Alex Eckford has done one of them and, as the results of the Chauffeur Car of the Year are announced, reveals what it’s like to go through the ultimate workplace role-reversal.

“OK Mr Eckford, I’ll be driving you around day. Sir.”

Either there were some powerful hallucinogens in my coffee, or my boss just offered to chauffeur me around in a luxurious BMW 7 Series.

But no, our editor really is ushering me into the luxurious BMW, so I hop in the back of the Beemer while he gets in the driving seat.

We’ve come to Farnborough Five to help judge the ‘Chauffeur Car of the Year Award 2008’ for Chauffeur magazine. My boss, Auto Trader Web Editor Adrian Higgins has been invited to drive a host of fine motors, including a BMW 730Li, Bentley Flying Spur, Volkswagen Phaeton, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ and the insanely luxurious Maybach 62.

BMW 730Li LWB

BMWs are desirable in any price category, and this 7 Series is no exception. It has superb styling, both inside and out, and everything you could expect in terms of equipment, from phone connectivity to sat-nav.

The interior is roomy for the driver and passengers, and the ride is smooth, although the handling is a little vague.

Overall, an extremely attractive car, and the fact I’m being driven around by my boss makes the experience even sweeter.

Bentley Flying Spur

With the Bentley name comes a certain expectation of quality, and the Bentley Flying Spur doesn’t disappoint.

From the moment your eyes see the Bentley badge’s familiar wings the car commands instant respect. The interior is stunning, making the vehicle seem like an occasion car.

The build quality and finish inside are excellent, and the roof has the same ochre material as the seats. The seats are adjustable to an incredible degree - there’s good lumbar support and the front section of the seat extends at the touch of a button.

My driver tells me the handling is extremely good, as is the ride quality. The paddle shift gear system is a welcome, and fun, addition to the driving experience.

I’ve run out of caviar, so we return to base to pick up the…

Volkswagen Phaeton 3.0 V6 LWB

In most other situations the Volkswagen Phaeton would do well, but here it’s in the unfortunate position of being parked next to some extremely beautiful and luxurious cars.

The 1980s style grey and brown interior isn’t to everyone’s tastes, but the familiar Volkswagen displays and controls are reassuringly present.

From the passenger’s point of view, the car is very comfortable and roomy, and the ride is smooth.

What’s the drive, like Jeeves? The cornering and handling are excellent, sir, comes the reply.

After riding in the back of three vehicles it’s clear there’s one fairly serious downside to sitting in the back of a car which is being thoroughly test-driven.

Car sickness rears its queasy head, so I opt to sit in the front passenger seat of the next car.

Audi A8 3.0 TDi LWB

The Audi A8 is a seriously good looking car. It may not be as desirable as a Bentley, but its exterior styling is extremely easy on the eye.

The 3-litre Audi A8 is a very sporty car with plenty of power, feels solidly built, and has a very nice finish inside. The fact I’m in the front seat gives the opportunity to play with the sat-nav and entertainment system. The screen is extremely clear, and the intuitive controls make the system very easy to use.

It’s time for Mr Higgins to take a rest. For the next journey we’ll both be chauffeur-driven.

Maybach 62

It’s always a nice feeling to walk towards a car and have a smiling chauffeur open the door for you.

One thing is immediately clear. The Maybach 62 isn’t a car - it’s a hotel on wheels. This is a car which has a compartment specifically for champagne glasses.

The rear seats extend into bed-sized resting positions, and the entire interior is extremely opulent. The opaque ceiling looks like an upside down dance floor.

The fact we’re being driven by a chauffeur has put us in a good frame of mind, but we both agree the Maybach 62 is the smoothest ride of any car we’ve yet experienced.

The extra touches like wireless headphones make this an extremely luxurious motor.

This really is the life. The only bad part of the journey is when it finishes.

Jaguar XJ 2.7 TDVi  LWB

The Jaguar XJ has an elegance some cars, like the Audi, don’t have.

Outside, the XJ is extremely good looking, but inside feels somehow dated. The controls, including the sat-nav, are well displayed, and the back seats are very comfortable.

Overall, the ride is very comfortable, and there’s barely any noticeable road noise.

As we draw back to Farnborough Five, it’s with a sense of disappointment on my part. I’ve been in some of the world’s most luxurious cars, but a once in a lifetime experience is coming to an end.

Chauffeur Car of the Year

The Chauffeur of the Year Award has been announced by Chauffeur Magazine. The winners are:

In the £100,000 + category:
Bentley Flying Spur

In the £50,000 - £100,000 category:
Lexus LS600hL
(Read our review of the Lexus LS600)