Mercedes-Benz locks horsepower behind paid subscription - Revision history

Reform: Updated link and small fix

2026-03-31T18:39:03Z

Updated link and small fix

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:39, 31 March 2026
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	'''[[Mercedes Benz\|Mercedes]]''' initially marketed and sold their EQE 350 and EQS 450 models with a lower power output than the hardware was capable of delivering. The company later introduced a paid software upgrade that unlocked the vehicles' full performance potential.		'''[[Mercedes-Benz\|Mercedes]]''' initially marketed and sold their EQE 350 and EQS 450 models with a lower power output than the hardware was capable of delivering. The company later introduced a paid software upgrade that unlocked the vehicles' full performance potential.

	==Background==		==Background==
	In April 2023, Mercedes launched "Acceleration Increase" for North American customer, a performance acceleration on-demand upgrade available for the EQE 350 and EQS 450 in both sedan and SUV body styles. The upgrade allows customers to access the full capabilities of the vehicle's existing hardware.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date=26 Apr 2023 \|title=Mercedes-Benz USA Announces Performance Acceleration On-Demand Upgrade for EQE and EQS Customers \|url=https://media.mbusa.com/releases/mercedes-benz-usa-announces-performance-acceleration-on-demand-upgrade-for-eqe-and-eqs-customers \|access-date=21 Aug 2025 \|website=media.mbusa.com \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230507130823/https://media.mbusa.com/releases/mercedes-benz-usa-announces-performance-acceleration-on-demand-upgrade-for-eqe-and-eqs-customers \|archive-date=7 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Bell \|first=Sebastien \|date=22 Nov 2022 \|title=Mercedes Releases A $1,200 Annual Subscription To Unlock A 60 To 110 HP For Its EVs \|url=https://www.carscoops.com/2022/11/mercedes-releases-a-1200-annual-subscription-service-to-add-an-extra-60-to-110-hp-to-its-evs/ \|access-date=21 Aug 2025 \|website=carscoops.com \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20221123090409/https://www.carscoops.com/2022/11/mercedes-releases-a-1200-annual-subscription-service-to-add-an-extra-60-to-110-hp-to-its-evs/ \|archive-date=23 Nov 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Stafford \|first=Eric \|date=26 Apr 2023 \|title=Mercedes Reveals EQE and EQS 'Acceleration Increase' Subscription Pricing \|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a43713075/mercedes-benz-eqe350-eqs450-acceleration-increase-subscription-pricing/ \|access-date=21 Aug 2025 \|website=caranddriver.com \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222223452/https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a43713075/mercedes-benz-eqe350-eqs450-acceleration-increase-subscription-pricing/ \|archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>		In April 2023, Mercedes launched "Acceleration Increase" for North American customer, a performance acceleration on-demand upgrade available for the EQE 350 and EQS 450 in both sedan and SUV body styles. The upgrade allows customers to access the full capabilities of the vehicle's existing hardware.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date=26 Apr 2023 \|title=Mercedes-Benz USA Announces Performance Acceleration On-Demand Upgrade for EQE and EQS Customers \|url=https://media.mbusa.com/releases/mercedes-benz-usa-announces-performance-acceleration-on-demand-upgrade-for-eqe-and-eqs-customers \|access-date=21 Aug 2025 \|website=media.mbusa.com \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230507130823/https://media.mbusa.com/releases/mercedes-benz-usa-announces-performance-acceleration-on-demand-upgrade-for-eqe-and-eqs-customers \|archive-date=7 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Bell \|first=Sebastien \|date=22 Nov 2022 \|title=Mercedes Releases A $1,200 Annual Subscription To Unlock A 60 To 110 HP For Its EVs \|url=https://www.carscoops.com/2022/11/mercedes-releases-a-1200-annual-subscription-service-to-add-an-extra-60-to-110-hp-to-its-evs/ \|access-date=21 Aug 2025 \|website=carscoops.com \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20221123090409/https://www.carscoops.com/2022/11/mercedes-releases-a-1200-annual-subscription-service-to-add-an-extra-60-to-110-hp-to-its-evs/ \|archive-date=23 Nov 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Stafford \|first=Eric \|date=26 Apr 2023 \|title=Mercedes Reveals EQE and EQS 'Acceleration Increase' Subscription Pricing \|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a43713075/mercedes-benz-eqe350-eqs450-acceleration-increase-subscription-pricing/ \|access-date=21 Aug 2025 \|website=caranddriver.com \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222223452/https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a43713075/mercedes-benz-eqe350-eqs450-acceleration-increase-subscription-pricing/ \|archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>

