Imagine spending over €100,000 on a Mercedes EQS or EQE and then being asked for more money to unlock its full potential. Get ready for Mercedes' over-the-air performance-enhancing software updates, which of course come at a cost. And it's a pittance compared to Tesla's free updates.
So, you've shelled out a fortune for your shiny new Mercedes EQS or EQ and it makes you feel quite smug and proud. But wait, what is that? Mercedes wants you to pay even more to unlock the full potential of your electric car? You must be kidding, right? Wrong! Welcome to the brave new world of car software upgrades where you can't escape even the €100,000+ in-car pay-to-play scheme. In this bizarre reality, Tesla's free upgrades seem like a breath of fresh air. And surreal.
Mercedes is with a move, which is more similar to moves in the gaming industry and upgrades in video games than to a new strategy of a luxury car manufacturer, has stirred up public opinion. Mercedes-Benz introduced a new function called Acceleration Increase On-Demand, which is available in the Mercedes me connect store. For a low price of USD 60 (€54) per month, USD 600 (€540) per year or a one-time payment of USD 1,950 (€1,757), owners of the EQE 350 4MATIC Sedan and SUV can gain an additional 60 hp (from 288 to 348). That translates to 5.1s 0-100km/h acceleration for the sedan (compared to 6s without the package) and 5.2s for the SUV (compared to 6.2s previously). Figures that, given the price class of the vehicles, are otherwise nothing special.
If you have a more expensive one EQS, then it's USD 90 (EUR 81) every month, USD 900 (EUR 810) a year or a lump sum of USD 2,950 (EUR 2,659) to increase the EQS 450 4MATIC Sedan and SUV by 80 HP. This results in a reduced 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.5s for the sedan (compared to the previous 5.3s) and 4.9s for the SUV (compared to the previous 5.8s).
While this payment model may seem like highway robbery, Mercedes-Benz kindly assured customers that “standard features such as heated seats will not be available as digital extras.” Thank you Mercedes. It's comforting to know that after spending a fortune on your luxury vehicle, you won't have to worry about heated seats.
More than all of the above, however, it is definitely worrying that the manufacturer was not aware of the possibility of impressing its customers. Just like Apple does, or Tesla. And I wouldn't give them an update for free in the name of good name.
But as we all know, misery loves company. Mercedes he hit the BMWits strategy, which also offers paid digital add-ons. If only Tesla would join the fun, but alas, they're busy giving away free upgrades in performance, range, and regular software updates. Other manufacturers do not do this.
There you have it folks. The world of luxury electric vehicles has gone crazy and it's time to pay up if you want to play the new season of Fortnite. Just remember that once you shell out your hard-earned money for that performance boost, Tesla owners are smiling all the way to the (free) Supercharger.
So lovers of transmissions and luxury electric vehicles, what do you think about this brave new world where automakers are holding your vehicle's performance hostage? Will you pay extra or stick with your standard non-upgraded vehicle? Let us know in the comments on social media.
Mercedes-Benz and many other manufacturers did not follow Tesla's recipe for success. This one is simple. Funds intended for advertising are directed to the production of a better vehicle. This is also why Tesla upgrades cars regularly, just like Apple does. Because he simply knows that such an upgrade is completely free advertising. But Tesla hides another trump card. An autonomous ride that he wants to give to those who didn't buy it one fine Monday. For the sake of greater general traffic safety. At that time, all other manufacturers will move away and become completely obsolete.
For now, the equipment updates only apply to the US market.
