Cost of living in Switzerland: Mercedes 600 S-Class
Home > Relocation Guide > Country information > Cost of living > Cars > Mercedes
 Luxury, safety and power all in one: a 12-cylinder engine with a power output of 367 hp, luxury interior that includes telephone, television (front and back), air conditioning and a GPS navigation system. It's the flagship automobile of the prestigious German manufacturer. The official price at the garage is 200,000 CHF. Don't hesitate to ask for a discount if you pay cash. The cost of yearly mandatory maintenance is approximately 1,000 CHF for a Mercedes 600.
Insurance
For this model, you can negotiate your insurance premium according to the safety and security features fitted for your car (anti-theft device, garage with surveillance system, etc.) Here are the prices indicative of insurance premiums based on a 500-CHF deductible:
| Type of insurance | Annual cost | Third-party liability | 1,400 to 1,600 CHF | | Restricted coverage | 4,500 to 5,000 CHF | | Fully comprehensive | 7,500 to 8,000 CHF | |
We also suggest that you take out an insurance policy to cover your passengers in the case of an accident for approximately 120 CHF per year, as well free legal protection in the case of dispute for approximately 100 CHF per year.
Registering a vehicle
You will first have to pay the amount of 150 CHF to obtain your license plates. Then you will pay an annual cantonal tax calculated on a pro rata basis on your vehicle's engine capacity.
For a Mercedes 600 S-Class, this tax comes to 994 CHF.
Gas
Gas in Switzerland is less taxed than in neighboring Italy or France. Many people who live near the border of these countries come to Switzerland to fill their tanks. Gas prices follow fluctuations in crude oil prices, but generally remain in the 1.10 to 1.40 CHF/liter range. 
The price of gas in Switzerland: 1998-2000 variations |
|
Highways
There are no tolls in Switzerland, but each year you must purchase a 40-franc road tax disk (like a license tag), which authorizes you to drive on the highways.
Parking
In the downtown areas of major Swiss cities, there is generally a charge for parking (1.50 CHF/hour). An hour of underground parking in Geneva costs 2 CHF. But careful! Parking tickets can quickly put a hole in your pocketbook: a 40-franc fine for going over the time limit and a 120-franc fine for unauthorized parking! | 
)