Do you want a little more power? At Mercedes, it is no longer necessary to go to an engine tuner. The German brand will offer its American customers the option to unleash the power of its electric models from time to time, paying $100 (96 euros) per month. And there’s no need to go to a dealer, this boost can be subscribed to right from the vehicle’s display.
This option called “Acceleration Boost” will be offered on Mercedes EQE, EQS, sedans and SUVs, with a power increase between 20% and 24%, summarizes an article from engine1.
The power of the EQE 350 4Matic thus goes from 215 kW (288 horsepower) to 260 kW (348 horsepower) and 0 to 100 km/h from 6 to 5.1 seconds. Whether many customers will be willing to pay the $100 per month for such a gain in acceleration remains to be seen.
More and more subscription options?
If in France it is difficult to imagine such an option since a priori it would also be necessary to modify the power registered on the gray card, manufacturers are gradually beginning to offer this type of subscription for different functions.
The latest BMW X1 offers, for example, subscriptions for a limited or unlimited time to different packs: enough to take advantage of the heated steering wheel as soon as the need arises or a more advanced driving assistant just before embarking on a long journey through Europe. for instance. In our test model, it was possible to activate a 3-month free trial of “Drive Assist Plus”, or subscribe for a month at 40 euros, a year at 400 euros, 3 years at 620 euros or unlimited for 880 euros. For the heated steering wheel, a one-month free trial was offered and cost €110 for one year of use, €160 for three years, or €240 for unlimited use.
Tesla was one of the first brands to make this bet. The Californian brand, for example, allows you to activate heated seats after purchasing a Model 3 and is also offered in the United States more advanced driving assistance features in the monthly rental.
The only prerequisite, of course: the vehicle must have the necessary equipment on board. But it also simplifies factory assembly, with built-in technologies that can therefore be activated at any time by the owner after purchase, and by subsequent users throughout the life of the product.
Source: BFM TV
