Brace yourself for a shocking revelation: your car ownership costs are about to skyrocket! Nearly 60 car models from various manufacturers are facing a staggering £5,690 car tax in April 2026, leaving many owners wondering what hit them.
The annual road tax rates are on the rise, and this time, it's the First-Year Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) that's causing a stir. For 59 models, the VED has increased by £200, affecting popular brands like Audi, Ford, and BMW. But here's the catch: this hike follows a massive increase in VED charges for petrol and diesel vehicles in April 2025, from £2,745 to £5,490. That's a significant blow to the wallets of new car owners.
The culprit behind this surge? It's the CO2 emissions. The highest rate is reserved for the most polluting vehicles, those producing over 255 grams of CO2 per kilometre. But even the lower rates are no joke, starting at £10 and climbing up to £5,690 based on emissions. And get this: even a tiny increase to 1g/km bumps the tax up to £110!
Let's break it down. The average petrol car, emitting around 143g/km, will face a £560 charge. But diesel car owners, beware! With emissions around 164g/km, you'll be hit with a whopping £1,360 tax. And it doesn't stop there. Electric cars, once exempt, are now charged for VED, with a pay-per-mile scheme on the horizon from April 2028.
But wait, there's a silver lining. For registered cars, the road tax is lower, but it's still rising. The annual standard rate for the second year and beyond will increase to £200 in April, a £5 increase.
Now, let's reveal the models facing the £5,490 charge in the first year. From Audi's RS6 and S8 to Lamborghini's Huracan and Chevrolet's Corvette Stingray, these vehicles are in for a costly surprise. And the list goes on, including the Volkswagen Amarok, Aston Martin DBX, and many more.
Controversial Twist: Some argue that these tax hikes are necessary to encourage the adoption of greener vehicles, but others believe it unfairly targets specific car owners. What's your take? Is this a fair move towards a sustainable future, or does it burden car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike?
