April Tax Hits Nearly 60 Car Models with £5,690 Fee – Is Yours Affected?

Jordan Hartwell

Published: February 3, 2026 3:45 AM ET

April Tax Hits Nearly 60 Car Models with £5,690 Fee – Is Yours Affected?

Starting in April, nearly 60 car models from various manufacturers will attract a significant tax increase under the new road tax regulations. Owners of these vehicles will face a fee of £5,690 in the first year of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), up from £5,490.

Key Tax Changes for 2026

The new road tax rates are part of a broader adjustment that impacts a range of brands, including Audi, Ford, and BMW. As road tax charges increase, owners of the highest CO2-emission vehicles—those emitting over 255 grams per kilometer—will face the steepest fees.

First-Year Vehicle Excise Duty Costs

First-year VED has risen by £200 to a total of £5,690 for specific models.
Standard rates will increase from £195 to £200 for the second year onwards, starting in April.
Vehicles emitting zero CO2 will maintain a first-year charge of £0, while those with even 1g/km will be charged £110.

The average petrol vehicle, with emissions around 143g/km, will incur a charge of £560. Diesel cars, averaging 164g/km, will be subjected to a £1,360 fee. Notably, electric vehicles will face roadway tax for the first time, with more changes anticipated in the coming years, including a pay-per-mile scheme set for introduction in April 2028.

Models Affected by the £5,690 Charge

Several popular models will see the increase in tax rates. Some of the vehicles include:

Audi RS6 4.0 TFSI V8
Audi S8 4.0 TFSI V8
McLaren GT 4.0T V8
Aston Martin DBX 4.0 V8
Ferrari Roma 3.8T V8
Porsche 911 3.7T 992 Turbo
Range Rover Sport 4.4P V8
Land Rover Defender 90 5.0 P425 V8
Rolls-Royce Cullinan 6.75 V12
Bentley Bentayga 4.0 V8

These adjustments are set to impact around two dozen manufacturers, highlighting the government’s shift towards higher emissions penalties.

Conclusion

As vehicle tax rates climb, car owners should stay informed about potential charges and plan accordingly. The new structure, effective from April, marks a significant change in how vehicle owners will manage their taxes in the UK.