Uber provides its customers with the ability to access on-demand rides and this is always getting expanded with more options.
One such option is the premium Uber Lux but, unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of information available regarding what vehicle you might get, so we looked into it for you!
What Are Uber Lux Cars In 2024?
Uber Lux cars are high-end vehicles used to provide premium rides at a much higher fee than usual in 2024. Cars used for Uber Lux can be sedans or SUVs as long as they have four doors and the capacity to carry at least 4 riders at a time. For this reason, Uber Lux rides are the most expensive.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about the cars used for Uber Lux as well as more details about the service, including how it compares to other ride types, whether or not it’s worth it, and more!
What Kind of Cars Are in Uber Lux?
Uber Lux uses vehicles that can carry a minimum of 4 riders at a time and have 4 doors, meaning that both SUVs and sedans can qualify.
These vehicles also need to be sufficiently high-end and well-maintained.
According to Uber’s official list of eligible vehicles in Los Angeles, the following cars can be used for Uber Lux:
- Audi A8
- BMW 7-series
- Bentley – Flying Spur, Bentayga, Mulsanne
- Cadillac Escalade
- Jaguar -XJR, XJ
- Land Rover – Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport
- Lexus LS
- Maybach – 57, 62
- Mercedes Benz – S-Class, G-Class
- Porsche Panamera
- Rolls Royce – Ghost, Phantom
- Tesla Model S
This list is only intended to give one a general idea of what vehicles are accepted so it isn’t exhaustive.
In the list, the vehicles above should not be manufactured before 2012 so that comes out to a maximum age of 10 years.
However, the service also allows for well-maintained vintage/classic luxury cars that fit the design and capacity requirements so the age limit isn’t set in stone.
For example, Uber says that you need a Bentley from at least 2012 to qualify for Lux, but you could successfully get one from 50 years ago approved if it looks pristine and runs well enough.
In fact, the official section for Lux on Uber’s US website features a drawing of a Rolls Royce with a design that’s at least 20 years old at this point.
What qualifies as vintage luxury is subjective and up to Uber, so you should look around for a popular opinion on a vehicle you’re considering using before submitting it for review.
What Is the Difference Between Uber Lux and Uber Black?
Uber Lux and Uber Black don’t have a lot of differences aside from the caliber of vehicles that qualify.
Both services require high-end vehicles, but Lux has a higher bar for entry and some that qualify for Black might not be eligible.
For example, the Porsche Cayenne is eligible for Uber Black, but it doesn’t seem to qualify for Uber Lux as per the list on the company’s website.
Uber Lux also allows drivers to use much older luxury vehicles that are still in good condition, whereas Black only accepts vehicles that are 5 to 7 years old at the most.
Because of Uber Lux’s focus on the most high-end luxury vehicles, it often ends up being more expensive than Uber Black and other ride types overall where it’s available.
That said, Uber Lux and Black have several key similarities, including:
- Both accept SUVs and sedans
- Both require vehicles with at least 4 doors
- Both need vehicles that have the minimum capacity for 4 riders at a time
- Both are luxury ride options available under Uber Premium
- Both pay higher fares per trip than the standard ride types
Is Uber Lux Good for Luggage?
Whether Uber Lux is good for luggage is difficult to say because it depends heavily on the kind of vehicle you get, how many riders will be in the vehicle, and the amount of luggage you’re carrying.
Uber Lux places emphasis on 4-door luxury vehicles that only need to be capable of carrying at least 4 riders.
This means that the ones which qualify could be anywhere from sedans to full-size SUVs.
To be safe, you should order Lux when you have luggage only if you’re riding by yourself and you only have one suitcase.
If you’re interested in both extra luggage space and luxury, you could consider Uber Black SUV.
Is Uber Lux Worth It for Drivers?
Whether Uber Lux is worth it for you as a driver depends on several factors, including where you’re based, the type and condition of your vehicle, and how often you want to work.
Since Uber Lux uses high-end luxury vehicles, it costs more just to get started if you don’t already have one.
This service pays higher fares per trip because it’s the most expensive ride type, but they’re usually not as many as you’d get if you were driving for a more affordable tier.
This means that if you’re renting or still paying off the vehicle, you can’t rely on the money you make on the job to cover it.
You should also think of how much it would cost to maintain your vehicle because mechanic fees and auto parts for expensive cars are significantly higher.
If you’re operating a vintage car, the risk is increased because you’re likely going to drive it more than it’s been driven over the past few years, and this could strain it to the point of failure.
You’re also exposing your car to other hazards such as accidents and cosmetic damage that could lower its value.
For these reasons, most Uber drivers say that Lux isn’t worth it for them.
Is Uber Lux Worth It for Riders?
Uber Lux is marketed towards riders that are looking for an extraordinary experience, i.e. it’s good for when you want to splurge and not necessarily intended for regular use.
This makes the service something reserved for special occasions such as proms, weddings, or for important business partners/clients you want to leave a strong impression with.
To know more, you can also read our posts on what is Uber X, what is Uber Go, and what is Uber Comfort.
Conclusion
Uber Lux cars are high-end luxury vehicles with 4 doors and the capacity to carry at least 4 riders at once. They’re usually sedans and SUVs from manufacturers like Bentley, Rolls Royce, and Maybach.
These vehicles need to be newer models, but well-maintained vintage luxury cars are also eligible. It’s the most expensive ride type and, despite some similarities to Uber Black, it has a significantly higher bar for entry.
