Can I commercialise a new Range Rover?

Hi, I recently spoke with the owner of a second hand BMW X5 and he has commercialised the car by taking out the middle safety belt for the second row. This basically turns it into a four-seater and apparently a commercial, like the Ford Kuga. My question is: is this legal and ok with Revenue, Customs etc? And if so is it possible to do the same with a brand new Range Rover Sport?

Thank you. Martin

Martin O’Meara (Schull)

Dec 2019 Filed under: commercial vehicle

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Expert answer

Hi Martin,

It depends on the age of the X5 as to whether this works. As long as it was registered pre-July 2018, then yeah — it’s fine and legal, although rather more in the letter of the law than the spirit. As for a new Range Rover Sport, the answer is no — that tax loophole was a closed off last year, so no-go I’m afraid.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe