We have often come across stories where people from humble backgrounds have become extremely successful in life and amassed great wealth. One such story is of Mr. Ravi Pillai. He is the founder of the RP Group, which operates various businesses across different parts of the world. A couple of years ago, his name surfaced on the internet after he bought a brand-new helicopter worth ₹100 crore. He became the first Indian to own this ₹100 crore helicopter from Airbus. Let’s take a quick look at Mr. Ravi Pillai’s garage to learn more about his expensive taste in cars.
Airbus H145
We’ll start with the helicopter itself. Ravi Pillai bought an Airbus H145. He took delivery of his brand-new helicopter in Kovalam, Kerala, a couple of years ago. After taking delivery, the helicopter’s maiden flight was from Kovalam to Raviz Ashtamudi, with Ravi Pillai onboard. The Raviz resorts are owned by Mr. Pillai and have several properties in different parts of the state.
The Airbus H145 is a very special helicopter. Airbus will only be making 1,500 units of this helicopter worldwide. The Airbus H145 is a four-blade compact helicopter that can accommodate two pilots and seven passengers. It is powered by two Safran HE Ariel 2C2 turboshaft engines, delivering 785 kW of power. The helicopter can travel at a speed of about 246 km/h and can operate at heights of up to 20,000 feet above sea level. Ravi Pillai was the first Indian to own this particular model of the helicopter.
Rolls-Royce Ghost
The Rolls-Royce Ghost was bought by Mr. Pillai back in 2011. To this day, it remains one of the favorite vehicles in his garage. While this may look like a 14-year-old sedan, it doesn’t lack any features. The Ghost Series I is located in Kerala at Ravi Pillai’s residence in Kollam. He uses the Rolls-Royce for work-related travel.
Mercedes-Maybach S600
Mercedes-Maybach is known for offering luxurious sedans and SUVs. Just like the Airbus, the Maybach in Ravi Pillai’s garage is also special. The S600 seen here is actually an older-generation model, but it is not a sedan that lacks premium features by any means. Ravi Pillai was, in fact, the first person in South India to buy this expensive car.
The Maybach S600 offers premium features like a state-of-the-art infotainment system, ambient lighting, seat massagers, an integrated perfume system, a panoramic sunroof, and a comprehensive list of other amenities. It is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 petrol engine that churns out a maximum power of 530 BHP and a peak torque of 800 Nm.
BMW 5 Series
The BMW 5 Series is probably one of the least expensive cars in Ravi Pillai’s garage. The car in his collection is the 520d, which was the top-selling version of the car in the market at that time.
Audi A6 Matrix
It was during Ravi Pillai’s daughter’s wedding in 2015 that a fleet of luxury cars was showcased. Among them was a brand-new Audi A6 Matrix. The A6 is a mid-size sedan that competes with renowned models like the BMW 5 Series and holds immense popularity in India.
Mercedes-Maybach S500
For his daughter’s wedding, Ravi Pillai gifted a brand-new Maybach S500 to her. This is a previous-generation sedan, but it doesn’t lack in terms of features.
Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography
The Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography stands as one of the most luxurious SUVs globally. The all-black SUV was prominently displayed at Ravi Pillai’s daughter’s wedding, showcasing its grandeur. This was also the previous-generation Range Rover that was popular among celebrities.