The appeal of expensive vehicles is undeniable. From sleek designs to high-end technology, these cars are a testament to human ingenuity and craftsmanship. But, how does the saying go? With great luxury comes great responsibility (and even greater bills)?
Join us as we cruise through the world of luxury on four wheels, shedding light on the priciest road tax brackets for the world's most extravagant rides. Buckle up; it's going to be a lavish journey! In this blog, we will cover:
- What are road tax bands?
- What are the most expensive road tax cars?
What are road tax bands?
Road tax is a tax paid on all petrol and diesel cars registered and driving on UK public roads. But what exactly are these bands, and how do they influence the amount you pay annually for your vehicle?
CO2 emissions
At the heart of road tax bands lie CO2 emissions. The essence is clear: the more CO2 your car emits, the higher the road tax you're likely to pay.
To make it simpler for vehicle owners to understand, and to encourage cleaner, more eco-friendly car choices, the UK has categorised vehicles into classes ranging from Class A to M.
- Class A represents vehicles with the lowest CO2 emissions. These are typically your most fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly cars.
- Class M vehicles have the highest emissions and, you guessed it, the highest road tax. They are often larger, luxury vehicles or certain high-performance models.
It doesn’t stop there though, as the engine size and price tag will also have an impact, with cars costing over £40,000 having to pay an extra £390 per year in road tax for the first 5 years. As you’ll be hard pressed to find a class M vehicle under £40,000, this sets your ongoing road tax payments at £570.
The First Year Rate (FYR)
For cars registered after April 1, 2017, the road tax system saw a pivotal change with the introduction of the First Year Rate (FYR). This rate, as the name suggests, is applied only in the vehicle's first year of registration. Like the standard road tax bands, the FYR is also calculated based on a car's CO2 emissions.
What are the most expensive road tax cars?
Now we've got a good idea of the basics, let's take a look at which cars fall into the pricey world of Class M vehicles.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
When you hear the name Rolls-Royce Cullinan, there's an immediate association with luxury. Every stitch, every button, every contour is meticulously crafted. But with grandeur comes a price tag.
This car will set you back around £300,000, well over the £40,000 threshold for the FYR. And since this vehicle has a hefty CO2 emission of 341g/km, that first payment will be £2,605.
Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang’s iconic design and roaring engine have made it a favourite among car enthusiasts for generations. But there's another side to this legendary vehicle—its position as one of the most expensive cars to tax.
First, let’s talk about the engine. Designed for performance and acceleration, it’s no surprise that its CO2 emissions are high. With a 5-litre engine producing 270 g/km, it comes in under the Cullinan. But if you couple that with its price tag starting at £50,750, and you’ll be paying the same FYR.
Jaguar F-Pace
Stepping into the realm of SUVs, the Jaguar F-Pace undoubtedly stands out, not just for its elegant design and performance but also as one of the expensive road tax cars on the market.
So, why does the F-Pace carry such a significant tax price tag? Well, the list price starts at just shy of £50,000, and with a CO2 output of 139g/km, your FYR payment will come in at £1,565.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Another luxury SUV that can’t be ignored is the iconic Mercedes-Benz GLC. Its striking appearance, combined with impeccable performance, has secured its place on the dream car lists of many enthusiasts.
With a full range of possible customisations and cutting-edge safety technologies, the starting price of over £51,000 comes as no shock. But when you peek under the hood, things start to get extra pricey. The GLC has a variety of engine options, each optimised power output and performance, and with CO2 sitting between 180 g/km and 230 g/km, the FYR can cost anywhere from £1,040 to £2,220.
Lexus LC 500
Known for its intricate design and remarkable performance, the Lexus LC 500 has a price tag that positions it among the elite. Its high-performance engine, coupled with the car's weight and luxurious amenities, makes it one of the most expensive cars in terms of road tax.
It’ll set you back around £100,000, and that’s before you’ve even got it on the road. The CO2 emissions are 145g/km, so as soon as you start driving, you’ll pay a FYR of £1,040.
Porsche Cayenne Coupe
At the heart of its high tax rate lies its powerful engine. Designed for those who crave speed and precision, the Cayenne Coupe’s engine is a testament to Porsche's commitment to performance. However, with this power comes high fuel consumption, especially when compared to smaller, eco-friendly models.
Its CO2 emissions can reach 247 g/km, so that FYR will cost you a hefty £2,605. Couple that with a price range of £72,575 - £87,160, and this set of wheels sits as one of the most expensive options out there.
Road tax getting you down?
We all cherish the open road and the thrill of the drive. But, as with many good things in life, cars come with their share of responsibilities – road tax being one of the foremost. If the burden of hefty road tax bills has been clouding your automotive joy, there's a silver lining on the horizon: Sell 2 Swansway.
As part of the nationwide Swansway Motor Group, we’re all about making selling your car a breeze. We keep our quotes in-line with what’s happening in the market, so you know you’re getting a fair deal. And since that valuation is guaranteed for 7 days, you’ll have plenty of time to make a decision. We’ll even arrange the pick-up and transfer the payment straight to your account.
Sound good? There’s never been a better time to team up with Sell 2 Swansway, get in touch today and we can help you get started.