How much would you pay for a little more power in your car? Mercedes expects $1,200 per year when it launches the new Acceleration Boost service for select EQ models. Subscription increases a car’s output by 20 to 24 percent, which means an increase in real-world performance.
Mercedes offers service for the EQE 350 4Matic, EQE SUV 350 4Matic, EQS 450 4Matic and EQS SUV 450 4Matic. Horsepower for the EQE model increased from 288 hp (215 kilowatts) to 348 hp (260 kW). The EQS model jumps from 355 hp (265 kW) to 442 hp (330 kW). The torque rating has also increased. That can cut the car’s 0-60 mph time by around 0.9 seconds, depending on the model. The update to SUV EQE slashed the time by a full second.
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According to the company’s consumer website, the extra power comes from Mercedes perfecting the electric motors in the car. This adjusts the characteristic curve of the motor, increasing the horsepower and torque output. Extra power is available in all Dynamic Select drive programs.
| Model | Old Exodus | New Release | Long 0-60 Time | New 0-60 Time |
| EQE 350 4Matic | 288 hp (215 KW) | 348 hp (260 kW) | 6.0 sec | 5.1 seconds |
| EQE SUV 350 4Matic | 288 hp (215 KW) | 348 hp (260 kW) | 6.2 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| EQS 450 4Matic | 355 hp (265 kW) | 442 hp (330 kW) | 5.3 seconds | 4.5 seconds |
| EQS SUV 450 4Matic | 355 hp (265 kW) | 442 hp (330 kW) | 5.8 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
Not all automakers want to add a monthly fee to their customers’ budgets for some features, like Ford, but some embrace it. Automakers are increasingly toying with subscription services as they pack more software into vehicles, seeking new revenue streams alongside a changing industry gearing up for an electric future.
Mercedes didn’t say when it would make Improved Acceleration available, but the website says it’s “Coming Soon.” EV will provide new and exciting opportunities for automakers thanks to increased use of in-car software. Over-the-air upgrades allow companies to make updates and upgrades to cars after they are sold, but also give companies the ability to put standard features, often with hardware already installed, behind a software-induced paywall.
