Summary
Volkswagen has started offering UK customers the option to pay a monthly subscription to increase the power of certain electric cars. The power upgrade is available for cars in VW's ID.3 range and offers different payment options, including monthly, annually, or a one-time fee for the car's lifetime. Other carmakers like BMW and Mercedes have also used subscription models for adding extra features to vehicles.
Key Facts
- Volkswagen (VW) now offers a subscription service in the UK to enhance the power of some electric cars in the ID.3 range.
- The power upgrade costs £16.50 per month, £165 per year, or £649 for a lifetime subscription.
- The lifetime subscription applies to the car itself, not the owner, so the enhanced feature stays with the car if sold.
- VW says offering power upgrades via subscription is similar to traditional options allowing different power levels in petrol and diesel cars.
- Other companies, like BMW and Mercedes, also use subscriptions for certain car features, including heated seats and faster acceleration.
- Some customers express concern about paying for features already present in the car.
- A survey showed a decline in people willing to pay for new car features through subscriptions.
- Despite some resistance, the overall subscription market is expected to grow significantly.
