Pop star Porsche does good
As a singer, Dua Lipa inspires the masses; as an ambassador for Porsche, she is the face of a luxury brand. At the end of May, the three-time Grammy winner with Kosovan-Albanian roots unveiled a 911 GT3 RS at the Formula 1 GP in Monaco, which she co-designed herself - with turquoise, orange and red paintwork in the style of the 1970s. RM Sotheby's has now auctioned off the sports car for a good cause. The result: 340,000 francs. The proceeds will go to the Sunny Hill Foundation, founded by Dua Lipa in Pristina, Kosovo, which promotes cultural development, educational opportunities and support for young people.

Women's power meets electric power
They are among the best female footballers in the country and are now going electric: the GC women drive Leapmotor. This is made possible by Autocity Emil Frey Zürich-Nord, which has handed over 15 cars to the team from Zurich as part of its sponsorship of the Women's Super League. The commitment is part of Leapmotor's strategy with the aim of establishing strong partnerships in the sports and lifestyle sector. Why does this fit? "The GC women stand for performance, team spirit and leading by example," writes Leapmotor.

Star proud as "Oscar"
How exciting when a celebrated Hollywood actor rides your brand. That's what Lucid thought and has now put its money where its mouth is. The US electric car manufacturer proudly announces that Timothée Chalamet, who was already seen at the wheel of a Lucid Air in 2023, will be a global brand ambassador for several years. From the fall, the 29-year-old Franco-American, who has already been nominated twice for an "Oscar", will appear in the marketing campaign for the new Lucid Gravity electric SUV.

For Monsieur le Président
Emmanuel Macron received his new office on wheels just in time for the French national holiday: the Renault Rafale Présidentiel. Naturally armored - and equipped with patriotism. The paintwork is called "Bleu Présidence" and sparkles in blue, white and red, while the radiator grille features the French national colors. There is also exclusivity for the president on the inside: The dashboard and steering wheel are finished in black Pyrenean marble with white veins running through it. Oh là là!

Icons drive icons
It has long enjoyed cult status: the G-Class from Mercedes Benz. At the beginning of August, the 600,000th G rolled off the production line in Graz, Austria - a G 580 EQ. Artistic gymnastics icon Simone Biles (30 gold medals) is also enthusiastic about this off-road legend. After the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, she presented her new white G on Instagram as the successor to her black G. Curious fact: Biles (previously in a Ford Focus, Cadillac CTS and Range Rover) is 1.42 meters tall, her car is two meters high.

A first-class shuttle
Anyone who flies First Class or treats themselves to the lounge or even the private suites of the Zurich Airport VIP Service does not want to be chauffeured to the jet in a wooden class. That's why there are now seven Lexus LM 350h VIPs on shuttle duty at Zurich Airport. The van with 250 hybrid horsepower only has four seats, but the two lounge chairs in the back offer pure pampering: electrically adjustable, massage function, heating and ventilation. The passenger compartment is separated from the chauffeur's compartment by a 48-inch monitor.

The Nissan Leaf came onto the market almost exactly 15 years ago. Equipped with a 24-kWh battery and with a range of 200 kilometers, it was the first electric car to be produced on a large scale and was the world's best-selling electric car for almost a decade. By the time Nissan launched the second generation in 2017, the competition was already fierce and Tesla had established itself as the market leader. The second Leaf was unable to build on the success of its predecessor. With the recently launched third generation, everything is set to change again. The Leaf is being transformed from a five-door compact car into a stylish coupé-crossover. And although the new model is almost 15 centimetres shorter than its predecessor with a length of 4.35 meters, it looks significantly larger and more grown-up thanks to its SUV-like appearance. The new Leaf is based on the AmpR medium platform from Alliance partner Renault.

Up to 600 kilometers
This makes the Leaf a fully-fledged electric car suitable for everyday use. The 75 kWh battery is said to enable a range of 600 kilometers (according to WLTP) and can be charged with up to 150 kW. With the V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) function, external consumers can be supplied with up to 3.6 kW of electrical power and V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) is also already prepared, allowing electricity to be fed back into the grid. Those who are satisfied with a shorter range can opt for the variant with a 52 kWh battery and a range of 436 kilometers. The engine output is directly linked to the battery size: with the larger battery, the electric motor delivers 160 kW/217 hp, with the smaller battery it is 133 kW/177 hp. In both cases, only the front axle is driven.

Even though the Leaf is based on the Renault platform, it has little in common with the French manufacturer's models apart from the technical basis. It is much more oriented towards its big brother, the Nissan Ariya, which uses the same platform. The Leaf shares the closed radiator grille, the V-shaped downward-pointing lights and the curved roofline with the Ariya. Nissan has also hidden a whole series of so-called "Easter Eggs" in and on the car: the number combination "2-3" can be found in various places, including in the rear lights, which consist of two vertical and three horizontal elements. "2-3" is pronounced "Ni-San" in Japanese - almost like the manufacturer's name.

The Leaf also skillfully adopts the design language of the Ariya in the interior, with a two-spoke steering wheel and the two screens, which are based on the simple dashboard. The center console does not extend all the way to the front, which creates a liberated feeling of space - however, the selector lever also had to make way for four push buttons, which require some getting used to. Apart from that, the new Leaf drives as you would expect from an electric compact SUV, with smooth steering, softly tuned dampers and even acceleration. Prices for the new Leaf have not yet been set and it is expected to arrive in Europe in early 2026.

New Micra as R5 clone
Even before that, Nissan is launching what is now the sixth generation of the popular Micra small car. This will also be purely electric and uses Renault technology - albeit more extensively than the Leaf. Only the materials in the interior and some body parts have been adapted, the rest has been taken from the Renault 5.

Nissan makes no secret of the close relationship: "Everything that is painted in the color of the car is from us. We took the rest from Renault," was the open statement made at the presentation of the new model. Which is certainly no bad thing, as it currently holds the title of "Car of the Year" and offers more charm and driving pleasure than almost any other small electric car.

This transforms the Nissan Micra from a wallflower into a fun small car with 110 kW/150 hp on the front axle. As with the previous generations, the new Micra will not undercut the competition in terms of price. Despite the market launch in September, Nissan has not yet announced any prices, but it can be assumed that these will not differ greatly from the Renault 5.

Car subscriptions have a whole range of advantages: A car only for as long as you need it - and on top of that, the opportunity to try out a different type of drive. Are you ready to switch from a combustion engine to a plug-in hybrid or even an electric car? Because the car subscription can do what a normal test drive cannot in its brevity: During the test drive, the almost silent and very dynamic electric runabout was a lot of fun - but only longer use (subscriptions are often available for a month or more) will also answer questions about charging infrastructure or whether the range is suitable for everyday use.

Find out in everyday life whether an electric car fits
In this way, electric mobility can be tested without making a long-term commitment or taking financial risks. Thanks to short terms of just one or three months in some cases and fixed, calculable installments, an electric car allows you to see over time whether an electric car really suits your everyday needs or whether a hybrid or combustion engine is more suitable.

The Amag subsidiary Clyde has been facilitating the switch to e-mobility since 2024. This was the first subscription solution in Switzerland to offer exclusively e-mobility and, as part of the Amag Group, holistic e-mobility solutions. Owners of their own solar system even benefit twice over: when charging a Clyde e-car, they receive almost twice the tariff that they would normally receive for solar power. But Clyde is no longer the only provider to focus on electric vehicles. Also Carvolution, Carify or FlatDrive and of course the various manufacturers themselves offer subscriptions for e-vehicles. Perhaps the right model for you?

Against range anxiety and residual value anxiety
One point that is still causing headaches not only for owners, but even for manufacturers and importers of e-cars, because there is simply a lack of empirical values, is their residual value when the car is used. This is not even about the capacity of the traction battery, which decreases with charging and age. This is because high-voltage batteries last much longer than expected: in an endurance test over 160,000 km by the German ADAC, a VW ID.3 Pro S still had 91 percent of its original storage capacity - well above the manufacturer's warranty. Good news also with regard to the residual value calculation, as the residual value is difficult to calculate. In addition to buying interest, it is also influenced by a new e-model with possibly better battery technology and more range as well as faster charging speed.

