Uber Goes Luxe: Partners With Blacklane To Elevate Chauffeur Experience Globally

In a move to enter the luxury and executive travel sector, Uber Technologies Inc. is set to buy Berlin-based global chauffeur booking app Blacklane. The move marks its push into the premium mobility space and a bid to attract affluent and corporate customers. The transaction is expected to be finalised by the end of 2026 and will strengthen Uber’s portfolio of high-end services, though financial details remain undisclosed.

“Premium travel is one of the most exciting growth areas of Uber’s business. We want to offer the widest selection of options to meet our riders where they are: from the everyday commute to luxury rides. We’re incredibly impressed by what Blacklane has built, and we’re eager to work with them to amplify how we deliver truly exceptional service to more people in cities around the world,” said Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi in a published statement.

The move comes amid intensifying competition in luxury ride-hailing. Uber recently rolled out its chauffeur-driven offering, Uber Elite, while London-based Wheely has announced its entry into New York, targeting elite clientele and HNIs. Meanwhile, Lyft Inc. acquired TBR Global Chauffeuring for $110 million earlier this year in a similar strategic move to provide high-end transport services.

Based in Berlin, Blacklane operates across more than 500 cities in over 60 countries via its app and web platform. Its integration is expected to boost Uber Elite, currently available to select premium riders in Los Angeles and San Francisco, with plans to expand to New York soon. “Blacklane’s growth to date has been founded on consistently excellent service, wherever in the world our guests move. Fifteen years after our vision to make premium travel frictionless, we are bringing luxury hospitality expertise to Uber as a leading player in mobility. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Blacklane’s next chapter and is a powerful step-change in introducing our service to new markets globally,” said Dr. Jens Wohltorf, founder and CEO of Blacklane.

Currently, Uber’s premium services have riding options like Uber Comfort, SUV, and Black, which account for over $10 billion in annualised gross bookings, reflecting strong growth in the segment. As per reports, it represents a 35% increase from the prior year. Founded in 2011, Blacklane was valued at over $574 million following a 2024 funding round, with investors such as Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG and Public Investment Fund backing the company, as reported by Bloomberg earlier.