It’s a bit off-topic, but worth sharing for anyone who follows air miles, premium cards, and luxury experiences on the road. Ola’s Ola Lux service promises high-end cars and premium rides with a tap, an idea I appreciate. But does the service live up to its advertising? I tried Ola Lux twice and, unfortunately, both experiences were disappointing.
OLA Lux Review
Ola Lux – What it promises
Ola Lux advertises a fleet that includes premium models such as the Toyota Camry, Mercedes, BMW, and Audi. The service highlights:
- High-end luxury cars: A fleet featuring premium vehicles from well-known manufacturers.
- Ola’s best drivers: Drivers who are trained to deliver a smooth and professional ride.
- Auto-connect Wi-Fi: Complimentary in-car Wi-Fi that connects automatically for browsing on the go.
- Availability: Launched in major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and Bangalore.
My experience with Ola Lux
I used Ola Lux twice in Mumbai. Below are the two rides and what went wrong.
#1 A ride in a Camry
On a rainy day in mid-2016 I booked Ola Lux from the Taj Santacruz to Mumbai Airport (T2). The app confirmed a “White Camry,” but a rather ordinary SUV arrived. The driver said the Camry was in service, and though I considered raising a complaint, it was a busy day so I let it go.
- Cost: approximately Rs. 400 for an 8 km ride—without any sense of luxury.
#2 A ride in a BMW 3 Series
In May 2017 I booked from the Grand Hyatt to Mumbai Airport (T2). The app showed a “Blue BMW 3 Series” arriving and appeared to be very close. When I stepped out, I couldn’t spot the car and called the driver. He said it was right in front of me—but I had been looking at the wrong side.
When I finally saw it, the BMW looked old and faded. The interior had a strong odor, the upholstery and trim looked worn, and there was no effort to freshen the cabin. It felt far from the premium experience the service promises.
- Cost: approximately Rs. 500 (I used a Rs.200 coupon, which helped).
Overall impression: For the price I paid, a well-maintained standard sedan would have been a better choice. The cars I encountered seemed used and poorly maintained, suggesting some owners might be listing older vehicles on Ola Lux to earn a little extra rather than providing true luxury rides.
If you’ve tried Ola Lux, what was your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments.