Uber Ride Types - The Difference Between UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort, Uber Exec cars

Looking to earn more on the Uber platform? Whether you’re just starting out or considering upgrading your vehicle, understanding Uber’s ride types is key to increasing your earning potential.

In London, Uber has specific requirements for vehicles, with the age, size, and condition of the vehicle determining what category of Uber service you qualify for.

Qualifying for multiple ride types can help drivers increase their earnings. For example, combining UberX, Uber Comfort, and Uber Green services allows you to cater to a wider range of customers, leading to more ride requests and higher overall income.

In this guide, we will breakdown the various Uber ride categories that PCO drivers and their vehicles can qualify for. We’ll also explore each categories vehicle requirements and what vehicle options Splend has available on our Flexi PCO Rental or Flexi Own Rent to Own plans to help you increase your earning potential.

Economy Rides: Popular, Everyday Trips

UberX

UberX is the standard ride type and by far the most requested Uber category in London. As a cost-effective option for everyday travel, it’s where most private hire drivers start.

The car requirements are minimal, making it accessible to most drivers. The UberX vehicle requirements include:

PHV licence from an accepted council
Four-door vehicle, in good condition with no cosmetic damage
No commercial branding
Must carry at least 4 passengers
Must meet local authority vehicle age guidelines (usually under 15 years)

All Splend vehicles are fully UberX-eligible, so you can start earning as soon as you’re on the road.

UberXL

For larger groups, UberXL is the ideal choice. Vehicles must be minivans or SUVs that can comfortably seat six or more passengers. Commonly chosen by families or groups heading to or from the airport, UberXL offers the opportunity to earn higher fares than UberX due to the vehicle’s larger capacity. UberXL vehicle requirements:

PHV licence from an accepted council
Must seat at least 6 riders in addition to the driver
Model year in line with local licensing authority requirements
Four-door vehicle
Good condition with no cosmetic damage
No commercial branding

Comfort & Electric Options: Higher Fares and Better Ratings

Uber Comfort

Uber Comfort is designed for riders who want extra legroom, a quieter ride, and top-rated drivers. It’s ideal if you’ve completed at least 500 trips and want to increase your earnings without switching to a luxury vehicle. Uber Comfort eligibility includes:

Driver rating of 4.85 or above
Vehicle must be a mid-sized car under 7 years old (London), with more legroom
No commercial branding or cosmetic damage
All Uber Exec-eligible cars also qualify

Note: If your rating drops below 4.85, you’ll have 80 trips to bring it back up. If you succeed, you’ll remain eligible for Uber Comfort. If not, you’ll stop receiving Comfort requests until your rating improves.

One of the top-rated Uber Comfort vehicles available through Splend is the Kia EV6 Air. With its spacious interior, sleek design, and smooth electric drive, it delivers exactly what Uber Comfort riders expect, more legroom, a quiet cabin, and a premium feel.

A sleek black Kia EV6 Air parked on a street in front of traditional stone houses with sloped roofs and chimneys.

Uber Green

Uber Green offers 100% electric rides, and it’s growing fast. Drivers earn 10% more per trip compared to UberX, while benefiting from lower EV running costs and Congestion Charge exemptions in London. Requirements include:

Fully electric vehicle (hybrids not eligible)
Seats at least 4 passengers
PHV licence from an accepted council

As this category continues to grow rapidly, Uber is aiming for every vehicle on its London platform to be fully electric by the end of 2025. As part of this push, Uber has extended its Clean Air Plan incentive: eligible drivers who switch to an EV by September 30, 2025, can receive £3,000 toward the purchase of a new or used electric vehicle.

Premium Rides: Executive and Luxury Experiences

Uber Exec

Uber Exec is a premium service targeting business professionals and riders who seek luxurious experiences. Perfect for corporate or high-end passengers, it’s available to experienced drivers with luxury vehicles. Offering this service can significantly boost your earnings, especially in business districts and during peak hours, as Uber Exec fares can be up to three times the cost of a corresponding UberX journey.

Uber Exec driver & vehicle criteria:

1,000+ completed trips
Minimum 4.85 Uber rating
High-end sedan (e.g., Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series)
Four-door, excellent condition, no commercial branding

Uber Lux

For the most exclusive rides, Uber Lux is the top tier. This service requires high-end luxury vehicles, such as a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7 Series. Uber Lux rides operate on a base fare plus a per-minute and per-mile rate, leading to significantly higher prices than standard Uber rides. It requires the highest driver rating (4.9+), the most exclusive vehicles, and consistently professional service.

