Major car brand to lock new model's full power behind monthly subscription as fans blast ‘this will be the future'
PLUG IN Major car brand to lock new model's full power behind monthly subscription as fans blast 'this will be the future'
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VOLKSWAGEN has come under fire after it was revealed they look set to introduce a subscription model to unlock the full power in two of its electric cars.
Buyers will have to pay a monthly or annual fee to access the maximum performance of two EV models - with fans worried it could see the beginnings of a future where manufacturers charge ongoing fees for features already built into vehicles.
4
VW have been criticised for introducing a subscription model to unlock the full power in two iterations of the ID.3 model
Credit: Volkswagen
4
For a monthly fee, the car's performance could be increased from 201bhp to 228bhp
Credit: Volkswagen
4
Various payment options are available, including a £16.50 per month option
Credit: Volkswagen
4
Many feel that paying extra to unlock existing capabilities feels exploitative and view it as a shift towards monetising basic functions
Credit: Volkswagen
According to Auto Express, UK customers will soon be forced by the German brand to fork out extra to unlock additional power in the ID.3 Pro and ID.3 Pro S.
The subscription will allow owners to pay for an upgrade that increases the car's performance from 201bhp to 228bhp and increase the torque from 265Nm to 310Nm
Various payment options are available; £16.50 per month, £165 annually or £649 for a lifetime subscription.
Auto Express added that the lifetime option is tied to the car, not the individual, meaning the enhanced performance remains even if the car is sold.
VW says this approach offers customers flexibility, allowing them to opt for a sportier driving experience without committing to a higher upfront purchase price.
In a statement, the firm added: 'Offering more power to customers is nothing new - historically many petrol and diesel vehicles have been offered with engines of the same size, but with the possibility of choosing one with more potency.
'These traditionally are higher up in the product range, with more specification and a higher list price.
'If customers wish to have an even sportier driving experience, they now have an option to do so, within the life of the vehicle, rather than committing from the outset with a higher initial purchase price.
'The car is presented on the configurator with [201bhp], with the option made very clear to customers.'
SUBSCIPTION ECONOMY
The concept of charging for subscription-based add-ons for features like heated seats or improved acceleration.has already been present in vehicles built by the likes of BMW and Mercedes in the past.
The world's most famous hatchback turned 50 in 2024 – key reasons why it's still going strong and loved by millions
However, many drivers feel that paying extra to unlock existing capabilities feels exploitative and view it as a shift towards monetising basic functions, further adding to the growing "subscription economy."
Taking to social media, many made their feelings very clear.
'Every single manufacturer pushing stuff like this deserves to fail,' said one user on X.
Another added: 'I like 20 years you'll need to pay a monthly subscription to even drive the car you own.
'It's the long con so companies can make money off you even after your card is paid off.'
A third commented: 'Stop supporting companies that wanna just squeeze you for every dime.'
And fourth wrote: 'That'll be the lowest selling car in their lineup and it won't be close.'
The issue has already brought about an intriguing debate around 'jailbreaking', which refers to modifying or hacking a vehicle's software to unlock features or capabilities that are restricted.
In the case of VW's ID.3 subscription model, jailbreaking could involve bypassing the software locks that prevent access to the car's full power without paying the subscription fee.
Jailbreaking, though, typically violates the terms of the manufacturer's warranty, meaning the owner would have to pay for repairs out of pocket, while hacking a car's software could result in legal action from the manufacturer.
What's more, modifying software can lead to unintended consequences, such as disabling essential safety systems like ABS or airbags.
It could also cause glitches, malfunctions or reduced performance.
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