What is ULEZ?
Despite being introduced back in April 2019, there is still a lot of confusion surrounding the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) that has been implemented in London; mainly surrounding the cars allowed.
The zone was enforced to assist with reducing air pollution and the issues associated with it, which is why cars that do not meet the minimum standards get charged a fee of £12.50 for entering. Essentially, if you own a petrol car then it needs to meet Euro 4 emissions standards (generally 2005 onwards); and if you own a diesel, it needs to meet Euro 6 standards (generally 2015 onwards).
Below we have highlighted 10 used premium vehicles that allow you to enter the ULEZ without having to pay a fee; they could save you a lot of money if you commute into the zone daily.
Jaguar I-PACE
Electric vehicles do not produce any tailpipe emissions and therefore do not have to pay a fee to enter the Ultra-Low Emission Zone, so it should come as no great surprise to see the Jaguar I-PACE secure a spot on this list.
It is easy to see why the I-PACE won World Car of the Year 2019; it offers an excellent amount of range on a full charge (up to 292 miles), it looks great and boasts a beautifully designed interior. If that is not enough, it absolutely flies when you want it to.
The I-PACE has done relatively well for the British Marque, which means there is a reasonable number of them available on the used car market. Here is five features we love about the I-PACE just in case you need more help deciding whether it is the car for you.
Search Used Jaguar I-PACERange Rover Evoque
The Range Rover Evoque has been a commercial success for Land Rover because it is a beautifully designed SUV that boasts a premium finish throughout. Buyers should not be fooled by the Evoque's handsome appearance, because it is an exceptionally capable vehicle.
Inside is typical Range Rover, with a simple, yet elegant, layout taking centre stage. The infotainment system has proven itself a welcome companion during driving because of the sheer number of features it offers, while the fast response to inputs is appreciated on the move.
To avoid paying a fee for entering ULEZ, you will have to opt for an Evoque that was built after 2015. However, with the large amount on the used market at any given time, it will never be an issue finding one that meets the required standards.
Search Used Range Rover EvoqueAudi TT
London is a modern place with a large number of fashion-orientated people, which is why cars such as the Audi TT are perfect for this list. Some may find it hard to believe that the TT has been around since the late 90s, but with every generation and refresh comes a sharper-looking coupé that draws attention wherever it goes.
On top of the stunning exterior, Audi have implemented a simplistic interior design that places it at the top of its class. We really appreciate the way the emphasis has been placed on the driving, with all the essential controls being within easy reach.
We recommend going for the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the TT because it suits the car down to the ground, while it also meets the standards set by ULEZ.
Search Used Audi TTPorsche 911
Here is a blinder if ever we saw one! Would you believe that one of the world's greatest super sportscars, the Porsche 911, meets the standards set by ULEZ? Well it does, which is excellent news for those who want a car that handles beautifully, looks amazing, and turns heads without fail.
Opt for any recent 911 and you will benefit from Porsche's silky smooth flat-six engine (power outputs depend on spec) that produces linear power from low-down in the rev-range. The addition of Porsche's PDK automatic gearbox makes the 911 perfect for driving around London.
It is borderline unbelievable that an iconic super sportscar such as the Porsche 911 can be exempt from paying a fee to enter the Ultra-Low Emission Zone.
Search Used Porsche 911Mercedes-Benz GLC
SUVs are common site in England's capital for a number of justifiable reasons. So, it should come as no great surprise to see a Mercedes-Benz GLC featuring on this list, a talented all-rounder that boasts a wide range of engines, including a plug-in hybrid powertrain, for prospective buyers to choose from.
If you are reading this article and you find yourself in the ULEZ on a regular basis, then we would recommend any of the petrol variants, because they suit an urban environment better than the diesels, or the GLC Plug-in Hybrid. The interior is typical of a modern Mercedes-Benz, with a contemporary design and oceans of premium materials.
With a wide range of GLCs available on the used car market, the GLC is perfect for anyone wanting a ULEZ exempt vehicle that is comfortable, stylish, and efficient.
