Forget Netflix, Volkswagen locks horsepower behind paid subscription

8 days ago

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Volkswagen introduces a paid subscription to unlock full car performance (228bhp) for ID.3 Pro and Pro S models.
Subscription costs £16.50/month or £165/year, with a lifetime option at £649 (attached to the car, not the owner).
Performance upgrade increases power by 27bhp and torque to 310Nm, without affecting range or requiring insurance updates.
Potential risks include warranty invalidation or legal action if owners attempt to 'jailbreak' their cars for free upgrades.
Volkswagen defends the model, comparing it to traditional higher-spec engine options, emphasizing customer choice and flexibility.
Other manufacturers like BMW and Polestar also offer similar subscription-based feature activations.

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