Car prices - UK vs US

Ever wondered if your car would be cheaper in the USA?
Pre-tax pricing compared on a variety of cars
One car works out £15k more expensive in the UK

Written by Parkers Updated: 16 August 2021

The Detroit Motor Show got us thinking; motorists in the USA are known to get an better deal than those in the UK when it comes to fuel costs, but what about when buying new cars?

We've picked a selection of 10 cars available in similar specification in both UK and USA markets, and compared their pre-tax prices on both shores.

As tax varies state-by-state in the USA we've subtracted 20% VAT from the prices in the UK and waived any tax on the UK prices in order to give you an accurate picture of what both groups of motorists pay.

VW Golf

Car: VW Golf

Spec/options:

3dr TDI 140bhp DSG
Cold weather pack

USA = $24,135 = £15,512
UK = £16,556

Price difference: £1,044 more expensive than USA

BMW 3-Series coupe

Car: BMW 3-Series coupe

Spec/options:

335i SE coupe/335iS
Heated seats
Bluetooth phone prep and navigation
BMW assist

USA = $44,900 = £28,820
UK = £31,120

Price difference: £2,300 more expensive than USA

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Car: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Spec/options:

No options

USA = $183,000 = £117,836
UK = £133,400

Price difference: £15,564 more expensive than USA

Toyota Prius

Car: Toyota Prius

Spec/options:

T spirit/Prius V spec

USA = $28,070 = £18,084
UK = £19,206

Price difference: £1,122 more expensive than USA

Chrysler 300C

Car: Chrysler 300C

Spec/options:

SRT-8
No options

USA = $47,315 = £30,362
UK = £35,516

Price difference: £5,154 more expensive than USA

Jeep Wrangler

Car: Jeep Wrangler

Spec/options:

Sport 4x4 2.4-litre petrol

Price:

USA = $18,395 = £11,839
UK = £13,596

Price difference: £1,757 more expensive than USA

Land Rover Range Rover

Car: Land Rover Range Rover

Spec/options:

Sport supercharged HSE
Active locking rear diff ($500 or £750!)

Price:

USA = $75,895 = £48,791
UK = £53,860

Price difference: £5,069 more expensive than USA

Mini Cooper

Car: Mini Cooper

Spec/options:

No options

Price:

USA = $20,100 = £12,929
UK = £11,824

Price difference: £1,105 cheaper than USA

Jaguar XF

Car: Jaguar XF

Spec/options:

5.0-litre V8 Premium
Ultimate black metallic
Bowers and Wilkins 440w sound system
Adaptive cruise control

Price:

USA = $60,800 = £39,200
UK = £37,114

Price difference: £2,086 cheaper than USA

Audi S5 coupe

Car: Audi S5 coupe

Spec/options:

Premium plus
Six-speed tiptronic
Sport diff
B&O stereo

Price:

USA = $56,800 = £36,631
UK = £35,432

Price difference: £1,199 cheaper than USA

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