VW subscription service for more power for the ID.3. U.K. only for now.

[Variant_S]

I came across this on the BBC website:

VW introduces monthly subscription to increase car power

The BBC story references this Auto Express article:

Forget Netflix, Volkswagen locks horsepower behind paid subscription

 

[JavierH19]

Absurd. I hate subscription models.

 

[Rand]

They are trying to dip their toe back into it.

All the manufacturers are literally drooling over subscriptions and the $$$

 

[fantastic]

Didn't BMW or some other makers not allow access to simple features w/o a script? Better to at least offer the service? I don't know much about the set-up but it sounds like a money grab at the minimum.

 

[97prizm]

Didn't BMW or some other makers not allow access to simple features w/o a script? Better to at least offer the service? I don't know much about the set-up but it sounds like a money grab at the minimum.

BMW was planning on having a subscription service for the heated seats as 70% order them in the usa. Apparently major backlash and threats of cancelling orders or not buying again. The Mercedes eqs is similar. I think the 4ws option and range or horsepower bump are a subscription or flat one-time fee in Europe but in the USA it was standard. Americans told Mercedes we won't put up with that.

 

[Astro14]

The options for subscription include monthly, yearly, or a single payment lifetime of about $1,000.

VW touts it as offering the customer flexibility, to see if they want, or enjoy, the extra power.

It’s really just financing an option. IF the car is capable of the higher power, offer it to the customer, but signing them up for $20/month to get it vs. just a higher MSRP isn’t in the customer’s best interest.

 

[edyvw]

The options for subscription include monthly, yearly, or a single payment lifetime of about $1,000.

VW touts it as offering the customer flexibility, to see if they want, or enjoy, the extra power.

It’s really just financing an option. IF the car is capable of the higher power, offer it to the customer, but signing them up for $20/month to get it vs. just a higher MSRP isn’t in the customer’s best interest.

In the time when people are actually sick with subscriptions:

People are tired of subscriptions

Here is one that is not behind paywall:

Subscriptions

But then, it is VW. Nothing makes sense since Dieselgate.

 

[Oliveoil2]

This is one of the reasons I’ll never buy another new car. Actually, I haven’t bought new in over 20 yrs. Happy with older well maintained vehicles.

 

[fantastic]

BMW was planning on having a subscription service for the heated seats as 70% order them in the usa. Apparently major backlash and threats of cancelling orders or not buying again. The Mercedes eqs is similar. I think the 4ws option and range or horsepower bump are a subscription or flat one-time fee in Europe but in the USA it was standard. Americans told Mercedes we won't put up with that.

That's it, that's what I was thinking about. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[Rand]

I'm always tempted to use Valvoline. Since the squeeze bags are so easy to use.