I like driving my cars. Its just that when it comes to Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi or any other luxury brand most owners just ride in the back. Here in the Philippines, C-classes are not driven by the owners. Do you guys do that too?

Buy a CL,
you will never be mistaken for a chauffeur

In the Philippines, even Camry's or Civic's have drivers. It's just a matter of economics. In the Philippines, driver pay is very cheap so why not hire one so that you don't have to deal with the monstrous traffic yourself!

But, personally, I drive all my cars just because I like driving myself both here in the US and when I'm in the Philippines.

Thats kinda a tight fit to be driven around in a C class... I know the back of my C300 aint the most comfortable thing in the world but then again I'm 6,1 230lbs

I drive them all myself. I really dislike being a passenger. It makes the car less enjoyable for me.

I can't even remember the last time I was a passenger

In the US I drive myself. In India I have a full time driver.

I can't stand being a passenger. So I always drive myself.

Drive myself whenever possible in Malaysia, Taiwan and Canada. Prefer the privacy and the pleasure of driving such wonderful cars. Also cannot stand it when drivers don't drive the way I drive (can't blame them though). However, from time to time, still let drivers drive when going to the airport (obviously), to places where finding parking is difficult or when rather tired after long days.

However, in Vietnam, I leave the driving exclusively to the chauffeur while I relax in the backseat of the S-Class. Don't want to stress myself over the traffic situation there (small roads, tightly surrounded by bicycles/motorbikes/cars and typically crawling through the crowded city at 30km/h). Road users there have no etiquette either, so traffic is pretty rowdy. Foreigners also tend to get into bigger trouble when involved in accidents.

I've actually never rode in the back of my S550 but every one who has says it's really nice.

I have never been driven in the back of my S600 either... and all those gadgets to play with too... Anyone want to drive me around in the comfort and style which I properly deserve?

(This is a hilarious thread)

Chris

I just left the PI (layover in Narita, Japan) and this is very true. The biggest thing about driving in any busy city (especially the crazy traffic and driving in any third world country) is the parking. It is so much easier to be dropped off and then text the driver whenever you are ready...heck every mall has a driver's lounge.

The convenience vs the salary for a driver in the PI is a no brainer. I visit the PI every 4-6 months and I like to drive here, but probably living here on a permanent basis I would probably change my mind pretty quickly.

I probably would not want to drive a nice car here on a regular basis...besides the no rules mentality, the carjack possibility, and the potholes are a terrible combination.

no one really has a driver for s-classes here I even see people driving their own maybachs I wish I could have a driver though would be nice

We guys have chaffeurs so always at the rear seats.
We got two S320s Long wheelbase with fully adjustable heated and cooled rear seats & entertainment package with DVDs and a harmon kardon audio system.
Also got electric window blinds + 4 zone climate control and high profile 17" inch tyres. Its a nice place to be. Especially the super smooth ride.
The legroom is amazing with the front passenger seat pushed up way ahead.

Manhattan is only place in US where vast majority of S-Classes have drivers; in Beverly Hills, will see some S65s w/drivers (usu for a >60yo owner who is an inept driver)

Need to realize many/most of wealthy in both NYC and BH have little interest in cars/driving

Personally, despise drivers (and avoid travel to any 3rd World places like NYC where one depends upon them for daily transport); enjoy driving too much (and like to control own active safety, neatness of car interior and privacy) to ever outsource it to anyone else

Often will have my kids drive the S 600 and I'll sit back and enjoy reading the paper and the comfort of the back seat, esp. in heavy traffic.
Makes you appreciate the car that much more.
If your kids drive the way you do, you'll get where you're going as you would have if you drove yourself...