Uber updates Comfort, Exec and Lux vehicle eligibility rules for new vehicles in UK
- Perry Richardson
- 13 hours ago
- 3 min read
Uber is updating the vehicle eligibility requirements for its Comfort, Exec and Lux products across the UK, with the new standards applying to vehicles newly added to the platform later this year.
The revised requirements will come into force for new vehicles added to drivers’ accounts from 1 August 2026 in London and from 19 October 2026 across the rest of the UK. Existing vehicles already eligible for Comfort, Exec or Lux will not immediately lose access to those products as a result of the changes.
Uber said drivers currently using eligible vehicles will continue to be assessed under the existing product rules, including any age-related requirements that already apply. The company added that drivers whose vehicles are affected in the future will be contacted directly by email with information specific to their account.
Explaining the decision, Uber said: “We’re introducing updated vehicle eligibility requirements for Comfort, Exec and Lux.” It added that “vehicles already on Comfort, Exec or Lux should not lose eligibility immediately due to these updated requirements.”
The company said the move is designed to create greater consistency across its premium ride categories.
Uber said: “Clearer vehicle standards help Comfort, Exec and Lux continue to offer the experience riders expect when choosing these products.” It added that the changes are intended “to foster a more consistent trip experience and help riders better understand what to expect when requesting Comfort, Exec or Lux through the Uber app.”
Exec requirements focus on premium saloons
Uber Exec, which is available in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, the South West, Liverpool, Portsmouth, Southampton, Edinburgh, Glasgow, the North East, Sheffield, Cardiff, Oxford, Brighton, Cambridge, Northampton and Belfast, will continue to target passengers looking for a premium journey with experienced drivers.
Drivers must hold a private hire licence issued by an accepted licensing authority and maintain a passenger rating of at least 4.85.
Eligible vehicles must be four-door saloons in good cosmetic condition and carry no commercial branding. Only vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Jaguar and Lexus qualify for the service.
Vehicle colour requirements differ by location. In London, Manchester and Birmingham, only black, grey, blue, dark blue, dark grey and brown vehicles are accepted. Elsewhere in the UK, white and silver are also permitted alongside those colours.
Age limits also vary by region. In London, Manchester and Birmingham, vehicles must be five model years old or newer, while in the rest of the UK the limit is six model years old or newer. Uber said this policy will be introduced on a rolling basis.
Lux remains London’s highest-tier service
Alongside holding a private hire licence from an accepted council, drivers must have completed more than 1,000 trips and maintain a minimum passenger rating of 4.9.
Vehicles must accommodate at least four passengers in addition to the driver and, as with Exec, must be four-door saloons from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Jaguar or Lexus.
Accepted vehicle colours are restricted to black, grey, blue, dark blue, dark grey and brown, while vehicles must be five model years old or newer under Uber’s rolling age policy.
Exec XXL rules for larger vehicles
Uber has also confirmed the criteria for Exec XXL, its premium product aimed at larger groups travelling with additional luggage.
The service is currently available in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Merseyside, Brighton and Sussex, Sheffield, Cardiff, and Cambridge and East Anglia.
Drivers must be licensed to carry at least seven passengers and maintain a minimum passenger rating of 4.85.
Vehicle age requirements again depend on location. In London, vehicles can be no more than six model years old, while elsewhere in the UK the limit increases to 10 model years. Uber said that under the rolling implementation, a London Exec XXL vehicle in 2026 would need to have been manufactured in 2020 or later.
