British motorists are facing a staggering tax hike this spring as the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates for 2026 prepare to take effect. From 1 April 2026, owners of nearly 60 high-emission car models will be hit with a massive £5,690 first-year tax bill—a significant jump that aims to penalise the UK’s most polluting vehicles.
The move comes after a series of aggressive government reforms designed to push drivers toward electric vehicles. If you are in the market for a high-performance SUV or a luxury grand tourer, here is why your initial registration cost just became a major talking point.
The £5,690 Club: Who Is Hit Hardest?
The highest tax bracket applies to cars emitting more than 255g/km of CO2. For the 2026 financial year, this first-year rate has increased from £5,490 to £5,690.
According to data from across two dozen manufacturers, popular but “thirsty” models from brands like Audi, Ford, BMW, and Range Rover are among those affected. This is a one-off fee paid when the car is first registered, before it moves to a standard annual rate (which is also rising to £200).
Is Your Car on the List?
Nearly 60 models are expected to fall into this premium tax bracket. Some of the most notable vehicles facing the £5,690 charge include:
- Performance Icons: Audi RS6 & RS7 (4.0 TFSI V8), Audi R8 (5.2 V10), and the Ford Mustang 5.0 V8.
- Luxury SUVs: Range Rover & Range Rover Sport (4.4 V8), Bentley Bentayga, and Lamborghini Urus.
- Practical Powerhouses: Land Rover Defender (5.0 V8), Ford Ranger (3.0 V6), and the Toyota Land Cruiser.
- Supercars: Ferrari Roma, McLaren GT, and the Rolls-Royce Ghost.
Why the Sharp Increase?
The UK government is using “fiscal nudges” to meet its Net Zero targets. By significantly increasing the cost of registering a brand-new petrol or diesel car with high emissions, they are making electric alternatives—which pay a mere £10 in their first year—look far more attractive.
For comparison, the average petrol car (emitting roughly 143g/km) will see a first-year charge of around £560, while a typical diesel (164g/km) will cost approximately £1,360. The £5,690 figure is reserved strictly for the “top-tier” polluters.
Key Tax Changes for April 2026
| Category | 2025 Rate | 2026 Rate (From April) |
| Max First-Year Rate (>255g/km) | £5,490 | £5,690 |
| Standard Annual Rate (Post-2017) | £195 | £200 |
| Electric Car (First Year) | £10 | £10 |
| Luxury Car Supplement (EVs) | £40,000 threshold | £50,000 threshold |
How to Check Your Vehicle
If you are unsure whether your current or future car is affected, you can check its CO2 emissions in two ways:
- V5C Logbook: Look for the “CO2 emissions” figure in section V.7.
- DVLA Website: Use the official GOV.UK “Check if a vehicle is taxed” tool by entering your registration number.
Summary for Drivers
While the £5,690 figure only applies to a small percentage of vehicles on the road, it highlights a broader trend: the cost of driving traditional combustion engines is rising. With standard rates also ticking up to £200, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most expensive years for UK car ownership in recent history.
Top Tip: If you are buying a car that sits just below the 255g/km threshold, double-check the exact manufacturer specifications, as optional extras (like larger wheels) can sometimes push a car into a higher tax bracket.
