Uber now offers several different ride types that are meant to cater to customers’ differing preferences and budgets.
In fact, one of the options available on the platform is Uber Black, which we’ve taken a look into, so keep reading to learn what we discovered!
What Is Uber Black in [currentyear]?
Uber Black is a premium ride option in black luxury cars using top-rated drivers in [currentyear]. Uber Black charges higher fares, and drivers who provide the rides stand to earn more if they can clear the bar for entry. There’s a subset of Uber Black called Black SUV that operates similarly but uses larger vehicles with more seating capacity.
To learn everything you need to know about Uber Black, including what kinds of cars it uses, what drivers need to qualify for it, and more, read on!
What Is Uber Black Hourly?
Uber Black Hourly is a ride option that allows riders to get an Uber Black car and its driver by the hour with multiple stops.
Rates are calculated on an hourly rate, rounded up to the nearest hour, and riders need to have the trip for at least 2 hours.
Which Cars Are Driven for Uber Black Rides?
Uber has approved the following vehicles for Uber Black and Black SUV:
- Audi – e-tron, A8, A6, Q7
- BMW – X7, 5-series, 7-series, X5, 740i
- Cadillac – XT5, XT6, CT6, Escalade, CTS, SRX, STS, XTS
- Chevrolet – Tahoe, Suburban, Expedition, Yukon
- Land Rover Range Rover
- Lexus – GS, LS, LX, ES, GX
- Lincoln – Corsair, Aviator, Continental, Navigator, MKZ, MKS, MKT
- Maserati Quattroporte
- Mercedes Benz – E350e, E-Class, S-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, GL-Class
- Porsche – Cayenne, Panamera
- Tesla – Model Y, Model X, Model S
- Volvo – S90, XC90
These are the models that have been approved so far, and the list isn’t exhaustive, so you should take it as a guide of what you should expect.
Aside from the make and model’s value, Uber Black and Black SUV vehicles need to meet the following requirements:
- Must be made in the last 6 years
- Its exterior must be black
- Must have a black leather interior
How Do I Become an Uber Black Driver?
To become an Uber Black driver, you’ll need to have an eligible vehicle that meets the criteria above and a star rating of at least 4.85.
You’ll also need to maintain this rating, and if it falls below the required average, you’ll lose access to the ride option.
You’ll then have to get the average back up, and you’ll be reassessed after your next 50 trips, with a new average calculated based on your last 500 trips as usual.
To become an Uber Black driver, you also need to have commercial auto insurance because personal auto insurance isn’t enough.
You also need to have a license and all other permits required to operate a commercial livery vehicle in your area.
Why Is Uber Black So Expensive?
Uber Black is expensive, primarily because it’s treated as a premium ride option, so passengers are charged for that experience.
Everything else about the ride type is built around this and ultimately drives up the overall cost of operations.
For example, drivers need to get a more expensive car, along with licenses and commercial insurance before they can be approved.
What Is the Difference Between Uber Black and Uber Premier?
Uber Black differs primarily from Uber Premier in that it’s more expensive and considered the more luxurious option between the two.
Both ride options have some overlap in the eligibility requirements.
This includes how the vehicles need to be of a certain value, 6 years old at most, and have leather interiors, while drivers need a 4.85 rating.
However, Uber Black only uses cars that are black both inside and outside, while Premier doesn’t have color requirements.
Uber Premier allows drivers to use personal insurance while Black requires them to get commercial auto insurance on top of permits for operating a livery vehicle.
What Is the Difference Between Uber Black and Lux?
Uber Black differs from UberLux in that Lux is a significantly more exclusive and premium ride option.
This means that UberLux costs more than Black and Black SUV, and is available in fewer markets, with little indication that it’s scheduled for expansion.
In contrast, Black only allows vehicles that are 6 years old or newer, while Lux allows much older vintage cars as long as they’re valuable and still in good condition.
Is Uber Black Worth It for Drivers?
Whether Uber Black is worth it for drivers varies depending on their situation, especially in where they’re based and the resources they have at their disposal.
As we’ve established, it takes a lot to get approval, with drivers needing to secure permits, insurance, and an eligible luxury vehicle.
Even if you get all these, you’ll still need to find riders willing to pay the higher fares, something that becomes harder if you’re outside a major metropolitan area.
Higher fares might also not be enough to cover the cost of providing these kinds of rides, so you’ll need to be more mindful of expenses than usual.
However, Uber Black drivers have the option to receive requests for other ride types, meaning they aren’t confined to it.
Is Uber Black Worth It for Riders?
Uber Black is worth it for riders if they’re willing to pay more for a premium vehicle on special events.
For things like weddings, dates, proms, awards ceremonies, special nights out, and business meetings with the intention to impress, Uber Black might be worth it.
Aside from these instances, though, there are other options that provide similar services to Uber Black at lower rates, including:
- Comfort – roomy vehicles with top-rated drivers
- Premier – luxury vehicles with leather interiors and top-rated drivers
Is Uber Black Safer?
Uber Black might be considered safer in how it requires drivers to maintain high ratings and has a higher bar for entry, making it harder for less reliable drivers to get approved.
That said, it can’t hurt to take extra precautions during the ride, including sharing your trip details and verifying the driver’s identity before getting in.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on Uber BV, Uber Cab, and UberGo Rental.
Conclusion
Uber Black is a premium ride option that uses top-rated drivers and luxury vehicles to provide trips. Uber Black SUV is a subset that uses luxury SUVs, while Black Hourly is an option that lets riders get the driver and car by the hour with multiple stops.
Eligible vehicles need to be black on both the outside and inside, only 6 years older or less, and have a leather interior. Drivers need to have a 4.85 rating, commercial auto insurance, and permits to operate a livery vehicle in their area.
