UK Considers Weight-Based Tax on New Cars, Potentially Affecting Popular Family Models

The UK government is reportedly considering the introduction of a new tax based on the weight of new vehicles, a move that could affect a broad spectrum of popular family cars. The potential policy, advocated by environmental group Transport & Environment (T&E), aims to discourage the purchase of heavier vehicles, which are seen as contributing to greater road wear and potentially higher emissions. T&E has proposed a supplementary charge of £10 per kilogram above specified weight limits for both combustion-engined cars and electric vehicles.

Under the proposed system, new petrol or diesel cars weighing more than 1,600kg would face an additional first-year Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), commonly known as showroom tax. Electric vehicles would be subject to the same levy if they exceed 2,000kg.

This potential tax comes as the UK automotive market grapples with evolving regulations and consumer preferences. Last year, significant changes were made to showroom tax rates, doubling charges for new petrol and diesel cars with higher CO2 emissions in an effort to promote electric vehicle adoption. Buyers of new petrol and diesel cars producing over 151g/km of CO2 now face a first-year road tax bill exceeding £1,400, with the most polluting models incurring charges over £5,600.

A weight-based tax could impact a wide array of vehicles, including many popular SUVs and larger sedans that are not typically perceived as excessively heavy. For instance, the Nissan Qashqai, a common family crossover, weighs approximately 1,650kg, placing it just over the proposed 1,600kg threshold for combustion-engined cars. Similarly, the Skoda Superb Estate, known for its practicality, weighs in at 1,683kg in its diesel configuration.

Electric vehicles, often heavier due to battery packs, could also be significantly affected. The Mazda 6e, an electric family saloon, weighs 2,015kg, marginally exceeding the 2,000kg limit proposed for EVs. Other electric models like the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric (2,091kg), Volkswagen ID.7 (2,106kg), and BYD Seal (2,185kg) would also fall under the proposed levy.

Larger and more luxurious vehicles are also expected to be hit by such a tax. The Volvo EX90, a seven-seat electric SUV, weighs 2,689kg. The plug-in hybrid BMW XM weighs 2,700kg, while ultra-luxury models like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan (2,730kg), Bentley Torcal (2,795kg), and Mercedes-Maybach GLS (2,810kg) would incur substantial additional costs, although the financial impact might be less significant relative to their purchase price.

The heaviest vehicles on sale, such as the electric Range Rover (2,735kg), Ineos Grenadier Trialmaster (2,816kg), Rolls-Royce Spectre (2,945kg), Mercedes EQS SUV (3,107kg), and the electric Mercedes-Benz G Class G 580 (3,160kg), would face some of the most significant penalties. The electric G-Class, weighing over 3,000kg, could see its first-year VED increase by several thousand pounds if the proposed tax is implemented.

Tory transport spokesman Richard Holden has also suggested that vehicle width could be a factor in future tax calculations. This potential multi-faceted approach to vehicle taxation is likely to generate debate among consumers and industry stakeholders alike.