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Uber Black vs. Uber Lux
They both offer class, but only one promises top-of-the-line luxury.
Both Uber Black and Uber Lux offer high-end vehicles driven by professional drivers. But Lux is the premium option, offering luxurious cars such as Maybachs and Bentleys. It’s also the most expensive option.
Uber Black vs. Uber Lux features
| Feature | Uber Black | Uber Lux |
|---|---|---|
| Who can drive? | Professional drivers | Professional drivers |
| Minimum driver rating | 4.85 stars | Not specified |
| Car interiors | Leather or vegan leather | Leather or vegan leather |
| Car ages | 2013 or newer | 2012 or newer |
| How many passengers can it fit? | 4 | 4 |
| What types of cars are used? | Upscale cars like BMWs and Volvos | High-end luxury cars like Rolls Royces and Bentleys |
What is Uber Black?
Uber Black vehicles are generally more expensive than cars used for UberX, but not necessarily as fancy as Uber Lux cars. They’re driven by commercially insured professional drivers, and you can use the app to set your preferred temperature, whether you need help with luggage and whether you want to chat with your driver or ride in silence.
What types of cars are used?
All cars have both black exteriors and interiors, and must be model year 2013 or newer. Starting January 2020, all Black cars will need to be five years old or less.
Eligible models include high-end cars, like the Maserati Quattroporte or the BMW 7-series, as well as a few mid-range options, like the Chevy Tahoe and the Lexus GS. Approved car models vary by location, so you’ll need to check the Uber page for your city to find out what cars qualify.
Where is it available?
Uber Black is only available in select cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Charlotte. You can find out if it’s available in your area by checking on Uber’s website or downloading the app and checking for available cars in your area.
What is Uber Lux?
This is the most high-end Uber option available. Uber Lux vehicles are driven by commercially insured professional drivers, and only a few select car models can qualify.
What types of cars are used?
Uber Lux cars must be model year 2012 or newer and have black exteriors and interiors. They also need to be top-of-the-line luxury vehicles.
Only a small handful of car models can qualify, including the Jaguar XJ, Tesla Model S or any Bentley or Mercedes-Maybach. Eligible car models vary from one city to the next, so you’ll need to check Uber’s website to find out which cars you can expect to see in your area.
Where is it available?
Uber Black is only available in select cities, including NYC, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago and Austin. You can find out if it’s available in your area by checking on Uber’s website or downloading the app and checking for available cars in your area.
What differentiates Uber Black and Uber Lux cars from UberX?
UberX is the company’s cheapest private car option. Both Black and Lux cars are required to be newer than UberX cars and have black interiors and exteriors.
Plus, Uber Black and Lux drivers need to be commercially insured and meet state and/or local uniform regulations. While in most cities, anyone who is old enough and has at least one year of driving experience can sign up for UberX, only professional drivers will pick you up in a Black or Lux car.
How much does each service cost to use?
Prices vary based on location, distance and time. To get an estimate, you can use Uber’s online price estimate tool.
For example, on October 10, 2019 at 1:10 p.m., we used Uber’s online tool to get a price estimate for a trip from LAX Airport to Universal Studios in Los Angeles. The price for an Uber Black was $132.12 and the price for an Uber Lux was $194.39. In comparison, a ride with Uber’s cheapest option, Uber Pool, was only $40.91.
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Updated November 12th, 2019
Bottom line
If you’re looking for a nicer vehicle for a special occasion or business purposes, an Uber Black car can offer a touch of class. But it you want to roll up in a high-end car for the ultimate luxury experience, Uber Lux is the way to go.
And if you’d rather keep your wallet full, you may be better off with UberX. For more information, check out our guide to all things Uber.
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