	This is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a growing trend among automakers to base their business models on recurring revenue generated through subscription services that sell ~~'''~~[[~~Features~~ on ~~Demand\|Features on Demand (FoD)~~]]~~'''~~.		This is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a growing trend among automakers to base their business models on recurring revenue generated through subscription services that sell [[features on demand]].

	==How it works==		==How it works==
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	*[[Mazda remote-start subscription]]		*[[Mazda remote-start subscription]]
	*[[BMW's heated seat subscription]]		*[[BMW's heated seat subscription]]
	*[[~~Software locks~~]]		*[[Activation]]
	*[[Audi Basic HVAC "Sync" Function Paywalled]]		*[[Audi Basic HVAC "Sync" Function Paywalled]]

Bananabot: Added archive URLs for 3 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-23T06:19:01Z

Added archive URLs for 3 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:19, 23 February 2026
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	==Background==		==Background==
	In April 2023, Mercedes launched "Acceleration Increase" for North American customer, a performance acceleration on-demand upgrade available for the EQE 350 and EQS 450 in both sedan and SUV body styles. The upgrade allows customers to access the full capabilities of the vehicle's existing hardware.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date=26 Apr 2023 \|title=Mercedes-Benz USA Announces Performance Acceleration On-Demand Upgrade for EQE and EQS Customers \|url=https://media.mbusa.com/releases/mercedes-benz-usa-announces-performance-acceleration-on-demand-upgrade-for-eqe-and-eqs-customers \|access-date=21 Aug 2025 \|website=media.mbusa.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Bell \|first=Sebastien \|date=22 Nov 2022 \|title=Mercedes Releases A $1,200 Annual Subscription To Unlock A 60 To 110 HP For Its EVs \|url=https://www.carscoops.com/2022/11/mercedes-releases-a-1200-annual-subscription-service-to-add-an-extra-60-to-110-hp-to-its-evs/ \|access-date=21 Aug 2025 \|website=carscoops.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Stafford \|first=Eric \|date=26 Apr 2023 \|title=Mercedes Reveals EQE and EQS 'Acceleration Increase' Subscription Pricing \|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a43713075/mercedes-benz-eqe350-eqs450-acceleration-increase-subscription-pricing/ \|access-date=21 Aug 2025 \|website=caranddriver.com}}</ref>		In April 2023, Mercedes launched "Acceleration Increase" for North American customer, a performance acceleration on-demand upgrade available for the EQE 350 and EQS 450 in both sedan and SUV body styles. The upgrade allows customers to access the full capabilities of the vehicle's existing hardware.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date=26 Apr 2023 \|title=Mercedes-Benz USA Announces Performance Acceleration On-Demand Upgrade for EQE and EQS Customers \|url=https://media.mbusa.com/releases/mercedes-benz-usa-announces-performance-acceleration-on-demand-upgrade-for-eqe-and-eqs-customers \|access-date=21 Aug 2025 \|website=media.mbusa.com \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230507130823/https://media.mbusa.com/releases/mercedes-benz-usa-announces-performance-acceleration-on-demand-upgrade-for-eqe-and-eqs-customers \|archive-date=7 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Bell \|first=Sebastien \|date=22 Nov 2022 \|title=Mercedes Releases A $1,200 Annual Subscription To Unlock A 60 To 110 HP For Its EVs \|url=https://www.carscoops.com/2022/11/mercedes-releases-a-1200-annual-subscription-service-to-add-an-extra-60-to-110-hp-to-its-evs/ \|access-date=21 Aug 2025 \|website=carscoops.com \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20221123090409/https://www.carscoops.com/2022/11/mercedes-releases-a-1200-annual-subscription-service-to-add-an-extra-60-to-110-hp-to-its-evs/ \|archive-date=23 Nov 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Stafford \|first=Eric \|date=26 Apr 2023 \|title=Mercedes Reveals EQE and EQS 'Acceleration Increase' Subscription Pricing \|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a43713075/mercedes-benz-eqe350-eqs450-acceleration-increase-subscription-pricing/ \|access-date=21 Aug 2025 \|website=caranddriver.com \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222223452/https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a43713075/mercedes-benz-eqe350-eqs450-acceleration-increase-subscription-pricing/ \|archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>