Definitely a risk for e-car owners. With a subscription, you don't have to worry about this and can simply switch to a new model when the subscription expires, perhaps even with a longer range. Many uncertainties surrounding the purchase of an e-car or, in the case of companies, the integration of e-vehicles into the fleet can thus be eliminated. In addition, a subscription during the use of the car may clear up any unanswered questions about the charging infrastructure - whether at home, in the office or during the first vacation trip, which had always been put forward as an argument against an e-car due to range anxiety.

The BYD Dolphin Surf, which is just 3.99 meters long and 1.72 meters wide, is somehow cuddly and yet also striking. The angular design of the Chinese city runabout has something about it and stands out well even in the rather boring eggshell white of the test car. The four-seater is also available in much more upbeat and bright colors. Then the cheeky silhouette with the raised plastic planking, the eye-catching front lights and, above all, the cheeky roof spoiler at the rear of the small car would probably stand out even better. Even so, it is an eye-catcher on the streets of Zurich.

There is enough space in the front, but there should be a little more legroom and headroom in the rear. At 308 liters, the trunk isn't exactly huge, but it's enough for everyday use and even a slightly larger shopping trip. If necessary, the two rear seats can be folded down to create up to 1037 liters of storage space, which is enough for a week's shopping. The seats with their vegan leather upholstery are really comfortable and also nice to look at. The little Dolphin Surf also impresses with its 10.1-inch central display for infotainment and navigation, which can be rotated at the touch of a button.

But the BYD is very focused on safety. As soon as you turn your gaze briefly to the central display, you are warned. "Watch out!" says the nice lady from off-screen as soon as the small surveillance camera in the A-pillar notices that the driver is not looking at the road. Well-intentioned, but a little overcautious and overzealous, so it soon becomes a little annoying. But it doesn't matter, after all, most driver assistance systems can be switched off and the otherwise often intrusive cruise warning system is also very restrained in the Dolphin Surf. Overall, in addition to driver and front passenger airbags, curtain airbags and front side airbags, as well as intelligent cruise control, an automatic emergency braking system, lane departure warning and automatic high beam control, the Chinese car certainly scores highly in terms of occupant protection.

The handling of the four-seater is also impressive. The 115 kW/156 hp and 220 Nm of the electric drive are easily sufficient for the front-wheel drive vehicle, which weighs just under 1.4 tons. In terms of range, you can also plan longer trips without too many charging stops. The 43.2 kWh drive battery allows a WLTP range of up to 310 km. As our short test showed, the figures are quite honest and just under 300 kilometers can actually be achieved. This means that the electric car not only has a trunk capacity of 308 liters, but also an electric range of around 308 km in everyday use - a funny coincidence.

If you still want more range, you should order the BYD as a "Boost". This variant is also equipped with the large drive battery, but has a slightly less dynamic electric drive (65 kW/88 hp), which should be enough for an electric range of up to 322 km. If you often drive in the city and not on freeways, it should even be up to 510 km according to WLTP. Incidentally, the same electric drive is also available in the entry-level "Active" version, but in combination with a smaller 30 kWh battery. This has an impact on the price: the "Active" version of the Dolphin Surf is available from CHF 20,990, while the "Comfort" version of the BYD costs at least CHF 28,990; however, compared to other electric vehicles - also in terms of range - this is still a fair offer.

Expert opinion: BYD Dolphin Surf "Comfort"
The BYD is a cheeky little electric car with a long range at a fair price, making it an ideal city car for longer journeys.
Advantages
+ Good workmanship, rotating central display
+ Convincing drive and good range
+ fair price
Disadvantages
- Overzealous driver assistance systems
- Legroom and headroom in the rear

With 703 units sold, the attractive EX30 city SUV from Volvo is already the Swedes' second most popular model in this country behind the global and eternal bestseller XC60. Now the electric SUV is emulating its bigger brother and, based on the top-of-the-range "Ultra" trim level, it is now driving forward as a robust Cross Country. The cross-country lettering in the C-pillars and under the license plate (rear) as well as the underride guard and the widened wheel arches add a touch of adventure.

