Do you have an exceptional driver rating? If you can maintain a driver score of or above 4.85 stars, you’re eligible to drive for Uber Black.
But brilliant customer service isn’t enough, you’ll need wheels to match.
Read on to discover our picks of the best cars to drive for Uber Black in Arizona in 2023.
First, What is Uber Black?
Uber Black is Uber’s premium service, matching passengers with top-class service and a top-of-the-range vehicle.
Your passengers will be paying a higher fare than Uber X, and therefore expect the highest quality from their ride.
As a driver, Uber expects you to meet top levels of service, which we’ll get into below.
Additionally, Uber Black vehicles must meet Uber’s criteria to qualify for the service.
“Business class in the back seat” means your passengers show up in style, no matter their destination.
Uber Black Driver Requirements
In order to drive for Uber Black, Uber expects drivers to meet the following criteria:
- Maintain a driver rating of or above 4.85
- Have all permits required to drive in their city – You can check here for Arizona.
- Hold commercial insurance – personal auto insurance is not enough
You should also always remain professional and courteous to your passengers to maintain your excellent star rating.
Nothing is too much for the customer, so prepare to adjust internal temperatures, help with luggage, open doors etc.
Uber Black Vehicle Requirements
In order for your car to qualify for Uber Black, it must meet the following standards:
- Be no older than 6 years old
- Be an SUV or other luxury vehicle. Check Uber’s model list here
- Have a leather or faux leather interior
You should keep your vehicle to a high standard, with no cosmetic damage. Passengers will also expect working windows, air conditioning and a tidy and neat interior.
Keep reading to discover INSHUR’s pick of the best cars to drive for Uber Black in Arizona in 2023
Livery Insurance from Uber’s Preferred Insurance Provider INSHUR
As mentioned, your personal auto insurance does not qualify you to drive for Uber Black.
Luckily, INSHUR has all the coverage you’ll need. Choose either our Silver or Gold policy and get a quote in minutes.
All INSHUR policies are 100% digital; access them any time, any place.
Plus, we’re proud to be Uber’s preferred insurance provider in Arizona, so you’re in great hands.
Click below to get your quote started now.
Uber Black Cars in Arizona – Our Top Picks
You’ve made it this far! So as promised, here’s our pick of the best cars to drive for Uber Black in Arizona in 2023. You can find links to all vehicles at the bottom of this list.
Note: All prices are as of October 2023.
Cadillac LYRIQ Electric – from $58,590
Starting strong, Cadillac is an institution of American motoring. With such a strong brand presence, you can’t go wrong with their LYRIQ EV model.
EV Range: Between 307-314 miles
Charge Time: 14 hours/7.7kW plug, 10 hours/11.5kW plug, 5 hours/19.2kW plug
33” Advanced LED Display
Up to 60.8 cubic feet of cargo room (with seats down)
Ambient interior lighting
Hands free driver assistance technology
Sloping sunroof
Drivers report smooth acceleration, with comfort and class above showmanship. The door handles are flush against the body improving drag, but can be confusing when first using them!
Uber Black drivers may have to take long journeys with their passengers. Luckily the Cadillac LYRIQ features massage functions in their seats, providing some relief when driving.
All in all, The Verge thinks the LYRIQ could make Tesla drivers rethink their choices! But be quick, the LYRIQ has proven hard to get your hands on.
Audi Q8 – from $72,800
The Audi Q8 is an aggressive contender to similar BMW and Mercedes offerings. A behemoth of an SUV, the A8 is imposing and impressive but manages to stay stylish.
Engine: 3 litre six-cylinder
Horsepower: 335hp
0-60mph in 5.6 seconds
Top Speed: 130 mph
Average 20 MPG
Seats 5
The fabulous people at CarWow rate the Q8 as comfortable and enjoyable to drive. The high positioning of the driver seat means you’ll be looking down on other drivers. The cabin contains a variety of technology, including screens and heating controls. You’ll be extra comfortable in the Q8 on those longer Uber Black journeys.
But if big and boxy SUVs aren’t your taste, keep reading.
BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe 2020 – from $50,995 (used)
The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe 2020 is as slick as they come. If you’re looking to give your passenger the luxury chauffeur experience, the Gran Coupe is a fantastic choice.