	This is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a growing trend among automakers to base their business models on recurring revenue generated through subscription services that sell '''[[Features on Demand\|Features on Demand (FoD)]]'''.		This is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a growing trend among automakers to base their business models on recurring revenue generated through subscription services that sell '''[[Features on Demand\|Features on Demand (FoD)]]'''.

Bythmusters: added cargo

2026-02-03T02:07:08Z

added cargo

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:07, 3 February 2026
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			{{IncidentCargo
			\|Company=Mercedes-Benz
			\|StartDate=2023-04
			\|EndDate=
			\|Status=
			\|ProductLine=
			\|Product=EQE 350, EQS 450
			\|ArticleType=Product
			\|Type=Firmware Lockout, Rent-seeking
			\|Description=
			}}
	'''[[Mercedes Benz\|Mercedes]]''' initially marketed and sold their EQE 350 and EQS 450 models with a lower power output than the hardware was capable of delivering. The company later introduced a paid software upgrade that unlocked the vehicles' full performance potential.		'''[[Mercedes Benz\|Mercedes]]''' initially marketed and sold their EQE 350 and EQS 450 models with a lower power output than the hardware was capable of delivering. The company later introduced a paid software upgrade that unlocked the vehicles' full performance potential.

AnotherConsumerRightsPerson: Fixed link.

2025-09-14T09:28:23Z

Fixed link.

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:28, 14 September 2025
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	'''[[Mercedes Benz\|Mercedes]]''' initially marketed and sold their EQE 350 and EQS 450 models with a lower power output than the hardware was capable of delivering. The company later introduced a paid software upgrade that unlocked the vehicles' full performance potential.		'''[[Mercedes Benz\|Mercedes]]''' initially marketed and sold their EQE 350 and EQS 450 models with a lower power output than the hardware was capable of delivering. The company later introduced a paid software upgrade that unlocked the vehicles' full performance potential.

