Volkswagen UK has launched an unusual option for its ID.3 electric hatchback, offering an extra 27 horsepower (20 kilowatts) at £16.5/month.
The subscription is available for both Pro and Pro S variants of the car. Once activated, it goes up from 204 PS (201 hp / 150 kW) and 265 Nm (195 lb-ft) of torque to 231 PS (228 hp / 170 kW) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft). The battery range should remain unaffected, the company assures us.
As an alternative, owners can unlock the same power boost for a £649 single-time payment. The automaker emphasizes that it is being purchased per-car as opposed to per-owner, which means that whoever you decide to sell your ID.3 to will retain the upgrade.
Prices for the VW ID.3 Pro start from £35,740 in Great Britain. Auto Express says it is worried that such subscriptions may never be fully accepted by customers who prefer to own their vehicles without any software restrictions. Third-party companies may start offering ECU hacking services to access this feature for free, and it remains to be seen how well that goes.