Despite the standard 4×4, the small Volvo is not intended for tough off-road passages and will not move any mountains with the additional 1.9 centimetres and thus a total of 19 centimetres of ground clearance; and yet it is always on the road with a mountain. This is because the striking, dark plastic cover at the front is adorned with not only the elevation curves, but also the coordinates of the highest Swedish mountain. The numbers 67°54'0''N, 18°31'0''E refer to the Kebnekaise. This is located in the very north of Sweden, 70 kilometers west of Kiruna, has an altitude of 2096.8 m above sea level and its Sami name means something like "kettle ridge".

And because Volvo has also recognized the "back to nature" trend, the EX30 Cross Country comes with a whole range of optional accessories. A load carrier, a roof box, 18-inch off-road tires and special mud flaps are designed to provide an even more intensive "Cross Country Experience". Volvo even wants to gradually build up an entire ecosystem with practical equipment for excursions into nature around its Cross Country models.

We start the test drive towards the picturesque archipelago near Gothenburg with the 4.23 m long and 1.84 m wide four-wheeler without accessories and glide comfortably over the asphalt. Thanks to the adjustments to the chassis, the five-seater will certainly be able to cope better with slippery conditions and unpaved roads, but the cheeky Viking will certainly be driving on asphalt most of the time. This is where the powerful twin-motor performance drive, which combines two electric motors with a total of 315 kW/428 hp and 543 Nm, makes the most sense. They even catapult the EX30 Cross Country to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds! However, if the driving style is too sporty, the electric range of 425 kilometers according to the WLTP is a waste of time. But it doesn't matter, because charging the 69-kWh drive battery from 10 to 80 percent takes just 27 minutes at a fast-charging station thanks to the 153-kW charging power.

Inside, the Volvo has the usual high-quality feel, right down to the large, hinged storage compartment on the floor between the driver and front passenger, and impresses with its Nordic flair. You even get used to the combination of driver and information display in the center of the dashboard surprisingly quickly and only look for speed and driver information behind the steering wheel for the first few kilometers. The free-standing touchscreen, reminiscent of a tablet, is intuitive to operate and is based on the latest generation Android Automotive infotainment system with integrated Google services.

All in all, the Volvo EX30 Cross Country is a successful mix of agile city car, smart e-sports car and robust all-wheel-drive vehicle, but at 53,850 Swiss francs it comes at a price.

The figure makes frightening reading: according to the Federal Roads Office (Astra), 455 children suffered an accident on the way to school in 2024 - more than one child per day. To make the journey to school safer, the Touring Club Switzerland (TCS) is launching a national campaign on behalf of the Road Safety Fund (FVS), just in time for the start of the new school year. The aim is to encourage drivers to take "effective measures and be particularly vigilant", as the TCS puts it.

At the heart of the campaign is the slogan "Luege, Brämse, Halte". Luege" means to always be vigilant in order to recognize unexpectedly appearing children at an early stage. "Brämse" ensures a timely reaction - especially in areas with poor visibility or little traffic, where a child could cross the road without warning. Finally, "stopping" is the be-all and end-all: children are not yet able to correctly assess the speed of vehicles. This means that they can only cross the road safely when the cars have come to a standstill.

The message according to TCS: "While children learn to move independently in public spaces, adults must also adapt their driving behavior and sharpen their attention." After all, road safety is a shared responsibility. The TCS is enlisting the help of various partners to make the campaign a success: Police instructors (school visits), schools and teachers (by integrating the content into lessons), the municipalities (by putting up signs, posters and banners) and, last but not least, parents, who should set a good example and teach their children to be independent.

An important element of the campaign, which will be extended over three years, is a fragrance tree developed with Farfalla, the Swiss market leader in aromatherapy. The children make the scent tree in class and give it to their parents to hang in the car. The idea: the personalized figure constantly reminds drivers how important it is to drive carefully and rethink their driving habits. The scent should also contribute to a relaxed driving style and promote concentration.

Tips from the TCS for a safe start to the new school year

Put the motto "Luege, Brämse, Halt" into practice at the wheel.

Choose a safe route on foot and explain the correct behavior to the child (where to go, how to behave towards a vehicle, etc.).

