References – successfully imported vehicles
In brief: Five sample import projects, costed down to the last franc from real vehicle and price data, show what importing a car from Germany actually brings in: the saving against the cheapest comparable Swiss offer runs from CHF 3'501 to CHF 8'134, on import prices between CHF 16'199 and CHF 47'371 — in every case for a vehicle registered and ready to drive.
Finsler Customs has handled a great many vehicle imports from Germany into Switzerland — from compact cars to premium SUVs, for private buyers, companies and Swiss dealerships. The sample case studies below use real figures to show how a typical import runs: the starting position, the customs clearance and the result, including the saving against comparable offers on the Swiss market.
The case studies at a glance
| Vehicle | Import price (registered, ready to drive) | Saving vs. cheapest Swiss offer |
|---|---|---|
| BMW iX1 20 eDrive M Sport (04/2025) | CHF 40'527.66 | CHF 3'770 |
| Audi Q4 e-tron 45 S line (01/2026) | CHF 47'371.18 | CHF 5'547 |
| Volvo XC60 T6 AWD Plus Dark (04/2025) | CHF 41'068.29 | CHF 8'134 |
| Škoda Kodiaq 1.5 TSI Drive (new car) | CHF 38'333.00 | CHF 5'327 |
| Seat Leon 1.0 TSI Style (05/2024) | CHF 16'199.00 | CHF 3'501 |
Anonymised sample case studies with real vehicle and price data – the details of each project follow below.
BMW iX1 20 eDrive M Sport – an electric SUV without the wait
A nearly new iX1 (04/2025, 7'950 km, 204 hp) in M Sport trim with Parking Plus and head-up display – a configuration that in Switzerland only comes with a long wait. Standard clearance with import VAT and automobile tax; the COC (the European certificate of conformity) was on hand. Import price CHF 40'527.66, saving CHF 3'770 against the cheapest comparable Swiss offer.
Audi Q4 e-tron 45 S line – premium electric, no waiting list
A current Q4 e-tron (01/2026, 10'000 km, 286 hp) with 360° camera, SONOS and adaptive cruise control (ACC). Standard clearance as an electric vehicle, Formular 13.20A (the customs assessment decision for motor vehicles), registration in the owner's canton of residence. Import price CHF 47'371.18, saving CHF 5'547.
Volvo XC60 T6 AWD Plus Dark – the family hybrid
A generously equipped plug-in hybrid (04/2025, 31'960 km, 253 hp) with panoramic roof, head-up display and Harman/Kardon sound. Clearance including import VAT and automobile tax, with a complete paper trail. Import price CHF 41'068.29, saving CHF 8'134 – the biggest saving in this selection.
Škoda Kodiaq 1.5 TSI Drive – a new car below list price
A factory-new family SUV with automatic transmission and the COC supplied by the manufacturer. Standard clearance as a new vehicle – without the long Swiss delivery times. Import price CHF 38'333.00, saving CHF 5'327.
Seat Leon 1.0 TSI Style – importing pays off in the compact class too
A young compact car (05/2024, 23'473 km) with CarPlay, LED lighting and adaptive cruise control, priced for a commuter's budget. Import price CHF 16'199.00, saving CHF 3'501 – proof that importing adds up outside the premium segment as well.
Why customers choose Finsler Customs
- Our offices sit right at the Thayngen border crossing in the canton of Schaffhausen – clearance without detours, usually on the same day
- A transparent Swiss final price with nothing hidden – calculated bindingly before you buy
- Full service through to the MFK (Motorfahrzeugkontrolle, the Swiss roadworthiness inspection) and registration in your home canton, every document included
Please note: the case studies shown here are anonymised sample import projects that illustrate how Finsler Customs typically works, using real vehicle and price data. Whether an import adds up for the model you have in mind is something the car import calculator or the guide Is importing a car worth it? will tell you.
Frequently asked questions
How much do you really save importing a car from Germany?
Across the five fully costed sample projects, the saving lies between CHF 3'501 and CHF 8'134 compared with the cheapest comparable Swiss offer. In percentage terms it tends to be larger on higher-priced vehicles, because the fixed incidental costs stay the same.
Are the references real projects?
They are anonymised sample import projects: they reproduce typical procedures with real vehicle and price data and state the model, first registration, mileage, import price and saving — but no customer names.
Which vehicles are especially worth importing?
In the sample projects the largest savings come from premium models: the Volvo XC60 at CHF 8'134, the Audi Q4 e-tron at CHF 5'547. Electric vehicles have a further advantage, because a CO₂ penalty never applies to them.
Figures and deadlines at a glance
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Sample projects costed in full | 5 |
| Range of import prices | CHF 16'199 to CHF 47'371 |
| Range of savings | CHF 3'501 to CHF 8'134 |
| Largest saving | CHF 8'134, Volvo XC60 |
| Automobile tax / import VAT | 4 % / 8.1 % |
| CO₂ penalty on electric vehicles | CHF 0 |
Sources and legal basis
The information on this page rests on the official publications listed below. What counts in every case is the wording of the legislation in force.
- Swiss Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) – importing vehicles into Switzerland
- FOCBS – customs declaration and taxes on vehicle imports
- Automobile Tax Act (AStG, SR 641.51)
- Value Added Tax Act (MWSTG, SR 641.20)
More information
- Car import calculator – work out customs duty, automobile tax, VAT and CO₂
- Have a car imported for you – full service from the search to registration
- All services – import, customs, vehicle sourcing, documents, advice
- Guides – seventeen articles on importing a vehicle
- CO₂ calculator – work out the penalty using the Federal Office of Energy formula
- Transport calculator – guide price for delivery within Switzerland
- Thayngen customs office – opening hours, directions and procedure
- Importing in the canton of Schaffhausen – customs, MFK and registration on the spot
- For German dealers – selling vehicles to Swiss buyers
- About Finsler Customs – the company, the location and how we work
- Contact and advice