Mercedes' new EV innovation is a paywall on your car's performance
Tesla isn't the only car brand asking you to pay extra to unlock your car's existing capabilities. As The Verge observes, Mercedes has introduced a $1,200 per year "Acceleration Increase" subscription that improves the performance of the EQE and EQS in their standard sedan and SUV variants. Pay the annual fee and your 0-60MPH time will improve by 0.8 to 1 seconds thanks to a higher peak motor output and increased torque.
Mercedes is quick to explain that this is strictly a software change. In other words, you're paying to get performance your car could already handle. While you're still getting more value than BMW's $18 per month heated seats, it's an odd move when these cars are already expensive and have speedier models that only require a one-time outlay. Why buy an EQS 450 with the acceleration add-on when an EQS 580 will be faster and include more creature comforts in the bargain?