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4w ago

Volkswagen Rolls Out Paid Power Unlock for ID.3 in the UK

The company presents the pay-to-unlock boost as customer choice that avoids higher upfront pricing.

Volkswagen is giving customers the option to pay a monthly fee to unlock 20 horsepower on its ID.3 vehicles.
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volkswagen id3 driving down a street
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Overview

  • UK buyers of the ID.3 Pro and Pro S can now activate extra performance for £16.50 per month, £165 per year, or a £649 lifetime fee.
  • The software upgrade raises output from 150 kW to 170 kW (201 bhp to 228 bhp) and increases torque from 265 Nm to 310 Nm, with reporting stating no impact on range.
  • The lifetime purchase is tied to the vehicle rather than the driver, so the added performance remains if the car is sold.
  • Coverage highlights consumer pushback over paying to unlock built-in capability, plus concerns about insurance handling and the risks of hacking or ‘jailbreaking’ software locks.
  • Volkswagen’s move aligns with broader industry offerings from brands such as Polestar, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, following earlier trials of the feature in markets like Denmark.