Uber Revives High-End Cab Service In India With Uber Black Relaunch

Uber is all set to bring back its premium luxury cab service in India . The ride-hailing company has announced that it will be relaunching Uber Black in selected areas of Mumbai starting next week.

With Uber Black, users will be able to book luxury rides in sleek black cars driven by professional chauffeurs who have completed over 500 rides with an average rating of 4.85 or higher.

Uber initially launched its Indian operations with Uber Black in 2013, allowing users to ride in high-end SUVs and MUVs from brands such as Mercedes, BMW, and Audi. However, the service later switched to vehicles like Toyota Innova, Honda City, and Toyota Corolla before it was discontinued in 2014.

Those opting for Uber Black will experience a host of exclusive in-car amenities and customizable on-trip preferences. Features such as quiet mode, temperature control, and assistance with luggage will be part of the package. Additionally, users will benefit from extended wait times, enjoying a five-minute grace period for pickups without being charged any waiting fees.

The pricing for Uber Black rides is expected to be approximately 30-40 percent higher compared to Uber’s existing premium service, Uber Premium .

“As the largest on-demand mobility network, supported by our cutting-edge matching, routing, and pricing technology, along with our scaled fleet operations, we’re excited to reintroduce the consistent high-quality service and premium comfort with Uber Black,” said Prabhjeet Singh , president of Uber India and South Asia.

“Uber is committed to serving all kinds of riders, from those looking for budget-friendly rides on two or three-wheelers to those seeking the ultimate premium experience in luxurious vehicles,” Singh added.

In addition to Uber Black, the company is planning to launch Uber Shuttle , a premium bus service in Delhi. After obtaining an aggregator license from the Delhi Transport Department, Uber is expected to roll out 50 premium air-conditioned buses, connecting key business hubs with residential areas throughout the capital.

Meanwhile, Uber’s domestic competitor, Ola , had also launched a premium cab service called Ola Prime Plus in Bengaluru last year, focusing on cancellation-free rides.