Teach your child to cross the road safely even without pedestrian crossings (30 km/h zones), near bus stops or when visibility is limited.

Practicing riding a bike or scooter and obeying traffic rules with your child. This includes Games, fun brochures and tips from TCS available to deepen your knowledge.

Wear light-colored clothing and attach reflective elements (stickers, homemade accessories, etc.) to the child's belongings and equipment.

Ride your bike or scooter to school regularly, especially at the beginning of the new school year.

For people without children or with small children Safe2School Alert the option of receiving information about the first day of school via WhatsApp so that they know when to expect lots of children on the way to school.

While Kia is in the fast lane with its electric models - five models from the compact EV3 to the stately EV9 as well as the modular PBV commercial vehicle platform speak for themselves - the backbone of the brand remains a classic combustion engine: the Sportage. Since its launch in 1994, the SUV has sold over seven million units worldwide and its success in Switzerland remains unbroken. In the first half of the year, almost every third Kia sold was a Sportage - even though the current generation has been on the market virtually unchanged for almost four years. The facelift now presented remains true to the recipe for success: a wide range of drive systems, from pure petrol and diesel to mild, full and plug-in hybrids. "The diesel version will not be available in Switzerland and therefore no mild hybrid," explains Philipp Reis, PR & Communication Specialist at Kia, "but many variants will still be available with all-wheel drive - an important argument on the Swiss market.

Familiar design language
Despite a slightly shorter wheelbase, the revised Sportage offers the same amount of space as its predecessor. This is made possible by the extended overhangs. This makes the handling more dynamic without compromising the interior. The latter has been comprehensively revised: more recycled materials, more mono materials and a generally tidier design in the style of the EV models. The continuous display unit consisting of two 12.3-inch screens, combined with a 10-inch head-up display and a two-spoke steering wheel, creates a modern look. Kia paid particular attention to the center console. Instead of piano lacquer, matt plastic is now used there. According to Kia, they listened to the criticism from customers who complained about the constant fingerprints and scratches.

In terms of technology, the Sportage comes with new assistance systems, such as the highway assistant, which can now also handle assisted lane changes. Less pleasing is the fact that the warning messages, such as the speed limit detection, can only be deactivated in a cumbersome manner. The Sportage also has a much more modern look, adopting the brand's typical "Opposites United" design. The slightly sloping roofline, the strikingly rising window line and the new headlights with characteristic LED signature - already familiar from the EV3, EV9 and Picanto - give the compact SUV a fresh but recognizable face.

At the market launch, the petrol versions will be available first, with the hybrid and plug-in hybrid following later. Swiss prices are not yet known, but will be announced in September.

The days when you had to spend a lot of money on an electric car are definitely over. Just two years ago, the price range of the ten cheapest e-cars in Switzerland was between 19,990 and 33,600 francs. This range has now fallen significantly to between 15,000 and 24,990 francs.

Economies of scale due to larger quantities and falling battery prices have pushed the production costs of electric vehicles down to the level of combustion models. The established manufacturers are also coming under increasing price pressure, because: New competitors from China are bringing very inexpensive models to Switzerland. The result is a large and varied selection of affordable electric cars.

Start at 15,000 francs
The Dacia Spring remains the cheapest electric car in Switzerland. However, the Renault subsidiary has had to significantly reduce its prices. A new basic version with 33 kW/45 hp is now available from just 15,000 francs. With a 26.8 kWh battery, it has a range of up to 229 kilometers and can be charged with a maximum of 30 kW (DC) - which is more than enough for a small city runabout.

Second place goes to the JAC e-JS1, a subcompact car with a length of 3.65 meters, which is available from CHF 16,989. The Chinese brand JAC came to Switzerland via the direct import of Auto Kunz in Wohlen AG. After decades of success in vehicle import and trade, a new milestone was reached in May 2025 with the spin-off of the JAC brand from the Aargau-based company. The founding of JAC Schweiz AG as an independent company and member of the Auto Kunz Group marks an important step towards further professionalization and specialization. With a 31.4-kWh battery, the JAC "toddler" achieves a remarkable WLTP range of 330 kilometers. However, if you want a DC fast-charging function (25 kW), you will have to spend at least 18,289 Swiss francs.

