E-car: Faster acceleration with a subscription to Mercedes

A number of car manufacturers are now also beginning to enable subsequent activation for certain vehicle functions, for example as part of a subscription. For example, BMW models with BMW Operating System 8.0 have the option of activating the seat heating after purchasing the car with a monthly subscription for 17 euros. Mercedes will soon be testing a new subscription model in the USA. Under the title Accelerate Increase customers can improve the acceleration of their electric cars. Mercedes drivers have to pay 1,200 US dollars plus taxes per year for this. A permanent activation is apparently not possible.

More engine power for better acceleration

If you want to get more power from the electric motors, you can subscribe to the Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic, for example. With peak power temporarily boosted from 292 to 354 hp, acceleration to 60 mph improves from 6.0 to 5.1 seconds. If you own a Mercedes EQS 450 4Matic, peak power can be increased from 360 to 449 hp, allowing you to accelerate to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds instead of 4.9. An adapted engine control software is responsible for the increase in performance, which provides more kilowatts and torque for the sprint up to 60 mph. So far, the engine update has only been announced for the electric cars EQE and EQS including SUV versions. In addition, the subscription is only available for models with two electric motors and 4Matic all-wheel drive.

It is still unclear whether Mercedes will also offer such engine tuning via annual membership in Europe. Rear-axle steering is already available as a subscription. For example, the full functionality of the rear-axle steering costs 849 euros in an annual subscription, alternatively there is a permanent activation for around 1,550 euros. Although the Swabians install rear axle steering in every EQS, this can only turn the rear wheels by 2.5 degrees in the opposite direction of travel. On the other hand, if you want the full ten degrees of steering angle, you have to pay. Of course, the Swabians are not the only ones who sense big money in this way. Premium competitors such as Audi and BMW also offer various equipment options for a subscription. Even cheaper volume manufacturers like VW or Opel want to earn money with subscriptions in the future.

Also worth reading: Automotive: Hackers want to unlock BMW seat heating & Co

Collection for more engine performance with an annual subscription from Mercedes-Benz:

• Mercedes-Benz will soon be offering the new Accelerate Increase subscription for electric cars in the USA. With the annual membership you can improve the acceleration of your e-car.
• For example, the Mercedes EQS 450 4Matic sprints to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds instead of 4.9, as peak power is boosted from 360 to 449 hp.
• Mercedes drivers have to pay 1,200 US dollars plus taxes per year for this.
• It is still unclear whether Mercedes will also offer such engine tuning via an annual subscription in Europe.

Sources: Mercedes Benz