Nearly 60 Car Models to Face £5,690 Road Tax Charge in April 2026
Owners of nearly 60 car models from two dozen manufacturers are set to pay a staggering £5,690 in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) from April 2026, as road tax rates jump for the new financial year. This represents a £200 increase from the previous rate of £5,490, affecting a range of popular and luxury brands.
Substantial Rise in First-Year VED Charges
The increase follows a government decision to massively hike first-year VED charges for petrol and diesel vehicles in April 2025, from £2,745 to £5,490. This fee is paid by the owner of a brand-new car before it transitions to the much lower standard rate in subsequent years. The highest rate of £5,690 is payable only for owners of vehicles with the highest CO2 emissions, producing more than 255 grams per kilometre.
For all cars, the first-year rate ranges from £10 to £5,690, based solely on emissions. The lower level of £10 is reserved exclusively for cars with zero emissions; for even 1g/km, it rises sharply to £110. For the average petrol car, which has emissions of around 143g/km, the charge would be £560. For the average diesel car, with emissions of approximately 164g/km, it would be £1,360.
Rule Changes Affecting Electric and Existing Vehicles
In a significant shift, electric cars are now charged for VED for the first time, marking a departure from previous exemptions. Additionally, another pay-per-mile scheme is scheduled to come into effect from April 2028, further altering the landscape of vehicle taxation.
For those with cars that have already been registered, road tax is much lower but is still increasing. The annual standard rate for the second year onwards will rise from £195 to £200 in April 2026, adding to the overall financial burden for motorists.
List of Models Facing the £5,690 Charge
The following models are among those that will attract the £5,490 charge in the first year, with the total rising to £5,690 in April 2026:
- 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 GLS63
This comprehensive list highlights the broad impact of the tax hike, affecting a wide array of vehicles from everyday brands to high-end luxury models. Motorists are advised to check their vehicle's emissions and model specifics to understand their potential tax liabilities in the coming year.