Uber Lux driver & vehicle criteria:

1,000+ completed trips
Minimum 4.90 or above Uber rating
High-end sedan (e.g., Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series)
Must be in pristine condition, seat at least four passengers, and meet strict quality standards.

Uber Exec XXL

An extension of the standard Exec service, Uber Exec XXL is designed for premium group travel. To qualify, you’ll need a high-end people carrier, like a Mercedes-Benz V-Class, with a luxury interior and space for up to seven passengers. This category lets you offer a first-class experience to larger groups, providing higher fares and more lucrative bookings.

Accessibility and Specialty ride types

UberX Share is Uber’s newest shared ride option available in London. It’s ideal for drivers who want to earn more during busy times by picking up multiple riders going in the same direction, with no extra requirements or changes to your current setup.

UberX Share eligibility:

Must be eligible for UberX
Vehicle must seat at least 4 passengers
Good condition with no cosmetic damage
No commercial branding

Note: You’ll earn based on total time and distance, even with detours. Riders save by sharing, while you earn more from fewer miles.

Uber Pet

Uber Pet allows riders to travel with their animals. Any driver can opt in, provided they're comfortable transporting pets and the vehicle remains clean and compliant.

Uber Assist & Uber Access

Designed to serve elderly riders, passengers with disabilities, and those needing extra help, Uber Assist and Uber Access give drivers the opportunity to support their community while earning more.

Uber Assist is for passengers who need a bit of extra help getting in and out of vehicles. Vehicles must have space for folding mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, or collapsible scooters.

Uber Access, on the other hand, is for wheelchair users who need to remain in their wheelchair during the ride. These vehicles must be fully wheelchair accessible with a ramp or lift installed.

Vehicle and driver requirements include:

PHV licence

Four-door vehicle with no cosmetic damage

Must meet local authority standards

For Uber Access: non-foldable wheelchair access and installed ramp or lift

To become eligible, drivers must:

Have a minimum rating of 4.7

Have completed over 500 trips (London) or 150 trips (rest of UK)

Attend and complete in-person disability equality training provided by Uber

Frequently Asked Questions about Uber Ride Options & other Driver Questions

Can I bring a dog on Uber? Yes. With Uber Pet, riders can bring their dog or other small animal. It’s best to check with your driver in advance, but assistance animals are always permitted by law.
How much can you make driving for Uber? Earnings vary based on your location, hours driven, ride types accepted, and vehicle running costs. Drivers eligible for Uber Comfort, Exec, or Green can generally earn more per trip than those driving only on UberX.
What is the difference between Uber Exec and Uber Black? In the UK, Uber Exec is the equivalent of Uber Black in other regions. It’s a premium service offering luxury cars and experienced drivers without the exclusivity of Uber Lux.
What are Uber rates in London? Uber rates vary by ride type, distance, and demand. Premium services like Uber Exec and Uber Lux have higher base fares, while UberX is the most affordable.
Can I hire a car for Uber in London? Yes. With companies like Splend, you can access all-inclusive PCO car hire with PHV insurance, servicing, and EV charging included — without the large upfront costs of car ownership.
Is Uber in London? Yes, Uber operates throughout London and the surrounding areas, offering multiple ride categories including UberX, Comfort, Exec, Green, and Access.
What vehicles are eligible for UberX in the UK?
Any four-door vehicle that meets PHVL requirements and is in good condition can qualify for UberX, provided it meets your local council’s age restrictions.
Are there luxury Uber ride options? Yes. Uber Exec, Uber Lux, and Uber Exec XXL all offer luxury ride options. Each requires a premium vehicle and high driver rating.
What’s the best way to earn with Uber in the UK? To maximise income, choose an Uber-eligible EV to reduce fuel costs and qualify for Uber Green. Combine that with Uber Comfort or Exec eligibility, and you’ll earn more per trip with lower operating expenses.
What is the difference between Uber Assist and Uber Access in the UK? Uber Assist helps riders who need extra support, while Uber Access offers wheelchair-accessible rides. Drivers must complete in-person Disability Equality Training to qualify.

Start Earning More with the Right Vehicle

Understanding the difference between Uber ride types is only part of the equation. Choosing a vehicle that qualifies for Uber Green, Comfort, or Exec can make a major impact on your weekly income.

With Splend’s all-inclusive PCO rent to own car subscription, you get a fully Uber-ready EV with PHV insurance, servicing, MOTs, and support included with no deposit needed.

Whether you want a spacious SUV for Uber XL or a premium EV for Comfort and Exec rides, we’ve got options to suit your goals.