Search Used Mercedes-Benz GLCBMW i3
It seemed rude not to mention the brilliant all-electric BMW i3 since the Jaguar I-PACE got a mention earlier on in this article. The i3 was new territory for the Bavarian giants, who have always been renowned for creating some of the best mass-produced petrol and diesel powered engines available on the market.
Unsurprisingly, the i3 is utterly brilliant in the way it has been executed. This small electric car boasts the build quality and design you would expect from BMW, all in a very reasonably priced package.
A number of updates have been made over the years, but the battery size is the most crucial. The 2016 model has a 33kWh battery that is capable of up to 115 miles on a full charge, while the more recent i3 boasts a larger 42.2kWh battery that can provide up to 153 miles on a single charge.
Search Used BMW i3Aston Martin DB11
After discovering you could get away with avoiding any fees for entering the ULEZ in a Porsche 911, we could not resist seeing what other exotic machinery would also be exempt. A number of surprises popped up, and among them was the Aston Martin DB11.
The 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 found underneath the bonnet dominates the driving experience; and quite rightfully so, because it produces an incredible 600bhp. Although the power figure impresses, it is the ferocious acceleration that really distinguishes DB11 from other vehicles, with 0 to 62mph taking just 3.7 seconds. In addition, DB11 can achieve a top speed of 208mph.
The DB11 V8 is ULEZ exempt too, should you wish to extend your search for something a little more efficient. Even the 630bhp V12 AMR version complies with ULEZ rules.
Search Used Aston Martin DB11Jaguar XE
Logic dictates that if you want an alternative to the BMW 3 Series that is still utterly brilliant, then you go for the Jaguar XE. And there are valid reasons for this; the XE boasts an assertive appearance, engaging chassis, and a ton of desirable technology.
In fact, Top Gear described the XE as having a rare balance of ride and handling, and that it is "the handling-nerd's car in the class". Sure, you may not be fully exploring those handling traits in the depths of an Ultra-Low Emissions Zone, but at least the Touch-Pro Duo infotainment system, interactive driver display, and high-tech steering wheel (pinched from the I-PACE) will keep you entertained.
The XE has been a popular car for Jaguar since its introduction in 2015, which is why there is a wide number available on the market.
Search Used Jaguar XERange Rover Sport
In theory, the Range Rover Sport should not be able to deliver such a fine long-distance ride while being so utterly incredible when the going gets rough. Yet, it manages to achieve it flawlessly; the Range Rover Sport is a contradiction if ever we saw one, but it has been beautifully executed.
You could well argue that the Range Rover Sport's off-roading capabilities are wasted in the burrows of London. However, the Range Rover Sport offers immense levels of luxury and technology, which are perfect for soothing away the pains of city life.
Land Rover have kindly offered an engine to suit every desire; so whether you want a downright savage 5.0-litre V8, or something a bit more tame in the form of the 3.0-litre V6 diesel, then there is guaranteed to be something for you on the used car market.
Search Used Range Rover SportMercedes-Benz C Class
It is difficult to imagine a world without the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, it is a vehicle that has firmly established itself since its introduction in the early nineties. The original formula of building a robust vehicle that boasts the latest technology has evolved with every generation.
The interior of a C-Class is a lovely place to spend time. Straight away, you will notice the beautiful screens that occupy a large chunk of the dashboard. Meanwhile, the contoured central console merely adds to the premium nature of the C-Class' interior. Factor in unparalleled refinement, and the C-Class is just about perfect.
Mercedes-Benz have you covered on just about everything; whether it is an estate or coupé, or whether it is a full-fat AMG or economical plug-in hybrid model from the EQ range. Take your pick within the parameters set by ULEZ, there is certainly plenty of choice.
Search Used Mercedes-Benz C ClassFind your perfect luxury car exempt from ULEZ
We were genuinely astounded by some of the vehicles that could enter the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone in London without having to pay the daily fee.
The vehicles mentioned above only scratch the surface of what can get in for free, but they do represent an excellent place to start if you want a premium used vehicle that meets the set criteria.
If none of the above are what you are after, you can browse our extensive used car collection online or visit your nearest Stratstone retailer.
