Mercedes-Benz criticized for hiding fast acceleration behind paywall

Mercedes is putting faster acceleration behind a paywall, and wants electric car owners to pay an extra $1,200 a year for something the car is already built to do. — Photo: Carsten Koall/dpa

STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz is facing a backlash from fans and industry media after it emerged that owners will need to pay a US$1,200 (RM5,379) yearly subscription fee in order to get full power from their EQ electric car.

The luxury manufacturer is promising "enhanced performance" for anyone those paying for the "acceleration increase" subscription service, available for all EQ models.