers went off without a hitch. Outstanding service and highly recommended!
  
 
  
 
 
 Irene Boey 
 
20 June 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Dean collects me twice a week now and is such a pleasure to be in a car with. I will be staying with these guys moving forwards for his conduct alone. The rest of the service is great too. Being a regular is easy and efficient!
  
 
  
 
 
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19 June 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Used this service to get home from the airport with my new bride,  service was perfect. Driver was waiting for us at the airport and sent me a message to let me know he was there waiting, Kash was very well presented, polite and courteous,  his vehicle was spotless inside and out and was also very comfortable,  cannot complain in any way about the service we received as it was perfect from start to finish 😀
  
 
  
 
 
 Ian Moore 
 
16 June 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Great response and great service. No hesitation in recommending.
  
 
  
 
 
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16 June 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
They were professional, polite, and flexible. They accommodated me when I contacted them a day before my flight and helped me with my luggage.
  
 
  
 
 
 Tebyan 
 
9 June 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Definitely a 5 star service. Great communication from the driver with clear instructions where to meet. Very clean vehicle. Would certainly recommend and use again.
  
 
  
 
 
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30 May 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
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20 May 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 Chris Alcock 
 
15 May 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
I highly recommend MCR Exec Chauffeur Service. Having our prompt and friendly driver made a long journey so much easier! We will definitely book this service again for our next visit.
  
 
  
 
 
 Humphrey McFall 
 
12 May 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Driver was waiting at the airport when we arrived took our cases and on arrival back home carried them to the front. Very professional, polite and courteous
  
 
  
 
 
 Rosie Blacklock 
 
7 May 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
This is the best car service I  have ever used. If you are going to a Manchester United match this is who you should use.
  
 
  
 
 
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5 May 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Great service, prompt and helpful
  
 
  
 
 
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5 May 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
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26 April 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 Manoj Popat 
 
25 April 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Booking was a pleasure and our driver Billy was absolutely lovely, and so smart!  He gave me a clear location for pick up and made our night run seamlessly.  The van was also immaculate overall  A Great Service
  
 
  
 
 
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25 April 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
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23 April 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
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26 March 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Professional service
  
 
  
 
 
 Julie Ranfield 
 
15 March 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Very helpful.
  
 
  
 
 
 Jonathan Ranfield 
 
13 March 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
The level of service is incredible!! Prompt, communicative, reliable and 100% on point. When I go back to Manchester I would 100% use this service again. Our driver Billy was absolutely amazing too!
  
 
  
 
 
 Katherine Cohen 
 
17 February 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
On time efficient and very pleasant A credit to you
  
 
  
 
 
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12 February 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
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2 February 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 Steve McKeown 
 
26 January 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Great service.
  
 
  
 
 
 Dave Powell 
 
24 January 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
i booked this last month and the driver was really professional and cooperative. the car was really luxury and i have a question do you guys offer volkswagen limousine phaeton car?
  
 
  
 
 
 Ayesha Akbar 
 
21 January 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Excellent sevice. Very professional and spot on time
  
 
  
 
 
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14 January 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Great service,  Mohammed was on time and very friendly
  
 
  
 
 
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13 January 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Excellent service and great experience
  
 
  
 
 
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8 January 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
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5 January 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
+0
I booked Mcr Exec Chauffeur Service for a first-class MPV transfer from Oakwood (LS7), Leeds to Manchester Airport and the service was excellent from start to finish. The Mercedes V-Class was immaculate, spacious and ideal for a comfortable airport journey with plenty of room for luggage. The chauffeur arrived early, drove smoothly and made the whole trip completely stress-free. If you’re looking for a reliable Manchester Airport chauffeur service from Leeds, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend MCR EXEC. Professional, punctual and worth every penny.
  
 
  
 
 
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4 December 2025
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
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19 November 2025
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Great service and excellent driver also firm in contact from start to finish of booking
  
 
  
 
 
 Simon Carter 
 
5 November 2025
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
On time. Good service. Comfortable and save.
  
 
  
 
 
 Rita Ng 
 
3 November 2025
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
+0
The driver was very polite and acted professionally.We are looking forward to joining him on our next ride because he has a very nice personality.
  
 
  
 
 
 Richard Shonibare 
 
29 October 2025
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Drivers by Muhammed 👍🏻 Landed from an Emirates flight at Manchester Airport and booked an MCR EXEC MPV transfer to Prestwich - absolutely faultless service! The Mercedes V-Class was immaculate and spacious, perfect for our heavy luggage after a long trip. The chauffeur met us in arrivals, helped with all the bags, and made the journey effortless. Would highly recommend MCR EXEC to anyone looking for a luxury Manchester Airport transfer
  
 
  
 
 
 shafira susanti 
 
6 October 2025
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Met at Man airport as agreed by a very smart and professional chauffeur. Really comfortable and clean vehicle. Excellent service. Thank you.
  
 
  
 
 
 Geoff Morris 
 
3 October 2025
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Superb driver , so helpful would most definitely use again .
  
 
  
 
 
 Helen Farthing 
 
26 September 2025
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Fantastic service from Billy via MCR - punctual, clear communication and super smart car - whole process was seamless, would highly recommend!
  
 
  
 
 
 Nicky Visick 
 
23 September 2025
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
I’m a Chinese student travelling from Manchester Airport to Liverpool. The chauffeur was lovely, arrived on time and even gave me a free vehicle upgrade to MPV First Class. They also included a 60-minute wait which made my journey stress-free. Highly recommend!
  
 
  
 
 
 Yunzhe Song (Miles) 
 
6 September 2025
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Chauffeur was very professional and efficient.  Are pick up from the airport was excellent.
  
 
  
 
 
 Judith Bloomfield 
 
19 August 2025
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Muy profesionales, amables, flexibles, comprensivos……..y un largo etc. conductores excelentes, limpieza vehículo……mejor de lo que esperábamos. Muy recomendable !!
  
 
  
 
 
 Mr. H 
 
10 August 2025
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Excelentes profesionales, muy atentos y puntuales. Totalmente recomendables. La mejor opción, sin duda, para moverte por Londres.
  
 
  
 
 
 Jose Garcia 
 
10 August 2025
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Amazing
  
 
  
 
 
 waseem wattoo 
 
30 July 2025
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Amazing service, fantastic driver
  
 
  
 
 
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27 July 2025
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 Sandeep Mathur 
 
6 July 2025
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Very attentive, helpful and punctual I recommend it, without a doubt
  
 
  
 
 
 Carlos Chavez 
 
5 June 2025
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Always on time, reliable, friendly and lovely cars. I use them a lot and they never let me down !!
  
 
  
 
 
 Anton Duvall 
 
1 May 2025
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Mohammed is our regular driver, he is friendly, warm, polite and professional. It is always a pleasure to be greeted by him. His vehicle is always spotless with complimentary water which is always a nice touch!
  
 
  
 
 
 Amanda Stoneham 
 
16 February 2025
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 Adeel Ahmed 
 
26 September 2024
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
I recommend MCR EXEC Service! Quick transfer from Man airport to Mansfield organized literally in a few hours 🌟 I really enjoyed my experience & felt taken care of!! Thanks a lot 👍🏻👍🏻
  
 
  
 
 
 Agnieszka Ostrowska 
 
22 September 2024
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Great Service, punctual, clean vehicle and super friendly Driver (Billy) who was very professional dressed.
  
 
  
 
 
 YH Wong YH Wong 
 
1 November 2023