	== Background ==		==Background==
	In April 2023, Mercedes launched "Acceleration Increase" for North American customer, a performance acceleration on-demand upgrade available for the EQE 350 and EQS 450 in both sedan and SUV body styles. The upgrade allows customers to access the full capabilities of the vehicle's existing hardware.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date=26 Apr 2023 \|title=Mercedes-Benz USA Announces Performance Acceleration On-Demand Upgrade for EQE and EQS Customers \|url=https://media.mbusa.com/releases/mercedes-benz-usa-announces-performance-acceleration-on-demand-upgrade-for-eqe-and-eqs-customers \|access-date=21 Aug 2025 \|website=media.mbusa.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Bell \|first=Sebastien \|date=22 Nov 2022 \|title=Mercedes Releases A $1,200 Annual Subscription To Unlock A 60 To 110 HP For Its EVs \|url=https://www.carscoops.com/2022/11/mercedes-releases-a-1200-annual-subscription-service-to-add-an-extra-60-to-110-hp-to-its-evs/ \|access-date=21 Aug 2025 \|website=carscoops.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Stafford \|first=Eric \|date=26 Apr 2023 \|title=Mercedes Reveals EQE and EQS 'Acceleration Increase' Subscription Pricing \|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a43713075/mercedes-benz-eqe350-eqs450-acceleration-increase-subscription-pricing/ \|access-date=21 Aug 2025 \|website=caranddriver.com}}</ref>		In April 2023, Mercedes launched "Acceleration Increase" for North American customer, a performance acceleration on-demand upgrade available for the EQE 350 and EQS 450 in both sedan and SUV body styles. The upgrade allows customers to access the full capabilities of the vehicle's existing hardware.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|date=26 Apr 2023 \|title=Mercedes-Benz USA Announces Performance Acceleration On-Demand Upgrade for EQE and EQS Customers \|url=https://media.mbusa.com/releases/mercedes-benz-usa-announces-performance-acceleration-on-demand-upgrade-for-eqe-and-eqs-customers \|access-date=21 Aug 2025 \|website=media.mbusa.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Bell \|first=Sebastien \|date=22 Nov 2022 \|title=Mercedes Releases A $1,200 Annual Subscription To Unlock A 60 To 110 HP For Its EVs \|url=https://www.carscoops.com/2022/11/mercedes-releases-a-1200-annual-subscription-service-to-add-an-extra-60-to-110-hp-to-its-evs/ \|access-date=21 Aug 2025 \|website=carscoops.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Stafford \|first=Eric \|date=26 Apr 2023 \|title=Mercedes Reveals EQE and EQS 'Acceleration Increase' Subscription Pricing \|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a43713075/mercedes-benz-eqe350-eqs450-acceleration-increase-subscription-pricing/ \|access-date=21 Aug 2025 \|website=caranddriver.com}}</ref>

	This is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a growing trend among automakers to base their business models on recurring revenue generated through subscription services that sell '''[[Features on Demand (FoD)]]'''.		This is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a growing trend among automakers to base their business models on recurring revenue generated through subscription services that sell '''[[Features on Demand\|Features on Demand (FoD)]]'''.

	== How it works ==		==How it works==
	The Acceleration Increase is available as a one-time purchase or as a monthly or yearly subscription, offering performance increases of up to 80 hp and a 1.0-second improvement in 0–60 mph acceleration.<ref name=":0" />		The Acceleration Increase is available as a one-time purchase or as a monthly or yearly subscription, offering performance increases of up to 80 hp and a 1.0-second improvement in 0–60 mph acceleration.<ref name=":0" />

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	This means that these vehicles were initially marketed has having lower power than their hardware was actually capable of.		This means that these vehicles were initially marketed has having lower power than their hardware was actually capable of.

	== See also ==		==See also==

	* [[BMW feature lockout scandal]]		*[[BMW feature lockout scandal]]
	* [[Mazda remote-start subscription]]		*[[Mazda remote-start subscription]]
	* [[BMW's heated seat subscription]]		*[[BMW's heated seat subscription]]
	* [[Software locks]]		*[[Software locks]]
	* [[Audi Basic HVAC "Sync" Function Paywalled]]		*[[Audi Basic HVAC "Sync" Function Paywalled]]

	== References ==		==References==
	<references />		<references />
	[[Category:Mercedes Benz]]		[[Category:Mercedes Benz]]
	[[Category:Mercedes Benz EQS]]		[[Category:Mercedes Benz EQS]]
	[[Category:Mercedes Benz EQE]]		[[Category:Mercedes Benz EQE]]

Emanuele: Created page with "'''Mercedes''' initially marketed and sold their EQE 350 and EQS 450 models with a lower power output than the hardware was capable of delivering. The company later introduced a paid software upgrade that unlocked the vehicles' full performance potential. == Background == In April 2023, Mercedes launched "Acceleration Increase" for North American customer, a performance acceleration on-demand upgrade available for the EQE 350 and EQS 450 in both sedan..."

