Boosting your earnings with a Premium PCO Vehicle Guide

If you’re an experienced PCO driver in London or just getting started, there’s one proven way to boost your income quickly - drive a vehicle that qualifies you for premium fares.

Standard PCO EVs get you on the road, but premium vehicles open the door to higher-value passengers, more platforms, and fewer empty miles.

With the right car, you can multiply your earning potential across Uber Exec, Wheely, and Blacklane — all while enjoying more comfort behind the wheel.

Why a Premium Vehicle Is a Smarter Investment

Many drivers opt for standard rideshare vehicles without realising the income potential of premium models. Here’s what makes premium driving more profitable:

Higher average fares
Access to luxury-focused clientele
More predictable passengers and better tipping
Fewer cancellations and more efficient journeys

More Apps, More Earnings

With a premium vehicle, you can unlock higher earnings and diversify your income streams. We've found the top three premium apps to help multiply your income:

Uber Exec

Uber Exec is designed for business professionals and passengers who prefer a higher-end experience. The benefits of driving for Uber Exec include:

Earn up to 3x more per ride – Uber Exec trips typically pay significantly more than UberX, boosting your income without increasing your hours.

Tap into constant demand – Business professionals and airport travellers rely on Exec-level services, giving you steady, high-value bookings.

No extra effort needed – Use the same Uber Driver app and earn more on every trip thanks to your premium vehicle.

Wheely

Wheely is an exclusive chauffeur service catering to high-net-worth individuals who demand luxury and discretion.

Unlike Uber, Wheely operates by invitation and application only and has strict requirements for drivers and cars. Designed for discreet, high-end clientele, Wheely rewards professional drivers with higher fares and loyal customers. The advantages of driving for Wheely include:

Plan your day with confidence – Every Wheely trip is pre-booked, so you spend less time waiting and more time earning.

Drive high-end clients – From executives to VIPs, Wheely passengers value professionalism and top-tier service.

Earn more with premium rides – Higher fares and better tips come as standard when you deliver the luxury experience Wheely riders expect.

To qualify, you’ll need at least one year of PCO experience, an advanced DBS check, and a luxury black saloon under three years old, a clean driving record, and professional appearance.

Blacklane

Blacklane specialises in airport transfers and corporate travel, offering scheduled rides rather than on-demand bookings. The benefits of driving for Blacklane include:

Know your earnings upfront – Blacklane offers guaranteed minimum fares for each trip, so there are no surprises when you finish for the day.

Fill quiet periods with premium jobs – Pre-scheduled rides help you stay productive during off-peak times.

Drive longer, better-paying trips – Most bookings are for airport and corporate travel, meaning higher fares and consistent income.

Rather than depending on a single app, you can alternate between platforms as needed, guaranteeing steady income all day long.

Drive the Best: Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ Sport Edition

Splend offers premium vehicles that qualify for luxury ride services, including the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ Sport Edition. This high-performance electric car is made for comfort, efficiency, and style.

Key Features of the EQE 350+ Sport Edition

Luxury Interior – Premium materials for premium atmosphere, with ambient lighting in 64 colour options, heated front comfort seats and ARTICO leatherette trim.
Long Range – Up to 430 miles combined WTLP range on a single charge, ensuring fewer charging stops.
Advanced Infotainment – 12.8-inch touchscreen with the latest MBUX system and 12.3” Driver Display.
Smooth Ride – Adaptive suspension for a comfortable driving experience.
Safety you can count on - GUARD 360° vehicle protection, a 360° camera with Active Park Assist, and Highbeam Assist LED headlamps.

A blue car parked on a road at night, with illuminated starry sky in the background.

How Splend helps you get started

Splend offers flexible car subscription plans, allowing you to drive a brand-new premium vehicle without the upfront costs of ownership. With all-inclusive packages, you get:

PHV licence, car tax and MOT

PHV damage and loss cover

Scheduled servicing and maintenance

Replacement tyres and brakes

Free PCO-ready courtesy vehicle

24/7 roadside assistance

Up to 4 weeks payment holiday annually

Dedicated customer support

Referral rewards

Explore our All-Inclusive Package

Real Earnings Potential

Drivers using premium vehicles report significantly higher earnings compared to standard ride hailing options. With the right vehicle, you can earn up to 3 times more on Uber Exec fares than UberX, giving you an income boost. Similarly, Wheely and Blacklane are alternate PCO options that cater to high-end clientele. When you get into a premium electric vehicle, you ensure consistent demand for luxury rides as a professional chauffeur.

Is It Right for You?

If you're looking to increase your income, provide exceptional service, and drive a high-end vehicle, Splend’s premium car options could be the perfect fit. With one car, you can access multiple apps and maximise your earnings. Drive smarter, earn more. It all starts with the right car.

About Splend

At Splend, we believe in drivers. We know their vehicles need to work harder than most; that they drive more miles than most; that their insurance is hefty; their maintenance costs high and that they can face unreasonable finance rates – which is a heavy load to carry on their own.

That’s why at Splend, we exist to support PCO drivers with a new model, that takes all those car ownership costs, and provides them for less, with lower purchase prices, better rates, lower servicing and insurance costs – all for one weekly repayment, all in one place.