Uber Black uses luxury sedans and SUVs, not the standard vehicles in Uber X or Uber Comfort

Uber Black is a tier of service that pairs riders with higher-end vehicles and professional drivers. The cars must meet specific requirements set by Uber: they are typically luxury sedans (like a BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, or Audi A8) or luxury SUVs (like a Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator). The vehicle must be at least four years old or newer, depending on your city, and pass a vehicle inspection that checks for mechanical condition, cleanliness, and interior features.

Unlike Uber X, where almost any four-door car qualifies, Uber Black has a curated list. Uber maintains this list by model year and make, and it changes based on what the company considers luxury-tier in your region. A car that qualifies in one city may not may have access to in another, because Uber's standards vary by market demand and local competition.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber Black vehicles must be luxury sedans or SUVs from manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Cadillac, and Lincoln, typically four years old or newer.
  • The exact model year requirement and approved vehicle list differ by city, so you must check Uber's requirements for your specific location before purchasing or registering a car.
  • Your vehicle must pass Uber's inspection, which examines mechanical condition, exterior and interior cleanliness, and features like leather seating and climate control.
  • Drivers earn higher per-mile and per-minute rates on Uber Black than on standard Uber services, but vehicle maintenance and insurance costs are also higher.

Which car models appear on Uber's approved list

Uber publishes an approved vehicle list for each city. Common luxury sedans that typically may have access to include the BMW 5 Series and 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and S-Class, Audi A6 and A8, Lexus LS, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti Q70. Luxury SUVs often include the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, BMW X5 and X7, Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS, Audi Q7, and Lexus LX.

The list is not fixed. Uber adds and removes models as market conditions change and as older model years age out of the acceptable range. A 2019 BMW 7 Series may may have access to today but fall below the minimum model year in two years. You can view the current approved list by opening the Uber Driver app, navigating to the vehicle section, and selecting your city. The app shows which models are currently accepted and which are not.

Some cities have stricter standards than others. A luxury sedan that qualifies in Los Angeles might not may have access to in a smaller market where Uber Black demand is lower. Before you buy or register a vehicle, check the list for your specific city, because purchasing a car that does not appear on it means you cannot drive Uber Black in that location.

How vehicle age and condition requirements work

Uber Black vehicles must typically be no older than a certain model year, which Uber sets per city. In many major cities, this means the car must be from the current year or within the past four to six years. Some cities allow vehicles up to eight years old, while others require newer models. The age requirement exists because Uber wants to maintain a consistent standard of newness and reliability for Black riders.

Beyond age, your vehicle must pass Uber's inspection. An Uber representative or contracted inspector will examine the car in person. They check that the engine runs smoothly, the transmission shifts properly, brakes work without noise or vibration, and all lights function. They also inspect the exterior for dents, scratches, and rust, and the interior for stains, tears, odors, and wear on seats and carpets. Leather seating, a functioning climate control system, and a clean trunk are standard expectations for Uber Black.

If your car fails inspection, Uber will tell you which items need repair or replacement before you can drive. Common reasons for failure include worn tires, cracked windshields, interior stains that do not come out with cleaning, and mechanical issues like check-engine lights or brake noise.

Insurance and registration requirements for Uber Black drivers

You must carry commercial rideshare insurance, not personal auto insurance. Personal policies exclude income earned from driving passengers, so Uber Black drivers need a policy that covers commercial use. Some insurance companies offer rideshare endorsements that add coverage to a personal policy at lower cost than a full commercial policy. Others require a separate commercial auto policy. The cost varies by insurer, location, and your driving history, but commercial coverage is typically more expensive than personal coverage.

Your vehicle registration must be in your name or in the name of a business you own. Uber will not set up a car registered to someone else. You will also need to provide proof of insurance when you register the vehicle with Uber, and Uber will verify that the policy covers rideshare driving.

