Volkswagen has introduced a subscription plan for its smallest electric vehicle, the ID.3, in the UK, sparking alarm among owners and potential buyers. The plan requires an additional £22.30 monthly payment to unlock 27 more horsepower, with the option to pay £878 upfront for permanent access.
The ID.3 already starts at around £41,770 and is registered at 228 horsepower, which affects insurance rates. However, owners will only receive 201 horsepower through the subscription plan. The upgraded power increases torque from 195 lb-ft to 228 lb-ft, but Volkswagen claims it does not impact the vehicle’s range.
The plan applies to all ID.3 trims except for the GTX variant, which costs £21,600 more and comes with a total price tag of around £63,000. The move has raised concerns about consumer rights and the normalization of software-locking features in vehicles.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Volkswagen will reconsider its plan following public outcry. In related news, similar practices have been implemented by rival manufacturers BMW and Mercedes-Benz, prompting calls for change in the industry.
Source: https://www.thedrive.com/news/even-volkswagen-is-doing-horsepower-subscriptions-now