Mercedes-Benz Offers Power Boost ‘Subscription Plan’ For Its EVs

The subscription-based business model is a common thing nowadays. From music to TV shows and even vehicles, this business model enables more folks to enjoy certain services and amenities at their own conveniences, without having to purchase said items. Unfortunately, some carmakers see this as an instant cash-grab, rather than to provide avenues for customers to use their products.

One of those companies is Mercedes-Benz, a world-renowned carmaker that needs no preface. The German marque is offering a performance-enhancing subscription plan for its ongoing EQ electric models, and we reckon most of you will find it to be quite the cash-grab indeed…

Dubbed as the ‘Acceleration Increase’ service, it is said to boost Mercedes EQ’s power output by about 20%, thus providing an additional real-life performance edge. EQ models participating in this subscription plan are the EQE 350 4Matic, EQE SUV 350 4Matic, EQS 450 4Matic, and EQS SUV 450 4Matic.

Said 20% power increase translates to the EQE models power output jumping from 288 HP to 348 HP. For the EQS line-up, the subscription will see power boosted from 355 HP to 442 HP. Aside from the power bumps, both EQE and EQS are also poised for increased torque too, cutting the cars’ 0 to 60 MPH (0 to 96 KM/H) time almost by one full second.

The improved power output comes from Mercedes adjusting the electric motor’s power curve, resulting in an increase of both horsepower and torque. Said adjustments are made possible via simple software update too – a common way to upgrade amongst modern EVs.

The Stuttgart-based automaker has yet to announce the rollout date for the ‘Acceleration Increase’ subscription plan, but its official website says it’s “Coming Soon.” Price for said subscription starts at around US$1,200 (RM5,493), on top of an already hefty price tag on one of those EQ EVs.

This cut-throat approach is slowly becoming a norm in the auto industry, with Mercedes not being the sole maker doing so. Rivals BMW also came up with a subscription plan for its cars, but theirs involved comfort amenities such as climate controls, Apple CarPlay, and more.