Engine: 3 litre six-cylinder
Horsepower: 335hp
0-60mph in 3 seconds
Top Speed: 155 mph
Average MPG: 22 city, 29 highway
Seats 5
Whilst the BMW 8 Series suffered from cramped back seats, the Gran Coupe is an improvement. BMW have added an extra 3.4 inches of headroom and 7.1 inches of legroom in the back. This means taller passengers should be more than comfortable in the back. Passengers in the back also benefit from their own climate controls and USB-C charging ports.
The folks at Edmunds gave the Gran Coupe an 8.1 rating, citing the luxurious and comfortable interior. They also rated the Coupe’s nimble handling, with a smooth and powerful engine.
Tesla Model X – from $68,590
The Tesla name has become synonymous with futuristic driving, from its in-car technology to *those* doors. There’s something very Back to the Future about the Model X.
EV Range: 333 miles
Charge Time: potential 175 miles in 15 minutes with a Tesla Supercharger
0-60: 3.8 seconds
Top Speed: 155mph
670 hp
Up to 92ft3 of storage
360-degree cameras for maximum visibility
Seating: Up to 7
There’s plenty of support out there for charging, from Teslas supercharge network
Certainly the acceleration is unmatched, reaching 0-60 seconds in a head-snapping 3.8 seconds, making overtaking a breeze on highways. Tesla claims the Model X is the highest-performing SUV ever built. It’s clear other makers have a long way to go before they catch up.
You should buy the Model X for its top-of-the-line safety features and autopilot capabilities. For longer drives, these features could make the difference between an okay ride and a fantastic one.
Volvo XC-90 Recharge Hybrid – from $71,900
Although not as powerful as other SUVs, the Volvo XC-90 Recharge Hybrid is still one of the best in its class. You have a higher position than a regular sedan, which gives you excellent views of the road. Plus bumpy roads are a breeze with excellent suspension.
EV Range: 42
Engine: 2 litre, four-cylinder
MPG: 58
0-60: 5 seconds
Top Speed: 112mph
Horsepower: 455 hp combined
Up to 65.5 cubic ft of storage
Seating: Up to 7
With an overall score of 4 out of 5, Driving Electric rates the XC-90 for its family-friendly appeal. Able to seat 7 and with massive storage capacity, the XC-90 is perfect for passengers with children, or with extra luggage.
You should buy it for its plug-in hybrid capability, able to reach 42 miles on a single charge. You’ll be saving on running costs, and doing your bit to lower air pollution levels.
Mercedes Benz AMG GLA 35 SUV – from $49,500
Last on our list but by no means least, the Mercedes Benz AMG GLA 35 is our most affordable pick. It has the stylish look and feel you’d expect from a Mercedes, packed with tech.
Engine: 2 litre inline 4 turbo
Horsepower: 302hp
0-60mph in 5.2 seconds
Top Speed: 155 mph
Average MPG: 22 city, 29 highway
Seats 5
With a smaller storage capacity than our other picks, the GLA 35 is perfect for passengers on shorter journeys with smaller luggage. If Uber Black keeps you in the city, this SUV could be the perfect choice for you. Standard safety features such as airbags, rearview camera and blind-spot assist mean the GLA is well positioned in its class.
CarBuzz says you should consider buying the GLA 35 if you love the thrill of throwing around a nifty hot hatch.
In Conclusion
Uber Black offers passengers a superior service in luxury vehicles, with some of the best drivers Uber has in their network.
We hope this list has given you an idea of what you could be driving for Uber Black. Though of course, it’s not exhaustive!
EV and Hybrids are becoming more popular than ever, and continue to outclass their gas counterparts. Whilst new Teslas are expensive, you can still get a lot of bang for your buck buying used. Just make sure that whatever model you choose, it’s no older than 6 years old.
If you’ve maintained a rating of 4.85 or above, consider signing up for Uber Black.
You could be earning more by providing a higher class of service, with some Uber Black drivers earning $25 per hour. You can read more about how much an Uber Black driver earns here.
And last, but most importantly, any car is worthless without the correct insurance.
Check out INSHUR’s livery coverage options here, or start straight away by clicking the button.
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