What brands are included in the luxury automatic fleet at EMA?

Our executive partners at East Midlands provide premium brands including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and high-end Volvo models.

Is the security deposit higher for a luxury car?

Yes. Due to the high value of premium vehicles, suppliers will hold a larger security deposit on your credit card, typically between £1,000 and £2,000.

Can I guarantee a specific model of luxury car?

Usually, you book a category (e.g., 'Mercedes E-Class or similar'). However, some suppliers offer 'Guaranteed Model' tags on specific high-end vehicles during the booking process.

Do luxury automatic cars come with built-in GPS?

Yes, 100% of our premium and luxury automatic vehicles feature advanced, built-in satellite navigation systems as standard.

Are luxury automatic cars ULEZ compliant?

Yes. Modern executive vehicles are either Euro 6 compliant petrol/diesel engines or advanced Hybrids, making them exempt from Clean Air Zone charges in nearby cities.

Do I need two credit cards to rent a premium car at EMA?

For standard luxury saloons, one major credit card is usually sufficient. However, for ultra-high-end vehicles (e.g., Porsche or Range Rover), some suppliers may request two credit cards in the driver's name.

Can I rent a luxury automatic if I am under 25?

Generally, no. Insurance regulations for premium executive vehicles at East Midlands typically require the primary driver to be at least 25, and sometimes 30, years old.

Do luxury rentals include unlimited mileage?

Many do, but some executive rentals have strict daily mileage caps. Always check the 'Rental Conditions' during the booking process.

Are there luxury SUVs available at East Midlands?

Yes, premium SUVs like the Audi Q5, BMW X5, and Volvo XC90 are highly popular automatic options available at the EMA rental village.

Is the EMA rental village open 24/7 for VIP arrivals?

Most major suppliers operate 24 hours or align with flight schedules. Ensure you input your flight number so the desk knows exactly when your flight lands.

Can I return my luxury car to Heathrow or Manchester instead?

Yes, one-way rentals to other major airports like London Heathrow or Manchester are permitted, though a one-way drop-off fee will apply.

Are leather interiors guaranteed?

In the 'Premium' and 'Luxury' vehicle classes, leather (or high-end synthetic leather) interiors are standard across the fleet.

What happens if a luxury car breaks down?

All premium rentals include priority 24/7 UK breakdown assistance to ensure you are back on the road or provided a replacement vehicle immediately.

Do I need a special licence for a luxury automatic?

No, a standard, valid driving licence from your home country is all that is required to drive an executive automatic vehicle in the UK.

Is premium insurance recommended?

We highly recommend opting for 'Zero Excess' or premium insurance packages when booking a luxury car to completely protect your high security deposit against minor scratches.

Luxury Automatic Car Hire East Midlands Airport (EMA)

By Sarah Jenkins
Verified by the Airport Customer Engagement Editor | June 5, 2026 2026 Prestige Policies Verified

The Guide to Luxury Automatic Car Hire at East Midlands Airport

There is a distinct difference between standard transport and arriving in genuine style. For high-net-worth individuals, honeymooners, and corporate executives visiting the massive commercial hubs surrounding East Midlands Airport (EMA), securing a luxury automatic car hire is the only acceptable way to travel. Whether you are heading to a board meeting at the Rolls-Royce headquarters in Derby or embarking on a premium tour of the Peak District, our executive fleet guarantees a flawless journey.

Every vehicle in our elite category is an automatic transmission rental. Brands like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz engineer their high-end models explicitly around sophisticated 8-speed and 9-speed automatic gearboxes. By booking an automatic vehicle in the prestige class, you are guaranteed massive horsepower, seamless gear shifts, and unparalleled cabin serenity as you leave the airport and join the fast-flowing M1.

Exclusive Fleet Notice: Prestige and luxury vehicles are incredibly limited in number and are often specifically requested by corporate account holders. To secure a guaranteed model (like a BMW 5 Series or a Mercedes GLE), you must confirm your booking several weeks before arriving at EMA.

About East Midlands Airport (EMA)

East Midlands Airport (IATA: EMA) is perfectly situated in Castle Donington, right where the borders of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire meet. As the UK's most central major airport, it is an incredible starting point for a luxury road trip.

While it handles around 4 million annual passengers, its true powerhouse status is as the UK's premier pure cargo hub. Operating from a single massive runway, the infrastructure surrounding the airport (like the M1 and A42) is built to handle heavy 24/7 traffic. Because EMA operates a centralized Car Rental Village, you won't waste money or time on expensive terminal transfer taxis—you just walk straight from the arrivals hall to the VIP rental desks.

The Credit Card & Deposit Rules

Renting an airport car rental worth upwards of £60,000 requires strict security protocols from our EMA suppliers. The most important policy you must be aware of when booking a premium vehicle is the payment structure.

While a cheap automatic car hire might allow a debit card, prestige suppliers universally demand a physical credit card in the primary driver's name. Furthermore, the security deposit authorization hold will be significantly higher than standard rentals—often ranging between £1,000 and £2,000. You must ensure you have sufficient available credit across your cards before arriving at the EMA rental desk.

Executive Fleet Options

In standard rental categories, you book "or similar." In the prestige category, many vehicles are classified as "Guaranteed Models."

The prestige fleet at East Midlands covers exceptional high-performance and high-status vehicles. If you require a commanding presence on the road, our premium SUV rentals include the Range Rover Velar and the Volvo XC90. If you prefer sleek executive styling for corporate events in Nottingham, you can secure premium automatic vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. If you are travelling with a large VIP group to an event at Donington Park, we also source elite family automatic cars like the Mercedes V-Class people carrier.

Sarah Jenkins

Airport Customer Engagement Editor

Sarah spends her time travelling around all of the UK's major airports, meticulously fact-checking high-end VIP logistics. She specializes in prestige and corporate rentals, ensuring high-net-worth clients understand the strict deposit rules and VIP collection processes required for elite vehicle hires at East Midlands Airport.

Luxury Automatic Car Hire East Midlands Airport