Some cities require a commercial driver's license or a special permit to drive Uber Black. Check your local transportation authority's rules before you start, because requirements vary widely by jurisdiction.

How to check if a specific car model qualifies in your city

Open the Uber Driver app and go to the "Vehicles" or "Add Vehicle" section. Select your city from the dropdown menu. Uber will display the approved vehicle list for that location, organized by make and model. You can search for a specific car—for example, "BMW 7 Series"—and see which model years are currently accepted.

If the car you are considering does not appear on the list, it does not may have access to for Uber Black in your city. You can contact Uber support through the app to ask whether a specific model might be added in the future, but there is no timeline for changes to the approved list.

If you move to a different city or want to drive Uber Black in a second location, check the approved list for that city as well. A car that qualifies in one place may not may have access to in another.

The difference between Uber Black and other Uber service tiers

Uber offers several service levels: Uber X (standard sedans), Uber Comfort (newer cars with more space), Uber Black (luxury vehicles), Uber Black SUV (luxury SUVs), and Uber Lux (ultra-premium vehicles like Rolls-Royce or Bentley). Each tier has its own vehicle list, driver requirements, and pricing.

Uber Black drivers typically earn more per ride than Uber X or Comfort drivers because riders pay a premium for the luxury experience. However, the cost of owning and maintaining a luxury vehicle is also higher. Insurance, fuel, maintenance, and depreciation on a BMW 7 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class exceed the costs of maintaining a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Drivers must weigh the higher earnings against these higher expenses.

Uber Black also has stricter driver rating requirements. Uber may deactivate an Uber Black driver if their rating falls below a certain threshold (often 4.85 stars or lower), whereas Uber X drivers may have a lower threshold. This reflects the expectation that Black riders receive a more premium service experience.

What happens if your car no longer meets the requirements

If your vehicle ages out of the approved model year range, Uber will notify you that it no longer qualifies for Uber Black. You can continue to drive Uber X or Uber Comfort if your car meets those standards, but you cannot accept Uber Black requests. Some drivers respond by purchasing a newer luxury vehicle; others switch to a different Uber tier with their existing car.

If your car fails a routine inspection or if Uber receives complaints about the vehicle's condition, Uber may require you to repair or replace it before you can continue driving Uber Black. You will receive a notice explaining what needs to be fixed and a important date to complete the repairs.

If you do not meet the important date or choose not to repair the vehicle, Uber will deactivate your Uber Black access. You can reactivate it once the vehicle passes inspection, or you can switch to a lower tier of service if your car qualifies for that tier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive Uber Black with a car that is not on the approved list?

No. Uber will not allow you to register a vehicle for Uber Black if it does not appear on the approved list for your city. The app will reject the vehicle during registration. If you want to drive Uber Black, you must purchase or lease a car that is on the list.

What if I buy a luxury car but it does not may have access to for Uber Black in my city?

Some luxury vehicles do not meet Uber's criteria for Black service. Check the approved list before you buy. If you purchase a car that does not may have access to, you can still drive Uber X or Uber Comfort if the vehicle meets those standards, but you cannot drive Uber Black in that city.

Do I need a commercial driver's license to drive Uber Black?

Requirements vary by city and state. Some jurisdictions require a commercial driver's license or a special permit for rideshare driving; others do not. Check your local transportation authority's rules before you start driving. Uber's support team can also tell you what is required in your area.

How often does Uber update the approved vehicle list?

Uber updates the list periodically as market conditions change and as model years age out of the acceptable range. There is no fixed schedule. Check the app regularly if you are considering purchasing a vehicle, because the list can change between the time you research a car and the time you buy it.

What if my car fails the Uber Black inspection?

Uber will tell you which items failed and what needs to be repaired or replaced. You have a set amount of time to fix the issues and schedule a new inspection. If you complete the repairs and pass the second inspection, you can drive Uber Black. If you do not repair the vehicle or fail the second inspection, Uber will not set up your car for Black service.