Crazy Subscription Charges
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 435
Likes: 109
From: CA
2021 GLE 450, 2017 GLC 300 4Matic, 2008 FJ Cruiser
Crazy Subscription Charges
Sorry you have to copy and paste…..
https://www.thedrive.com/news/mercedes-makes-better-performance-a-1200-subscription-in-its-evs
https://www.thedrive.com/news/mercedes-makes-better-performance-a-1200-subscription-in-its-evs
Last edited by Sigp232; Nov 20, 2022 at 09:55 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 289
Likes: 94
Subaru BRZ
Maybe in the future, they'll use digital signage for the exterior badging. With the $1,200 subscription, you also get an AMG badge! 
Hopefully this flops and they give up on the idea. I'm hoping most buyers of the EVs dont care enough about performance/speed to want to pay for that subscription.
Hopefully this flops and they give up on the idea. I'm hoping most buyers of the EVs dont care enough about performance/speed to want to pay for that subscription.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 533
Likes: 240
From: Pennsylvania
2021 GLE450
Locking options behind a subscription paywall will be too lucrative for automakers to ignore. There are a few cases where it makes sense for the owner. For example: Southern Californians taking a ski trip could activate AWD and heated seats for the drive then deactivate the features afterward. It's the "Tesla factor" that bothers me ... Large options or packages bought and paid for by the original owner can be deactivated upon trade and resold by the automaker.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 699
Likes: 158
From: Teaneck, NJ
2023 EQB300
Everything is on the subscription model. Adobe was forced to modify its model because originally it had a one-size-fits-all which included all of the Creative Cloud applications for $50 per month (since increased). Photographers who only use Photoshop and Lightroom revolted so they offered a Photography Subscription only including those applications. In my video world, it's the same with Avid and other vendors. It does give the advantage of being able to roll out new features without requiring annual upgrade payments but it has proven a successful model. So I am not surprised to see it in automobiles. Don't like it, but it's the way of the world now.
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Super Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 533
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From: Pennsylvania
2021 GLE450
Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 246
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SUV
I remember not long ago some members laughed at BMW "free" included features/services and praised MB on how they know how to do business with their subscription and called it the way of capitalism. I wonder how those feel when all these get trickle down.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,066
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
And that "free" didn't fool anyone.
Yes, Adobe Photoshop was the most egregious, I'm still p****d, but they demonstrated the effectiveness of a new profit center.
I have far too many subscription models in my life - my phone, my music, my software - and more coming. They nibble away at my money, monthly or annually.
With EVs it's power and range, but others have included seat heaters and more.
I don't know how to change that trajectory but it's everywhere.
Maybe by the time I'm attracted to an EV, things will settle down.
Last edited by mikapen; Nov 22, 2022 at 11:11 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,066
Likes: 2,219
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
The control they have over your car, or anything, is troublesome.
Last summer, Denverites who subscribed to a Utilities saving plan, which included special thermostats, had their thermostats set to 85F by the Utility..
If your new toaster is part of your home network, you'll have a virtual vending machine.
I'm OK with NAV and Map subscriptions, but having a manufacturer control my car is a different level.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 45
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From: Plano, TX
2023 Lexus GX 460 Luxury, 2023 Lexus ES300H, 2022 Mercedes GLE 580 (Ex), 2017 Mercedes GLE 350 (Ex)
"You'll own nothing and be happy"
Certain things like music, movies/tv make sense to subscribe to. Others like features within a car, the rewards program at my favorite bar or ambulance services [this sadly is real] are not worth it / shouldn't be subscribed to. All we can do is vote with our feet and wallets.
Certain things like music, movies/tv make sense to subscribe to. Others like features within a car, the rewards program at my favorite bar or ambulance services [this sadly is real] are not worth it / shouldn't be subscribed to. All we can do is vote with our feet and wallets.
