Mercedes shows how not to do it
Mercedes is giving its e-cars an upgrade that packs a punch: the full power of the electric centrifuges from Stuttgart can be unlocked via software. But the performance boost has its price – and it really packs a punch.
$1,200: Mercedes is holding back full power for money
Modern electric cars are moving computers – and as such there are often updates, a fresh software revision or new features. In one case, however, Mercedes costs a lot of money for the latter from everyone who also wants to tease the last bit of power out of their electric car: $1,200 annual subscription should it cost to be able to use the maximum acceleration and the ultimate torque.
The upgrade for the e-cars has appeared in the Mercedes online shop in the USA (source: The Drive). It says there that customers can use the performance upgrade to Improve 0 to 100 km/h time by 0.8 to 1 second be able. In addition, the performance of the electric motors is increased. The performance boost is therefore offered for four models:
- Mercedes EQ EQE 350 4Matic
- Mercedes EQ EQE SUV 350 4Matic
- Mercedes EQ EQS 450 4Matic
- Mercedes EQ EQS SUV 4Matic
For drivers of the models, this scant second costs less than the equivalent of 100 dollars per month.
So far we have not been able to find a German counterpart to the function. However, Mercedes also offers in this country Various functions as digital extras on. This includes, for example, vehicle location via a connected smartphone via the Mercedes me app or remote control for the windows and sunroof. You can also have personal driver profiles for several people activated in the Mercedes for an additional charge.
The EQE SUV from Mercedes is one of the models that can be pimped up in the USA:
Compulsory subscription: Car manufacturers hardly sell complete vehicles anymore
With the upgrade craze and additional functions that can be activated via software, Mercedes is not alone: BMW only recently received a lot of headwind when it became known what the Bavarians allow everything to be activated via software in their models. For example, the seat heating can be booked as an option, cost: 17 euros per month. The two German premium manufacturers are showing the same bad habit that is becoming increasingly popular in the automotive industry.
Incidentally, these activations via software are only possible because all the cars involved are already have the necessary technology for this. Only the use can be remunerated extra by the manufacturers. It remains to be seen whether the hefty price at Mercedes causes as much bad mood as the warm butts did at BMW.
