Volkswagen ID.3 full horsepower locked behind $22+ monthly subscription

The all-electric Volkswagen ID.3’s full horsepower has been put behind a paywall in the United Kingdom.

The ID.3 Pro and Pro S base models are listed as having 201 horsepower. Buyers can access the models’ full 228 horsepower through a paid upgrade. The move adds another layer to how automakers are monetizing electric vehicle features. Volkswagen isn’t the first automaker to put paywalls on its EVs. For example, Mercedes-Benz offers an Acceleration Increase package for its EQ models, which initially cost $1,200 annually.

Volkswagen introduces a paywall for horsepower

The Volkswagen ID.3 Pro and Pro S’s optional horsepower upgrade costs around $22.34 per month, or a one-time lifetime unlock fee of $879. Unlike other software-based upgrades, Volkswagen has confirmed that the performance increase is attached to the car itself, meaning the benefit remains if the vehicle is sold.

The enhancement boosts net power by 27 horsepower and torque from 265Nm to 310Nm without affecting range or requiring an insurance update, since the ID.3 is officially registered at 228 horsepower from the factory.

Volkswagen defended the decision to put the ID.3 Pro and Pro S’s full horsepower behind a paywall, noting that traditional combustion vehicles have long offered tiered engine outputs based on trim levels and pricing.

“Offering more power to customers is nothing new – historically, many petrol and diesel vehicles have been offered with engines of the same size, but with the possibility of choosing one with more potency. These traditionally are higher up in the product range, with more specification and a higher list price.”

ID.3 variants qualify for government incentives

Volkswagen confirmed that eight different ID.3 variants remain eligible for the UK government’s £1,500 Electric Car Grant (ECG). The discount applies at the point of purchase and requires no additional paperwork for customers.

The ECG discount applies to ID.3 trims, including the Pure Essential, Pure Match, Pro Essential, Pro, Pro Match, Pro S Essential, Pro S, and Pro S Match.

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