Ride-hail services Uber and Lyft offer rides that provide a little, or a lot, of extra luxury for both driver and the passenger. UberBlack and Lyft Lux are two of the most popular programs. Those hiring cars from these services want a touch more elegance than regular ride services offer. Are you interested in providing riders with swankier accommodations? The first question is whether your car qualifies for the higher-end services. Uber and Lyft are understandably picky about the cars they accept for their luxury programs.
Lyft Lux, Lux Black and Lux Black XL
Lyft Lux
Lyft Lux vehicles are higher end than typical Lyft rides. Sedans or SUVs recommended by Lyft include the BMW X3, GMC Yukon Denali or Lexus ES, though many more luxury cars qualify for Lyft Lux. Leather or leatherlike seats are required, and they must be newer than the 2011 model year, or 2015 model year and newer of a few specific vehicles such as the Chrysler 300 or Ford Expedition. Drivers have a requirement, too, maintaining a 4.7 score (out of 5).
Lux Black
Lux Black vehicles are defined as “ultra high-end sedan or SUV.” The company defines those as “BMW 5 Series, Cadillac Escalade or Lexus LS,” and the full list includes Bentleys and Land Rovers. Black exteriors and leather or leatherlike seats are required. Lyft is a little more discriminating with Lux Black vehicles, and most of its approved Lux Black vehicles must be model-year 2013 and newer, however, some like the Land Rover Discovery must be 2016 or newer, or in the case of the Ford Expedition, 2018 or newer.
Lux Black XL
Lux Black XL is what Lyft defines as an “ultra-high-end SUV.” Think Cadillac Escalade, BMW X5 (with optional third row) or Lincoln Navigator. Eligible vehicles must comfortably seat six or more riders, and, of course, have black exteriors in “excellent condition.” Leather or leatherlike seats are a must. These vehicles have the same model-year requirements as Lux Black vehicles.
UberBlack
UberBlack is similar to Lyft Lux, but the company recommends different vehicles depending on the location. In Washington, D.C., the company listed the following recommended vehicles for UberBlack:
- Audi A6, Q7, A8
- Bentley Mulsanne, Continental
- BMW 5 Series, 7 Series
- Cadillac DTS, XTS
- Jaguar XF, XJ
- Lexus LS
- Lincoln MKT, MKS
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class, M-Class, S-Class; R350
- Mercedes-Maybach S600
- Porsche Panamera, Cayenne
- Tesla Model S
- Rolls-Royce Ghost
Eligible model years also differ, depending on location. UberBlack cars in Washington, D.C., must be model-year 2013 or newer. In Los Angeles, the car must be model-year 2012 or newer. Visit Uber’s Drive page to view full vehicle eligibility requirements for your area.
Like Lyft Lux, eligible UberBlack cars require black exteriors in excellent condition, and black leather or vinyl seats with no tears. The company also specified the vehicles must seat at least four passengers in addition to the driver. UberBlack and Lyft Lux are upscale programs for riders who want premium service. If the service is available in your area, expect to meet many requirements before you’re allowed to drive.