VW introduces monthly subscription to increase car power
1 hour ago Share Save Liv McMahon Technology reporter Share Save
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German car making giant Volkswagen (VW) has introduced a subscription for UK customers wanting to increase the power of some of its electric cars. Those who buy an eligible car in its ID.3 range can choose to pay extra if they want to unlock the full power of the engine inside the vehicle. VW says the "optional power upgrade" will cost £16.50 per month or £165 annually - or people can choose to pay £649 for a lifetime subscription. The firm said it was "offering customers choice" with the feature.
Auto Express, who first reported the story, said a lifetime subscription would be for the car rather than the individual - meaning the upgrade would remain on the car if it was sold on. A VW spokesperson told the BBC they believed giving people the option to purchase more power for their car 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," they said. They added that the power upgrades would allow customers to opt for a "sportier" driving experience at any time, "rather than committing from the outset with a higher initial purchase price". Such offers have proved controversial for some customers in the past, who are displeased they may have to pay to access features which - in some cases - are already present inside the car they own.
'Nothing new'