Going Fast Is About to Get More Expensive for Some Mercedes-Benz DriversThe automaker will begin charging drivers of its electric cars a yearly subscription fee to accelerate faster.
Luxury automakerMercedes-Benzwill roll out a new line of electric cars that can go fast — at a cost.
Buyers of Mercedes' upcoming EQ all-electric models will have to pay $1,200 a year for the ability to accelerate quickly,The Drivereported. The $1,200 subscription will increase the car's max horsepower and torque and let it accelerate from 0-60 mph up to one second faster. The charge for this "Acceleration Increase" is not unlikeTesla's"Ludicrous mode," which gives drivers a boost of speed for a one-time fee of $10,000.
Related:Mercedes to Show Its Tesla-Fighting Electric Sedan in September
Mercedes and Tesla aren't the only car companies charging for features that drivers have long considered standard in traditional, gas-fueled vehicles. In July, BMW began charging owners of its electric cars $18 a month for heated seats, which was met with outrage from customers, according to theNew York Post. The response eventually prompted BMW torelease a statementclarifying its decision but assuring drivers that the new charge is here to stay.
虽然客户可能会生气s, they could be the new norm in theautomotivesector as automakers troubleshoot different systems in a changing market. As the market for new vehicles has declined in recent years, automakers have shifted their focus to developing software and subscriptions to build a continuous revenue stream, according toThe Verge.
RegardingMercedes' recent subscription package, some drivers are as resentful as BMW owners were just a few months ago, with one Twitter user saying the update is "ripping people off."
@MercedesBenzthis needs to stop. Subscriptions for performance from your car is just ripping people off.
— Ian Thomson (@ianthomson86)November 21, 2022
Everyone needs to let Mercedes (by extension, the industry) know this is not acceptable.#Mercedes#subscription#Capitalismhttps://t.co/yrQNNCoSTx
Related:Mercedes Unveils First Heavy-Duty Electric Delivery Truck