In third place comes another Mini-Chinese, the Leapmotor T03. 3.62 meters short, 70 kW/95 hp, with a standard range of 265 kilometers and 45 kW DC charging power - the T03 is well positioned at a base price starting at 16,990 Swiss francs. One place behind is the 4.03 meter long JAC E30X, which is available from 22,989 francs and is a good offer with an output of 100 kW/136 hp, a standard range of 374 kilometers and 60 kW charging power (DC).

Four for the same price
The Hyundai Inster (from 23,990 francs) in fifth place is the only Korean in the top 10. The 3.82-metre-long small car impresses with 71 kW/97 hp, a 42 kWh battery for a standard range of 327 kilometers and a DC charging capacity of 73 kW. The version with a larger battery and 370 kilometers starts at 28,000 Swiss francs. Another JAC follows directly behind: the new e-JS4 is 4.41 meters long, has a battery capacity of 65.7 kWh and manages 410 WLTP kilometers. With a drive power of 142 kW/193 hp and 60 kW DC charging power, the Chinese is available from 24,989 francs.

The current top 10 of the cheapest electric cars in Switzerland is rounded off by a quartet starting at CHF 24,990. The 4.01 meter long Citroën e-C3 with an output of 83 kW/113 hp, a 44 kWh LFP battery for a standard range of 320 kilometers and a DC charging capacity of 100 kW costs exactly the same as its technically identical sibling, the Fiat Grande Panda.

The Fiat 500e, which has been available for some time, is also available at this price - two years ago, this model cost at least 30,490 francs. In the meantime, the 3.63-metre-long retro car is available in a new basic version with an output of 70 kW/95 hp and a battery capacity of 23.8 kWh, but the little Fiat only has a standard range of 180 kilometers. Charging takes place with a maximum of 50 kW. The new Renault 5, which completes this quartet and thus the top 10, is also fully committed to the retro look. It is 3.92 meters long, 70 kW/95 hp, has a 40 kWh battery with 100 kW charging power and can therefore cover 300 kilometers.

No Japanese, no Germans
This list only includes fully-fledged passenger cars in the M1 class, based on the official base price. Light vehicles such as the Citroën Ami are not included.

But it is not only in the lowest price range that the range of Stromer models has grown. There are now 15 models under 30,000 francs, compared to just six two years ago. And the choice is also increasing in the range up to 60,000 francs.

The breakdown by country is exciting: China dominates the current top 10 with four models, followed by France (3), Italy (2) and Korea (1). Japan, Germany and the USA are missing from the top list, despite announcements of cheaper models from VW and Tesla, for example - so there is still potential to catch up here.

How many grains of sand are there on all the beaches in the world? Nobody knows - yet Mercedes claims that the superbrain in the new CLA masters more computing processes in eight hours than there are grains of sand.

The computing power is indeed very impressive: the liquid-cooled supercomputer called MB.OS, which forms the basis for all vehicle functions of the new 800-volt architecture from Mercedes, manages 254 trillion operations per second. It controls the infotainment system, coordinates eight cameras, five radar sensors and twelve ultrasonic sensors for semi-autonomous driving and various other assistance systems, regulates the comfort features on board and controls the driving and charging functions. The system decouples the software from the hardware - making over-the-air updates of the entire vehicle software, including the driver assistance systems, possible for the first time.

Empathetic thanks to AI
The driver feels this new dimension of computing power above all when interacting with the MBUX infotainment system. This integrates artificial intelligence (AI) from both Microsoft and Google, which should enable the voice assistant to conduct complex, multi-part dialogs. This worked reasonably well on our test drive, but the system revealed some communication problems and knowledge gaps, despite the combined forces of ChatGPT and Microsoft Bing.

The new computing power also enables even more intelligent route planning by the navigation system, which is based on Google Maps in the new CLA and also uses AI to determine the fastest route, including charging stops. The navigation system not only reacts dynamically to the traffic situation or a change in driving style, but also takes into account the topography, wind conditions, ambient temperature and heating and cooling requirements in order to suggest charging stops en route more precisely and efficiently.

