KATHMANDU: Volkswagen has brought a new subscription model to its electric cars. The German carmaker is now offering ID.3 owners the option to unlock more power for an additional fee according to auto express UK.
The ID.3 Pro and Pro S are listed with 201 bhp as standard. But with a subscription, the car can reach its full potential of 228 bhp. This upgrade costs $21 per month, or a one-time payment of $825 for lifetime use. The subscription stays with the car, even if it is sold to a new owner.
With the upgrade, power increases by 27 bhp and torque rises from 265 Nm to 310 Nm. Volkswagen says this does not affect the driving range. Since the cars are registered at 228 bhp from the factory, owners do not need to inform their insurance provider after the change.
In its statement, Volkswagen explained that the idea is not new. Traditionally, petrol and diesel cars were offered in different power outputs, even with the same engine size. Higher performance models used to come at a higher upfront cost. Now, customers can decide later if they want a sportier drive, without paying extra at the time of purchase.
Volkswagen is not the first carmaker to try this model. BMW had earlier offered subscriptions for features such as heated seats.
