3 Red Flags You’re at the Wrong Used Car Dealership
Buying a car at a used car dealership can be fun and exciting, but if you find yourself at the wrong one, you’ll be in a world of misery. Read More
Will 2023 Be the Time to Finally Buy a Car?
The past few years have been tough on the new and used car markets. From supply chain issues to price increases and production slowdowns, buying a car has not been easy. But 2023 is a new year, and many experts predict more stability and lower prices. So, is 2023 the time to finally head to used car dealers and buy a car? Let’s take a closer look at what we might see coming in the auto industry.
Red Flags When Shopping for a Reputable Car Dealer
Buying a car can be a stressful task, and, let’s be honest, nobody enjoys looking for a new or used car. There are plenty of ways to tell if you are being scammed by a car dealer. Here are some of the big red flags to look out for. Read More
Subscribe for Speed? Mercedes-Benz EV has a New Acceleration Increase Package – And Nobody Seems to be Happy About it
It started with car loans – breaking up a big purchase into smaller, more manageable payments over a longer period of time. Then, it became additional features – Bluetooth connections and customizable radio packages that enhance your driving experience.
Now, it’s speed – by paying more, your car can drive faster, and its engine performs better, according to a new package being rolled out at Mercedes dealer locations that sell EQE models. But what does that actually mean for drivers, BMW as a company, and the future of vehicle subscriptions?
What the Acceleration Increase Package Actually Does
The Acceleration Increase Package is a $1,200 per year subscription that makes acceleration quicker and improves torque for Mercedes-Benz’s EV models. For some, like the EQE 350 4Matic SUV, this can make a vehicle go 0-60mph in 5 seconds instead of 6.
That’s a pretty big improvement in acceleration and performance, and it’s one that anyone who enjoys fast cars would love! It’s also a great selling point for a luxury vehicle brand – you’re already visiting a Mercedes dealer for a good car, so why not get a package that makes it even better?
Here’s the problem: the hardware and technology are already in the vehicle from when you buy it. You just can’t use it until you pay an additional fee. BMW already made vehicles able to run this well – they just won’t sell them to you as-is.
If that sounds strange or unfair to you, you’re not alone. Subscription services for vehicles have already been getting negative feedback, and BMW’s latest package is just one of many.
BMW’s Other Packages and Subscription Attempts
BMW isn’t the first vehicle manufacturer to offer subscription services related to pre-installed features. Earlier in 2022, for example, GM announced a mandatory OnStar subscription for models like Buick and Cadillac.
This isn’t even the first package or feature BMW has provided for a monthly fee! Features like heated seats and steering wheels, as well as dash cam access, have either a one-time or monthly cost for BMW drivers. The company also had plans to charge vehicle owners a subscription fee for the use of Apple CarPlay, but ended up scrapping them.
So if this isn’t the first vehicle subscription service the company has tried to push onto consumers, the real question to ask is this: will it be the last?
The Future of Subscription Services and Laws for Vehicles
Earlier in 2022, New Jersey lawmakers began introducing legislation to ban vehicle subscription services just like the one BMW is offering. The bill would specifically prohibit automakers and dealers from charging ongoing fees for hardware that’s already present in vehicles at the time of purchase.
This means that not only would BMW be unable to offer the Acceleration Increase Package, but Mercedes dealers wouldn’t be able to tack on their own fees once vehicles are in their showrooms.
Is this the future of EVs that manufacturers intended? Or is it merely an unfortunate sign of the times? Hopefully, it’s the latter, and new laws and negative feedback can help carmakers make positive changes away from this trend.
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Monthly Car Payments Are At Record Levels
In America, cars don’t just represent freedom, they’re a necessity in a country where many people live in rural areas and commute to the city. Unfortunately, the average price tag on this necessity has gone up. Average monthly car payments are now over $700, which is the highest amount on record. Read More
When Will Used Car Prices Drop?
The used cars for sale at your local dealer skyrocketed in price last summer, and we’re still waiting for these prices to come back down. If you’re wondering whether or not we’ll ever see the pre-pandemic pricing of used vehicles, that’s highly unlikely. As unpredictable as the pandemic was, the used car market was heading toward an over-saturated position with the massive number of new car sales leading up to 2018, but the supply chain issues caused by the pandemic changed that quickly. Today, some dealers are almost begging for consumers to trade in their vehicles for a new one, so that they can fill their used lots. Read More
Car Accessories Every Pet Owner Must Have
If you want to travel with your furry friend, you’ll want to invest in some of these car pet accessories that give you something special for your dog. Read More