King Charles III officially became head of state for the United Kingdom and Commonwealth on September 8, 2022. The 74-year-old automatically inherited the role, following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II.
During his life prior to ascending the throne, he served in both the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Royal Navy. Following the completion of his service in 1976, he turned to other passions. The areas he was most concerned about include the environment, sustainable farming, and the preservation of architecture.
The British Royal Family has owned and used cars from all the best British brands over the years. King Charles has been no exception, and he has enjoyed some seriously desirable models. Here are 10 of the greatest examples from his car history.
10/10 Aston Martin DB6 Volante
One of the most notable cars owned by King Charles is his stunningly beautiful DB6 Volante. Finished in a gorgeous “Seychelles Blue”, Charles has owned the car since 1970.
The car made a notable appearance during Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding in 2011. William drove it up the Mall from Buckingham Palace, with balloons and ribbons trailing. In line with his concern for the environment, Charles had the car converted to run on bioethanol.
9/10 MGC GT
Owned and driven by King Charles for over 30 years, the MGC GT was clearly a car he enjoyed using. Despite this, the model wasn’t particularly popular with general buyers. Many complained the car needed more time and effort spent on its development.
The MGC GT was powered by a 3.0-liter engine, allowing it to go from 0-60 mph in 10 seconds. Given a long enough run-up, the car topped out at a 120 mph top speed.
8/10 Audi E-tron
King Charles has long been an advocate for the environment. In line with his eco credentials, making the switch to electric vehicles made a lot of sense. The E-Tron was Audi’s first mass-production all-electric vehicle.
The car is powered by dual electric motors and manages to produce 402 hp. The 0-60 mph takes just 5.5 seconds, before topping out at 124 mph. The E-Tron would have been a useful addition to his fleet, with a 226-mile EPA estimated range.
7/10 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante
King Charles was gifted his stunning V8 Vantage Volante by the Emir of Bahrain. As the name suggests, a 5.3-liter V8 generated the performance under its hood.
His Vantage V8 was so popular, Aston Martin crafted and sold another 20 examples in the same ‘Prince Of Wales” or “PoW” specification. The cars sported an understated design while retaining the model’s performance credentials.
6/10 Audi A8
Another Audi model used by the monarch is the brand’s flagship luxury sedan, the A8. Thanks to generous discounts, many members of the royal family have driven Audi models over the years. The new king used a third-generation version known as the D4, produced between 2010 and 2017.
The car was the first production Audi to feature a “Pre Sense” collision avoidance system. This would have no doubt provided some reassurance while he was being taken between engagements. With luxury features such as a 1,400-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system and supremely comfortable rear seats, the A8 would have provided respite.
5/10 Aston Martin Virage Volante
The third drop-top Aston used by King Charles was the Virage Volante, leased from 1994 to 2007. The car was rapid, with a 175 mph top speed from its upgraded 6.3-liter V8 engine. The standard car came with a 5.2-liter V8.
Supposedly, it came complete with a special compartment in the center console. The space was used for storing sugar cubes, ready for feeding his polo ponies.
4/10 Audi A6 Allroad
Demonstrating that King Charles is a relatively understated man, he has owned a number of A6 Allroads. The versatile wagon was selected as a personal vehicle, and both he and his wife Camilla have driven the model over the years. When Charles is not on official duties, he enjoys escaping to the countryside.
The Allroad combines comfort, refinement, and off-road ability, allowing him to glide effortlessly around his estates. Several engine options were available, with a 3.0 liter, twin-turbo V6 proving a popular option. 0-60 mph was possible in just 5.6 seconds, and the car could cruise on to a limited 155mph top speed.
3/10 Bentley State Limousine
Created by Bentley as a one-off, the Arnage-based vehicle was used by the late monarch for two decades. Built to celebrate 50 years of reign, the car featured a “panoramic glasshouse,” to enable crowds to catch a glimpse of the Queen.
Following her death in late 2022, King Charles not only inherited the position of head of state but also the state of Bentley. Two examples were produced and powered by twin-turbocharged, 6.75-liter V8 engines.
2/10 Jaguar I Pace
King Charles purchased an all-electric Jaguar I-Pace back in 2019. The car has been used for official duties, helping to reduce localized air pollution. The I-Pace is ideally suited for his engagements in London, being tailpipe emission-free.
Powered by two electric motors, the car generates a decent 394 hp. The I-Pace is no slouch, blasting from 0-60 mph in just over 4 seconds.
1/10 Rolls Royce Phantom VI
Over the years, the royal family has owned numerous Rolls-Royce Phantoms. The Queen was presented with a Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom VI in 1978 for her Silver Jubilee. The car was heavily used until 2002 when she started using the Bentley State Limousine.
The Phantom VI has most recently been utilized by King Charles III while completing official duties following the Queen’s death. The car has a 6.2 liter V8 in its engine bay, providing plenty of power.
Sources: Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Royal Mews, Bentley Motors, Audi, Jaguar.