2025-08-21T10:09:43Z

Created page with "'''Mercedes''' initially marketed and sold their EQE 350 and EQS 450 models with a lower power output than the hardware was capable of delivering. The company later introduced a paid software upgrade that unlocked the vehicles' full performance potential. == Background == In April 2023, Mercedes launched "Acceleration Increase" for North American customer, a performance acceleration on-demand upgrade available for the EQE 350 and EQS 450 in both sedan..."

New page

'''[[Mercedes Benz|Mercedes]]''' initially marketed and sold their EQE 350 and EQS 450 models with a lower power output than the hardware was capable of delivering. The company later introduced a paid software upgrade that unlocked the vehicles' full performance potential.

== Background ==
In April 2023, Mercedes launched "Acceleration Increase" for North American customer, a performance acceleration on-demand upgrade available for the EQE 350 and EQS 450 in both sedan and SUV body styles. The upgrade allows customers to access the full capabilities of the vehicle's existing hardware.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=26 Apr 2023 |title=Mercedes-Benz USA Announces Performance Acceleration On-Demand Upgrade for EQE and EQS Customers |url=https://media.mbusa.com/releases/mercedes-benz-usa-announces-performance-acceleration-on-demand-upgrade-for-eqe-and-eqs-customers |access-date=21 Aug 2025 |website=media.mbusa.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bell |first=Sebastien |date=22 Nov 2022 |title=Mercedes Releases A $1,200 Annual Subscription To Unlock A 60 To 110 HP For Its EVs |url=https://www.carscoops.com/2022/11/mercedes-releases-a-1200-annual-subscription-service-to-add-an-extra-60-to-110-hp-to-its-evs/ |access-date=21 Aug 2025 |website=carscoops.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stafford |first=Eric |date=26 Apr 2023 |title=Mercedes Reveals EQE and EQS 'Acceleration Increase' Subscription Pricing |url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a43713075/mercedes-benz-eqe350-eqs450-acceleration-increase-subscription-pricing/ |access-date=21 Aug 2025 |website=caranddriver.com}}</ref>

This is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a growing trend among automakers to base their business models on recurring revenue generated through subscription services that sell '''[[Features on Demand (FoD)]]'''.

== How it works ==
The Acceleration Increase is available as a one-time purchase or as a monthly or yearly subscription, offering performance increases of up to 80 hp and a 1.0-second improvement in 0–60 mph acceleration.<ref name=":0" />

Below are the detailed performance upgrades and pricing for all affected models:<ref name=":0" />
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Model'''
|'''Output Increase'''
|'''Acceleration Change'''

'''(0-60 mph)'''
|'''Pricing'''
|-
|EQE 350 4MATIC Sedan
|From 288 hp to 348 hp (+60 hp)
|From 6.0 s to 5.1 s (-0.9 s)
|Monthly: $60/month

Yearly: $600/year

Lifetime of Vehicle: $1,950
|-
|EQE 350 4MATIC SUV
|From 288 hp to 348 hp (+60 hp)
|From 6.2 s to 5.2 s (-1.0 s)
|Monthly: $60/month

Yearly: $600/year

Lifetime of Vehicle: $1,950
|-
|EQS 450 4MATIC Sedan
|From 355 hp to 435 hp (+80 hp)
|From 5.3 s to 4.5 s (-0.8 s)
|Monthly: $90/month

Yearly: $900/year

Lifetime of Vehicle: $2,950
|-
|EQS 450 4MATIC SUV
|From 355 hp to 435 hp (+80 hp)
|From 5.8 s to 4.9 s (-0.9 s)
|Monthly: $90/month

Yearly: $900/year

Lifetime of Vehicle: $2,950
|}
This means that these vehicles were initially marketed has having lower power than their hardware was actually capable of.

== See also ==

* [[BMW feature lockout scandal]]
* [[Mazda remote-start subscription]]
* [[BMW's heated seat subscription]]
* [[Software locks]]
* [[Audi Basic HVAC "Sync" Function Paywalled]]

== References ==
<references />
[[Category:Mercedes Benz]]
[[Category:Mercedes Benz EQS]]
[[Category:Mercedes Benz EQE]]