Luxe on rent: Bengalureans up the style game, hire chauffeur-driven Audis, Jaguars for Diwali parties

These premium cars come at a rent of Rs 8,000- Rs 20,000 for eight hours.

By Smita Balram, ET Bureau | Nov 01, 2018, 11.43 AM IST

BENGALURU: Puja Singh Nadhani (33) has planned to accent her Diwali celebration this time. The city-based fashion designer has rented a fancy Jaguar XF car to arrive at her friends’ party on the day of the festival. Nadhani owns BMW and Audi cars but arriving in a chauffeur-driven Jag is her prestigious statement this time.

“Cruising in fancy wheels when you are dressed to the nines on Diwali makes the festival even grander. I want to enjoy the comfort and experience of a different luxury car from the ones I own,” she says.

Four weeks ago, she booked the same car to go pub-hopping with her friends. Paying Rs 6,000 for this offbeat taxi cruise for four hours was no big deal. She has decided to rent it henceforth for airport transfers for close friends and business partners. “You want to make a good impression,” she notes.

With party-hopping being the norm in the festive season and cops on high alert for drunk drivers, Bengaluru’s well-heeled are booking high-end cars like Audi, BMW and Mercedes to arrive in style. Routine sedans of ride-hailing apps don’t make the cut, say users. “Arriving in a chauffeur-driven Audi Q7 SUV made me feel like a movie star,” says a recent user, who did not wish to be identified. Luxury car rental companies report a spike in bookings this season.

Nirmala Balakrishnan, director of Zen Luxe car rental, speaks of a 25% jump in the bookings of their fleet that includes Audi sedans and SUVs and Jaguar. “We have five local bookings every day in early November. They want to attend Diwali parties and festive lunches. Takers are the upper crust of corporates and business families,” she says.

Diwali Gifting Guide: The Best Hampers In Town

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Diwali gifting, though a fun tradition, can at times also be a little difficult. While it is not always possible to know the exact preferences of the gift-receiver, the numerous options in the markets sometimes prove to be a problem of plenty.

Which is why, we are ever so thankful for gift hampers.

So this Diwali, we take out all the tough part of gifting with our guide to the best hampers in town.

In Pic: Pullman's Luxury hamper with a box of six teas, chocolates, flavoured honey, nuts, Glenfiddich 12 YO, and scented candles is priced at Rs. 10,500.

Attributing the trend to the city’s high aspirational and experiential quotient, she says, “Many Bengalureans don’t want to invest in every expensive car but cruise around in it once in a way for the experience. I am regularly getting enquiries for airport transfers, weddings and landmark occasions too.”

Ramesh Babu of 25-year-old Ramesh Tours & Travels — with a fleet of 150 cars including Rolls Royce Ghost and Maybach — notes, “The luxury car rental service is witnessing a 10-15% year-on-year growth. I receive a 40% spike in bookings, especially during Christmas and New Year. There is also a keen shift from sedans to SUVs.” These cars come at a rent of Rs 8,000- Rs 20,000 for eight hours.

Experts say that Bengaluru is exploring and exploding. The technology revolution has lifted Bengaluru’s profile and it figures among cities of global importance where young professionals seek new-age options to spend their high disposable incomes.

Ravi Ramachandra of transport consultancy firm Carpe Omnia says, “Bengaluru is a working-class market with high entry-level salaries now.

Hiring a luxury car is an aspiration. The city’s huge international tourist traffic due to conferences has contributed too.”

Diwali Gift Options For The Whisky-Loving Boss

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Whoever said that there is nothing as a perfect gift, has not learnt the art of gifting whisky. Along with being classy, it can also be a thoughtful present. So if you're looking for a Diwali gift for your boss or colleague, we've rounded up the best whisky options that are sure to be a winner.