Uber’s attempt to turn Uber Black into a closed club of luxury cars didn’t last long. After a flood of criticism, the company backtracked and reinstated Citroën Basalt and Volkswagen Virtus among the accepted models. The move, made almost silently, shows that even the world’s largest mobility platform cannot resist the voice of drivers.
In WhatsApp groups and specialized forums, the message was clear: excluding cars that deliver comfort and technology but cost less was a shot in the foot. Without the Basalt and the Virtus, the number of Black rides plummeted and passengers faced long waits. Now, with their return, the company is trying to regain the trust of those who truly drive the system.
When Luxury Became a Problem
In trying to raise the standard of Uber Black, the platform had narrowed the list to models from premium brands like Audi, BMW, and Volvo. The intention was to reposition the category, but the effect was the opposite—demotivated drivers and dissatisfied customers.
The retreat was inevitable. The return of mid-range cars shows that the concept of “urban luxury” needs to fit within the Brazilian reality.
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GAC launches “Chinese hybrid Kombi” with 7 seats cheaper than Tiggo 8 Pro Plug-in Hybrid in Brazil; for around R$ 177,000 in conversion without taxes, the Trumpchi E8 PHEV has a 2.0 engine, DHT transmission, an electric range of 150 km, and a premium family cabin for those living in China.
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Electric and hybrid cars receive flood warnings: brands limit crossing to 20 or 30 cm, recommend up to 10 km/h, and warn that water on the floor can contaminate batteries, render systems unusable, and void the warranty.
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Suzuki sells a “family 4×4 SUV” with 5 doors, 1.5 engine, ladder frame chassis, 4×4 traction with reduction gear, and a price equivalent to about R$ 66,000 without taxes, below the Jeep Renegade sold in Brazil: meet the Jimny 5-Door in India.
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Stellantis sells the “French family van” with up to 7 seats, a 100 hp diesel engine, a trunk of up to 775 liters, and a price equivalent to about R$ 153,000 without taxes, below the Tiggo 7 Pro Max Drive sold in Brazil: meet the Rifter.
The New Balance: Comfort That Makes Sense
The Citroën Basalt, with its modern design, turbo engine, and refined interior, delivers a superior experience without costing double. The VW Virtus, on the other hand, is a symbol of rational comfort—spacious seats, connectivity, and internal silence. Both represent the balance that the public seeks: accessible sophistication.
More than correcting a list, Uber is redefining what it means to be Black. Passengers want status, yes, but they also want to arrive quickly and pay a fair price. And this is only possible when there are more cars on the road.
By reincluding Basalt and Virtus, Uber acknowledges that exclusivity without convenience makes no sense. The true luxury is having a comfortable car available in minutes—and in this, Uber Black returns to being what it always should have been: the perfect balance of comfort, efficiency, and prestige.

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