Major Car Tax Changes: 59 Models to See £200 Increase from April 1
Motorists across the UK are set to face a significant financial burden as 59 petrol and diesel cars will be hit with a £200 tax hike starting April 1, 2026. This change is part of the Labour Party's revisions to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) bands, which will push annual car tax bills to £5,690 for affected vehicles.
Understanding the Vehicle Excise Duty Updates
Dan Tomlinson, Exchequer Secretary for the Labour Party, clarified the details of the VED adjustments. He explained, "Vehicle Excise Duty, often referred to as 'road tax' or 'vehicle tax,' is a levy on vehicles used or kept on public roads. Rates vary for cars, vans, and motorcycles, calculated based on factors such as the date of first registration, weight, or CO2 emissions."
The new rates specifically target cars emitting over 255g/km of CO2, impacting a range of luxury and high-performance models from brands like Audi, Aston Martin, BMW, and more.
Expert Warnings and Advice for Drivers
Rhydian Jones, a car insurance expert at Confused.com, cautioned drivers about the timing of these increases. "With many other motoring costs also expected to rise this year, these new rates may come as unwelcome news for some drivers," he said. "The key is to ensure you understand how the new rates apply to your car so you can plan ahead financially."
Richard Evans from webuyanycar offered practical guidance for vehicle owners. "To determine which tax bands apply to your car, check the date of registration in your V5C logbook and use a car tax checker tool. If your car was first registered from March 1, 2001, you can also use our CO2 emissions check tool to find its emissions level and calculate the tax you'll owe."
Full List of Affected Cars
The comprehensive list of 59 models facing the £200 tax hike includes a variety of high-emission vehicles. Below is the detailed roster:
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo
- Aston Martin DB12 4.0 V8
- Aston Martin DBX 4.0 V8
- Aston Martin Vantage 4.0 V8
- Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10
- Audi RS6 4.0 TFSI V8
- Audi RS7 4.0 TFSI V8
- Audi RSQ8 4.0 TFSI V8
- Audi S8 4.0 TFSI V8
- Audi SQ7 4.0 TFSI V8
- Audi SQ8 4.0 TFSI V8
- Bentley Bentayga 4.0 V8
- Bentley Continental 4.0 V8
- Bentley Continental 6.0 W12
- Bentley Flying Spur 4.0 V8
- BMW Alpina XB7 4.4 V8
- BMW M8 4.4 V8
- BMW X5 M 4.4 V8
- BMW X6 M 4.4 V8
- BMW X7 M 4.4 V8
- Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 6.2 V8
- Ferrari Purosangue 6.5 V12
- Ferrari Roma 3.8T V8
- Ford Mustang 5.0 V8
- Ford Ranger 2.0 TD EcoBlue
- Ford Ranger 3.0 EcoBlue
- Ford Ranger 3.0 V6
- INEOS Grenadier 3.0P
- Jaguar F-Pace 5.0 P575 V8
- Jeep Wrangler 2.0 GME
- Lamborghini Huracan 5.2 V10
- Lamborghini Revuelto 6.5 V12
- Lamborghini Urus 4.0 V8 BiTurbo
- Land Rover Defender 110 5.0 P425 V8
- Land Rover Defender 90 5.0 P425 V8
- Lotus Emira 3.5 V6
- Maserati Levante 3.0 V6
- Maserati Levante 3.8 V8
- Maserati MC20 3.0 V6
- McLaren GT 4.0T V8
- Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 4.0 V8
- Mercedes-Benz G400D
- Mercedes-Benz G63
- Mercedes-Benz GLC63
- Mercedes-Benz GLE63
- Mercedes-Benz GLS63h
- Mercedes-Benz SL55
- Porsche 718 Cayman 4.0 GT4
- Porsche 911 3.7T 992 Turbo
- Porsche Cayenne 4.0T V8
- Porsche Macan 2.9T V6
- Range Rover 4.4 P530 V8
- Range Rover 4.4 P615 V8
- Range Rover Sport 4.4P V8
- Rolls-Royce Cullinan 6.75 V12
- Rolls-Royce Ghost 6.75 V12
- Toyota Hilux 2.8D
- Toyota Land Cruiser 2.8D
- Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 TDI
This list highlights the broad impact of the tax changes, affecting a diverse array of vehicles from everyday models to luxury cars. Drivers are urged to verify their vehicle's status and prepare for the increased costs ahead of the April 1 implementation date.
