What is Uber Black? (all you must know)
Uber now offers several different ride types, designed to meet the different preferences and budgets of customers.
In fact, one of the options available on the platform is Uber Black, which we’ve researched, so read on to find out what we found!
What is Uber Black in 2022?
Uber Black is a premium ride option in 2022 in black luxury vehicles with top drivers. Uber Black charges higher fares, and drivers who provide rides can earn more if they can pass the barrier to entry. Uber Black has a subset called the Black SUV, which operates similarly but uses a larger vehicle with more seating capacity.
To learn everything you need to know about Uber Black, including the types of cars it uses, what qualifications drivers need, and more, read on!
What is the Uber Black Hour?
Uber Black Hourly is a ride-hailing option that allows riders to park an Uber Black vehicle and its driver multiple times per hour.
Rates are calculated on an hourly rate, rounded to the nearest hour, and riders need at least 2 hours of travel.
Which cars are suitable for Uber Black Ride?
Uber has approved the following vehicles for the 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 use this as a guide for what you should expect.
In addition to the make and model value, Uber Black and Black SUV vehicles need to meet the following requirements:
- Must be completed within the past 6 years
- its exterior must be black
- Must have black leather interior
How do I become a black Uber driver?
To become an Uber Black driver, you need to own a qualifying vehicle that meets the above criteria and has a star rating of at least 4.85.
You also need to maintain this rating, if it is below the required average, you will not be able to use the ride option.
Then you have to restore the average and reassess you after the next 50 trips and calculate a new average as usual based on your last 500 trips.
To become an Uber Black driver, you’ll also need commercial auto insurance, as personal auto insurance isn’t enough.
You will also need to obtain the license and all other licenses required to operate commercially painted vehicles in your area.
Why is Uber Black so expensive?
Uber Black is expensive, mainly because it’s seen as a premium ride option, so passengers pay for the experience.
Everything else about the type of ride is built around that and ultimately drives up the overall operating cost.
For example, drivers need to get more expensive cars, as well as licenses and commercial insurance to be approved.
What’s the difference between Uber Black and Uber Premier?
The main difference between Uber Black and Uber Premier is that it is more expensive and is considered the more luxurious option between the two.
Both ride options have some overlap in eligibility requirements.
This includes how the vehicle needs to have some value, up to 6 years, with leather upholstery, and the driver needs a 4.85 rating.
However, Uber Black only uses cars that are black inside and out, while Premier has no color requirements.
Uber Premier allows drivers to use personal insurance, while Black requires them to obtain commercial auto insurance on top of their license to operate painted vehicles.
What is the difference between Uber Black and Lux?
Uber Black differs from UberLux in that Lux is a more exclusive and premium ride option.
That means the UberLux costs more than black and black SUVs and is available in fewer markets, with little indication it plans to expand.
In contrast, the Black only allows vehicles that are 6 years old or newer, while the Lux allows older vintage cars as long as they are valuable and in good condition.
Is Uber Black worth it for drivers?
Whether Uber Black is worth a driver’s use depends on their situation, especially in terms of where they are and the resources they have.
As we’ve established, getting approval takes a lot of time, and drivers need a license, insurance, and a qualifying luxury vehicle.
Even if you get all of that, you’ll still need to find passengers willing to pay higher fares, which becomes more difficult if you’re outside of a metropolitan area.
Higher fares may also not be enough to cover the cost of providing such rides, so you’ll need to be more mindful of fees than usual.
However, Uber Black drivers can choose to receive requests for other ride types, which means they’re not limited to just that.
Is Uber Black Worth a Rider?
If riders are willing to pay more for a premium vehicle at a special event, Uber Black is worth it for them.
For weddings, dates, proms, awards ceremonies, special nights, and business meetings where you want to impress, Uber Black might be worth it.
However, in addition to these cases, there are other options to offer similar services to Uber Black at a lower price, including:
- Comfort – spacious vehicle with a first-class driver
- Premier – luxury car with leather interior and top driver
Is Uber Black Safer?
Uber Black may be considered safer because it requires drivers to maintain high ratings and has a higher barrier to entry, making it harder for less reliable drivers to get approved.
That said, it doesn’t hurt to take extra precautions during the ride, including sharing your travel details and verifying the driver’s identity before boarding.
To learn more, you can also read our post on Uber BV, Uber Cab and UberGo rentals.
in conclusion
Uber Black is a premium ride option that provides travel with top-tier drivers and luxury vehicles. The Uber Black SUV is a subset of the use of luxury SUVs, while the Black Hourly is an option that allows riders to stop the driver and car multiple times per hour.
Eligible vehicles need to be black inside and out, not more than 6 years old, and have leather upholstery. Drivers need to have a 4.85 rating, commercial auto insurance, and a license to operate painted vehicles in their area.
