LONDON: Sutton Bespoke, the bespoke tuning arm of luxury car dealer Clive Sutton, has started a limited production run of super-luxurious vehicles based on the new-generation low-emissions ‘black cab’.
It is based on the unique electric range-extender LEVC TX, which will be familiar to many London city-dwellers.
The firm is embarking upon the build process after receiving a positive response on social media channels to the ultra-luxury taxi and pilot vehicle for the project, which was snapped up by a private customer in London.
The Sutton VIP Class LEVC taxi features a fully redesigned interior, with rear seats angled for comfort and trimmed in Sandalwood leather with Alcantara trim.
Replacing the hard-wearing rubber flooring is high-quality thick-pile carpet, and hand-crafted wood veneers adorn the door trims.
A panoramic roof floods the cabin with natural light, and after dusk occupants can tailor the ambient lighting system with a colour to match their mood.
The interior is as high-tech as it is luxurious – occupants have access to haptic climate controls, an upgraded stereo system with Bluetooth connectivity, a TV tuner with Apple TV, and a Sony PS4 games console.
Between the rear passengers there is a new armrest complete with cupholders, and behind that a refrigerator.
Separating the driver and passenger compartment is a retractable screen, affording privacy as well as making the vehicle more Covid-secure.
A fully electrically adjustable leather seat and a state-of-the-art digital instrument cluster ensure the driver remains comfortable during prolonged stints at the wheel. Soft-close doors can also be specified.
For the exterior a subtle yet distinctive ‘two-tone’ exterior paint finish is applied; the iconic black taxi paint for the lower portions, and Ferrari ‘Grigio Silverstone’ above for a touch of added sophistication.
The taxi sign on the roof will remain to preserve the iconic silhouette of the vehicle, albeit with the ‘TAXI’ lettering replaced by ‘VIP’.
The price of the vehicle will be in the region of £100,000 (RM537,242.74) excl. VAT for business buyers, or £120,000 (RM644691.29) incl. VAT for private buyers.