The information from the new infotainment system is displayed on up to three screens. There is also a large head-up display that projects the most important information into the driver's field of vision. The optional front passenger display can also be used to access streaming services such as Disney+ or play video games via a wireless Bluetooth controller. Of course, these services are only displayed on the main screen for the driver when the vehicle is stationary.

Also as a combustion engine
Of course, the new CLA can also drive, and not just comfortably, but also very efficiently. This is primarily thanks to the good aerodynamics of the 4.72-meter-long saloon with a drag coefficient (c_wPowered by a lithium-ion battery with 85 kWh capacity, the rear-wheel drive CLA 250+ with 200 kW/272 hp output (from CHF 61,900) achieves a WLTP consumption of 12.2 kWh per 100 kilometers at best - that is outstandingly good. On our test drive, mostly on country roads with few city and highway stretches, we achieved an average of less than 15 kWh. The standard range according to the WLTP is up to 792 kilometers for this model.

The more powerful all-wheel drive version CLA 350 4matic with a system output of 260 kW/354 hp (from CHF 63,900) does not consume much more in the WLTP cycle and thus achieves a standard range of up to 770 kilometers. However, the sporty performance (0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds) is not often enjoyed. The basic CLA 200 version with a smaller battery (58 kWh) will be added at the end of the year. Thanks to the new 800-volt architecture, the charging capacity has been increased to a maximum of 320 kW. In the best case scenario, a range of up to 325 kilometers can be recharged in just 10 minutes.

And for those who prefer filling up to charging, there is no need to despair: the new CLA will also be available with a combustion engine from the end of the year, in the form of a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, which will be offered in three power levels and with front-wheel and all-wheel drive.

Shooting Brake: more space, more style
Those who want an estate version of the CLA with more space will also have to wait until the end of the year - that's when the CLA Shooting Brake arrives at dealerships. The drive variants are the same as those of the saloon, although the Shooting Brake offers more storage space with 455 to 1209 liters (saloon: 405 liters). The electric versions also have a "frunk" under the hood with a volume of 100 liters. Prices for the CLA Shooting Brake are not yet known.

Ever since DS Automobiles emancipated itself from Citroën, the luxury subsidiary has been fully committed to the premium card. However, a genuine flagship has been missing until now. With the DS9, a 4.9-meter-long saloon was launched - but it was not well received by the solvent customer base. Most recently, the DS7 SUV was the top model, but with a length of 4.6 meters, it is not really suitable as the flagship of a premium brand. But because the whole of France had no more luxurious vehicle to offer, President Emmanuel Macron was recently driven around in it, which at least helped the brand to gain some prestige.

Now DS is finally going all out and launching the No.8, a flagship that deserves the name. La Grande Nation finally has a vehicle that is the right size for a state limousine, even if the No.8 is not a limousine at all. At least not really. President Macron has already waved to the cameras from an armored version - the series version will hit the road in the fall. We have already been on a test drive.

Up to 750 kilometers e-range
The No.8 rolls up to the Élysée Palace as well as to Swiss dealers, where it will be launched in September at prices starting from 49,900 francs. The basic version is available with front-wheel drive, 169 kW/230 hp and a 73.7 kWh battery, which provides a standard range of 550 kilometers. The front-wheel drive version with a 97.2 kWh battery and 180 kW/245 hp has a range of up to 750 kilometers and costs from 64,900 Swiss francs. The top all-wheel drive model with 257 kW/350 hp can cover 688 kilometers with the same battery and costs 5,000 francs more. All variants charge with a maximum of 160 kW.

The body shape and exterior design are as eccentric as you would expect from the DS brand: A kind of higher saloon or a flat SUV with a hatchback with a sabre-tooth light signature, like its sister company Peugeot already had. The interior is lined with high-quality materials and equipped with various pampering features.

You sit very comfortably, nestled as if in a cocoon, and enjoy the pronounced silence on board. The steering is a little spongy in the center position, you have to get used to the special steering wheel, but the driving comfort in the No.8 is high, the performance is more than sufficient and you are sure to attract the attention of passers-by. The brand's new flagship is therefore likely to appeal not only to Emmanuel Macron, but also to Swiss car buyers.