VW Offers Reduced Horsepower and Charges a Fee to Restore It | Carscoops

      Volkswagen is introducing a system where drivers can pay monthly, yearly, or a one-time lifetime fee to access horsepower that is already present in their vehicles.

      Reportedly, the VW ID.3 Pure has a default output of 148 hp, but this can be increased to 168 hp if owners opt to pay an additional fee. The vehicle is marketed as having 168 hp, yet its actual performance is limited without the extra payment. Volkswagen justifies this subscription model by likening it to traditional trim levels with different engine configurations.

      If you thought subscription services were becoming overwhelming with streaming platforms, Volkswagen is adding another layer to vehicles. In the UK, the base model of the ID.3 Pure, which is listed as having 168 hp (170 kW) on the company’s website, only delivers 148 hp (110 kW) unless consumers pay an additional charge. Essentially, Volkswagen expects customers to pay more for performance that their cars already possess.

      Regarding the subscription itself, it seems perplexing. The additional 20 horsepower and 33 lb-ft of torque isn’t particularly significant. Volkswagen states that this minor increase in power will not impact the overall range of the ID.3.

      Pricing for the extra power is as follows: British customers can pay £16.50 (approximately $22.50) per month for the upgrade, which is nearly three times the cost of a basic Netflix subscription, or £165 ($225) annually. For those who prefer a one-time payment option, Volkswagen offers a "lifetime" fee of £649 ($878). It remains unclear whether this charge is linked to the vehicle or the customer’s account, but it’s a considerable amount for a slight increase in performance.

      As reported by AutoExpress, the additional power will not affect insurance premiums, which is partially because the ID.3 is factory-rated at 168 hp, even if the vehicle is running at a reduced power without the upgrade. It remains to be seen if owners will find ways to bypass this system, and if so, whether that would nullify Volkswagen's warranty.

      In defense of this model, Volkswagen has stated that their approach is similar to conventional engine lines where multiple levels of tuning are available at varying prices for the same engine size. In a comment to the publication, VW explained:

       "Providing customers with additional power is not a novel concept... Typically, these options are located higher in the product lineup, with enhanced specifications and a greater price tag. Customers can now choose a more dynamic driving experience throughout the life of the vehicle, instead of committing to a higher initial cost. The vehicle is shown on the configurator with [201bhp], and the option is clearly presented to customers."

      It’s also worth noting that the VW ID.3 is not the only vehicle involved in the subscription market. This isn't the sole subscription service offered by Volkswagen, as they also provide options for ambient lighting, navigation, voice control, and even heated seats through subscriptions.

      Other automotive brands are following suit. BMW, Mercedes, and Tesla each offer similar performance unlocks, although many competitors provide better value for the price.

      For instance, Ford provides an additional 100 lb-ft (135 Nm) of torque for $995, Polestar offers 68 more horsepower for $1,195, and Mercedes provides 60-110 hp for $1,200. Comparatively, even factory-tuned gas models offer a better power-to-price ratio than Volkswagen’s coding changes. One could argue it's not surprising that this system comes from what appears to be the least enthusiastic automaker in the industry.