Get ready for a shock if you own one of nearly 60 different car models, as you'll soon face a staggering road tax increase of £5,690 starting this April! This significant hike affects vehicles from about two dozen manufacturers, making it crucial for car owners to check whether their vehicle falls under this new tax bracket.
In the upcoming financial year of 2026, the first-year Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) has seen an increase of £200, raising the charge from £5,490 to £5,690 for a total of 59 car models. Among these are well-known brands such as Audi, Ford, and BMW, which are popular choices among many drivers.
This tax increase is part of a broader governmental strategy, which previously saw a massive leap in first-year VED charges for petrol and diesel vehicles last April, going from £2,745 to the current £5,490. This fee must be paid by individuals purchasing brand-new cars before they shift to a significantly lower rate in subsequent years.
Now, it's essential to note that this heightened rate is only applicable to vehicles with very high CO2 emissions, specifically those that emit more than 255 grams per kilometer. To give you a clearer picture, the first-year tax rates for all cars vary widely, ranging from just £10 all the way up to £5,690, depending heavily on the emissions produced. For instance, electric vehicles will benefit from the lowest tier of £0, but even the slightest emissions—say, a mere 1 gram per kilometer—will see the fee jump to £110.
When looking at average figures, a typical petrol car, which generally emits around 143 grams/km, would incur a charge of £560. Meanwhile, average diesel vehicles, emitting around 164 grams/km, would see their tax bill rise to £1,360.
Furthermore, a notable rule change means that electric cars will also be subject to VED for the very first time, alongside the introduction of a pay-per-mile scheme coming into play as early as April 2028.
For those who already have registered vehicles, while they will benefit from lower road tax rates, there will still be an increase. Starting in April, the annual standard rate for the second year of ownership will rise slightly from £195 to £200.
So, which models will be subject to the hefty £5,690 charge in their first year? Here’s a comprehensive list:
- Audi RS6 4.0 TFSI V8
- Audi S8 4.0 TFSI V8
- McLaren GT 4.0T V8
- Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10
- Lamborghini Huracan 5.2 V10
- Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 6.2 V8
- Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 TDI
- Aston Martin DBX 4.0 V8
- Ferrari Roma 3.8T V8
- Audi SQ7 4.0 TFSI V8
- Range Rover Sport 4.4P V8
- Jaguar F-Pace 5.0 P575 V8
- Aston Martin DB12 4.0 V8
- Porsche 911 3.7T 992 Turbo
- Jeep Wrangler 2.0 GME
- Ford Ranger 2.0 TD EcoBlue
- Audi RSQ8 4.0 TFSI V8
- Lotus Emira 3.5 V6
- Bentley Continental 4.0 V8
- Audi SQ8 4.0 TFSI V8
- Aston Martin Vantage 4.0 V8
- Toyota Hilux 2.8D
- Porsche Macan 2.9T V6
- Mercedes-Benz SL55
- Range Rover 4.4 P530 V8
- Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 4.0 V8
- Porsche 718 Cayman 4.0 GT4
- Lamborghini Urus 4.0 V8 BiTurbo
- Audi RS7 4.0 TFSI V8
- Ford Mustang 5.0 V8
- Toyota Land Cruiser 2.8D
- Bentley Continental 6.0 W12
- Mercedes-Benz GLC63
- Ford Ranger 3.0 V6
- INEOS Grenadier 3.0P
- Range Rover 4.4 P615 V8
- Land Rover Defender 90 5.0 P425 V8
- Rolls-Royce Ghost 6.75 V12
- Ford Ranger 3.0 EcoBlue
- Mercedes-Benz G63
- Ferrari Purosangue 6.5 V12
- Rolls-Royce Cullinan 6.75 V12
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo
- Mercedes-Benz GLE63
- Maserati Levante 3.0 V6
- Porsche Cayenne 4.0T V8
- BMW M8 4.4 V8
- Maserati MC20 3.0 V6
- Land Rover Defender 110 5.0 P425 V8
- Mercedes-Benz G400D
- Lamborghini Revuelto 6.5 V12
- Bentley Bentayga 4.0 V8
- BMW X7 M 4.4 V8
- BMW X6 M 4.4 V8
- BMW Alpina XB7 4.4 V8
- Bentley Flying Spur 4.0 V8
- Maserati Levante 3.8 V8
- BMW X5 M 4.4 V8
- Mercedes-Benz GLS63h
As we look forward to these changes, one can't help but wonder: what does this mean for the future of car ownership and the drive towards sustainability? Are these tax hikes a necessary step toward reducing emissions, or do they place an unfair burden on consumers? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
