The Swiss automotive landscape in 2025 is defined by a fascinating contradiction: while environmental discussions are heating up, the appetite for large SUVs remains insatiable.
A comprehensive analysis of AutoScout24 data covering the first three quarters of 2025 highlights a market in transition. From the rapid rise of plug-in hybrids to the surprising pragmatism of Generation Z, here is what the data tells us about the current state of Swiss roads.
1. The Green Wave: Alternative Fuels are Booming
Despite the love for traditional body types, what lies under the hood is changing fast. The data shows a decisive shift away from conventional combustion engines toward electrified powertrains.
In the third quarter of 2025, listings for vehicles with alternative fuel types surged:
- Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs): The clear winner, with listings up by over 40% year-on-year.
- Mild Hybrids: Recorded a 21.4% increase.
- Electric Vehicles (EVs): Listings grew by 10.9%.
The Expert Take: Alberto Sanz de Lama, Managing Director of AutoScout24, notes: “The current figures show that alternative fuel types are playing an increasingly important role in the market. The shift away from conventional combustion engines is accelerating.”
2. The SUV Paradox: Unshakable Popularity
You might expect strict CO2 targets and talk of an “SUV tax” to dampen enthusiasm for large vehicles. The reality? The opposite is happening.
SUVs remain the absolute favorite vehicle type in Switzerland. In the third quarter of 2025 alone, listings for new SUVs rose by 4.6% to over 27,000 vehicles.
- New Market: Demand for new SUVs jumped by 26.8% quarter-on-quarter.
- Used Market: The supply of used SUVs continues to grow, with over 150,000 listed in the first half of the year.
3. Price Watch: Electric Cars Are Getting Cheaper
If you have been waiting to switch to electric, 2025 might be your year. The “supply shock” predicted earlier in the year has materialized, putting significant downward pressure on prices.
While the average price for new cars remained relatively stable (hovering around CHF 62,458), the used market tells a different story:
- Used Electric Vehicles: Prices dropped by 1.3% in Q3, continuing a trend that saw year-on-year drops of over 8%.
- Used Diesels: Saw the sharpest decline, losing 6.4% in value.
- Used Petrol: Dropped by roughly 1.5%.
Conversely, the high demand for plug-in hybrids has driven their prices up by nearly 5% in the used sector.
Price Changes by Fuel Type (Q3 2025)
| Fuel Type | New Car Price Trend | Used Car Price Trend |
| Diesel | +1.3% ⬆ | -6.4% ⬇ |
| Petrol | -2.9% ⬇ | -1.5% ⬇ |
| Electric (BEV) | -0.8% ⬇ | -1.3% ⬇ |
| Plug-in Hybrid | +1.3% ⬆ | +4.9% ⬇ |
4. Generation Z: Status, Fun, and TikTok
A recent representative survey reveals that for Swiss drivers aged 18–29 (Gen Z), the car is far more than just a tool for mobility—it is a lifestyle statement.
Unlike older generations who prioritize utility, Gen Z drivers:
- Value Status: They are significantly more likely to agree that “a car is a status symbol.”
- Go Digital: They bypass traditional dealerships in favor of automotive blogs, Instagram, and TikTok for advice.
- Remain Pragmatic: While 66% can imagine buying an EV, they are currently more likely to choose petrol engines due to cost.
- Reject Sharing: Carsharing is viewed as inconvenient; 82% prefer to drive their own vehicle.
5. Chinese Brands Gaining Traction
As price becomes a critical factor, Chinese automotive brands are finding a foothold. Searches for brands like BYD quadrupled early in the year. A September survey indicated that 40% of Swiss drivers are open to buying a Chinese car, primarily attracted by the superior price-performance ratio.
Conclusion: A Buyer’s Market for EVs?
The 2025 data paints a clear picture: The supply of vehicles is up, and vehicles are selling faster than before. For buyers, the market offers a unique window of opportunity—especially if you are looking for a used electric vehicle or a traditional hatchback, which are currently facing price drops. However, if your heart is set on a Plug-in Hybrid SUV, be prepared to face stiff competition and rising prices.