Automotive

Bespoke Coach 144 Sprinter van is all about chauffeured luxury

Bespoke Coach 144 Sprinter van is all about chauffeured luxury
The Bespoke 144 debuted at the 2015 LA Auto Show
The Bespoke 144 debuted at the 2015 LA Auto Show
View 10 Images
Inside the four-seat 144 Executive Coach cabin
1/10
Inside the four-seat 144 Executive Coach cabin
The 144 has a 40-in Samsung LED TV in front
2/10
The 144 has a 40-in Samsung LED TV in front
The 144 keeps both pairs of passengers entertained with two separate TVs
3/10
The 144 keeps both pairs of passengers entertained with two separate TVs
The available minibar
4/10
The available minibar
The Bespoke 144 debuted at the 2015 LA Auto Show
5/10
The Bespoke 144 debuted at the 2015 LA Auto Show
The 144 comes standard with factory 16-in wheels, but Bespoke 18-in wheels can be added optionally
6/10
The 144 comes standard with factory 16-in wheels, but Bespoke 18-in wheels can be added optionally
The standard grille can be upgraded with an optional chrome mesh grille
7/10
The standard grille can be upgraded with an optional chrome mesh grille
Four stainless steel cupholders come standard
8/10
Four stainless steel cupholders come standard
A Nespresso machine is available as an option
9/10
A Nespresso machine is available as an option
Inside the Bespoke 144 Executive Coach
10/10
Inside the Bespoke 144 Executive Coach
View gallery - 10 images

California's Bespoke Coach used the recent LA Auto Show to reveal its latest luxury van. The 144 Executive Coach is a smaller, less expensive alternative to its full-size Sprinter 170 coach, but the new model doesn't slouch on comfort or luxury. Buyers can enjoy everything from custom-made recliners, to a built-in bar, to an entertainment system with dual LED TVs, Apple TV and DirecTV.

Having had the opportunity to scope out a few aftermarket luxury vans lately, we have to wonder: Why is the car/SUV-based limousine a thing when there are vans like the Brabus Business Lounge out there? Luxury vans offer tons of space, comfy recliners, entertainment systems with large TVs, enough headroom to move comfortably around the cabin, and in the case of models like the Senzati Jet Sprinter, even a bathroom. Granted a tinted-out black Escalade looks cooler than a tall van from the outside, but when it comes to the part of the vehicle you actually spend time in, we'll take the luxury van every time.

The Escalade/van comparison is relevant because Bespoke positions the 144 Executive Coach as an alternative to a gussied-up Cadillac Escalade ESV. Based on the 144-in (366-cm) wheelbase Sprinter 2500, the new model is larger than the Escalade but 41 inches (104 cm) shorter bumper to bumper and 11 inches (28 cm) shorter in height than Bespoke's standard 170-in wheelbase Sprinter luxury van.

"The 144 Executive Coach is impressively spacious – it is 9 in (23 cm) longer and 20 in (51 cm) taller than the Cadillac Escalade ESV," said Bespoke president Gabi Mashal in introducing the van. "There's no need to stretch an Escalade, the 144 Executive Coach provides similar maneuverability with a lot more headroom."

The 144 has a 40-in Samsung LED TV in front
The 144 has a 40-in Samsung LED TV in front

Bespoke makes a proper limo out of it by splitting the driver and passenger cells with a partition wall with privacy window. Two Maybach-inspired six-way-adjustable leather captain's recliners face out from that partition wall, and the other two face forward, creating an intimate lounge. Multicolor ambient LED lighting, artificial wood flooring and piano black trim help create a warmer space for occupants.

Regular drivers may have to wait for fully autonomous concepts like the Volvo Concept 26 to come to fruition before regularly enjoying a relaxing, no-hassle commute, but passengers of the Bespoke 144 can enjoy that commute in the present tense, no grabbing the steering wheel or stomping the pedals involved. The van keeps them entertained with an impressive hardware suite that includes a 40-in Samsung LED TV on the partition wall, a 32-in Samsung TV on the rear wall, dual 8-in tablets, and a 900-watt, eight-speaker Focal sound system. The tablets run Bespoke's app, offering control of cabin features.

The available minibar
The available minibar

Available video sources include an 80 Blu-ray movie server, wall-mounted HDMI input, DirecTV and Apple TV. Other options include an LED-lit minibar, rear center console with two motorized laptop tables and a refrigerator/freezer, Nespresso machine, motorized window shades, and tablet controlled passenger-driver intercom.

The 144 Executive Coach starts at US$149,900 as a full van or $105,000 as a conversion.

Source: Bespoke Coach

View gallery - 10 images
1 comment
1 comment
Bob Flint
If you are spending more than a couple of hours in one of these than your choice of transportation was a waste of time, & money.