In Car Feature Subscriptions - Your Thoughts?

VaughanJB

VaughanJB

Scrappy VIP
So the current trend is in subscription models. Negatively known as the "own nothing" model. So we have the likes of Spotify for music, Netflix for movies, and so on. The idea being that these companies generate recurring revenue - the buyer never stops paying.

So what do you think of this model creeping into the area of new vehicles?

Here is the thinking from a manufacturers perspective, using BMW as an example. BMW had to build several versions of its cars, from versions with no additions to the basic model, to top of the line models with all the bells and whistles. This makes the overall cost of making the cars more expensive. So they went with a new model. In this new model, every car bought and delivered was built to the spec of the top line models. All the features were built into the car.

For example - seat warmers. The coil to heat the seat was installed in every model, even those sold at a cheaper price that aren't supposed to have them. However, these features are then DISABLED in software. So, if you were willing to pay $18 a month, your seats could be warmed. If you didn't, they weren't. Other features (and this isn't solely a BMW issue, for example, Tesla have an "Acceleration Boost" option for around $2000 which is purely software controlled. Others have Adaptive cruise control, remote start, access to wi-fi hotspots etc.

So what do you think of this? Would you be happy to pay a monthly subscription to upgrade your car, knowing that the upgrades are already inside the vehicle you bought, but they're hidden behind a paywall to stop you using them. Another example of the future being a scary place?
 

VaughanJB said:
So the current trend is in subscription models. Negatively known as the "own nothing" model. So we have the likes of Spotify for music, Netflix for movies, and so on. The idea being that these companies generate recurring revenue - the buyer never stops paying.

So what do you think of this model creeping into the area of new vehicles?

Here is the thinking from a manufacturers perspective, using BMW as an example. BMW had to build several versions of its cars, from versions with no additions to the basic model, to top of the line models with all the bells and whistles. This makes the overall cost of making the cars more expensive. So they went with a new model. In this new model, every car bought and delivered was built to the spec of the top line models. All the features were built into the car.

For example - seat warmers. The coil to heat the seat was installed in every model, even those sold at a cheaper price that aren't supposed to have them. However, these features are then DISABLED in software. So, if you were willing to pay $18 a month, your seats could be warmed. If you didn't, they weren't. Other features (and this isn't solely a BMW issue, for example, Tesla have an "Acceleration Boost" option for around $2000 which is purely software controlled. Others have Adaptive cruise control, remote start, access to wi-fi hotspots etc.

So what do you think of this? Would you be happy to pay a monthly subscription to upgrade your car, knowing that the upgrades are already inside the vehicle you bought, but they're hidden behind a paywall to stop you using them. Another example of the future being a scary place?
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Backlash resulted in BMW scuttling that idea a few years ago.
I would guess backlash can work again...
 
That Lady in PA said:
Backlash resulted in BMW scuttling that idea a few years ago.
I would guess backlash can work again...
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The heated seats were reversed, but the subscriptions go on. For example, you have to subscribe to get "Parking System Professional", and driving assistance. You can see all their current offerings here: https://www.bmw.co.uk/en/shop/ls/cp/connected-drive


Stellantis (owner of Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, and Ram) have actually run ads on the in car entertainment screens.....
 

No, I wouldn't pay for seat warmers, subscription music or entertainment, remote car starts, or other options I consider frivolous, nor would I want the privacy compromises that would come with it. I only need a car to get me from one place to another. Besides, the monthly charges for options may be subject to increase over time.

Per Yahoo, buyers are balking at this idea.
Contained within the link: "69% of respondents said that if certain features were available only via subscription for a particular brand, they would likely shop elsewhere."
 
I do that on my own when I buy a vehicle or appliance with many features that I will never use. 😉🤭😂

It probably streamlines the assembly process and saves money for the manufacturer which is good for everyone involved.

As a consumer, I don’t care as long as I get what I need.
 
Touchy subject for me right now since Dodge discontinued me even being able to pair my phone
in my car now. My car is 10 years old in 2026 and they will gladly update it IF I buy a new unit from a dealer.
Not going to happen. I use Spotify from my phone and PC and use it in home and did in car from my phone.
I will not pay twice for the same service. I use it more than visual subscriptions so I don't mind it as I get my
entertainment worth out of it.
 
Muskrat said:
I would not pay….this is why i do not have sirrus
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A slightly used car I bought in May of this year cam with 3 months SiriusXM free (a trial period they called it). I started getting emails from them after a couple of months wanting me to 'sign up' to extend my access beyond those 3 free months. They were gonna give me a deal for the first year; $5.00/month. The catch was, it would come with an auto-renew when that year was over and the price would then be $25.00/month and if you've ever tried to cancel an 'auto-renew' deal with any company you'll know they make it almost impossible to do.

Are there actually people who'd pay $25.00/month for commercial free radio & podcasts?
 
Aunt Bea said:
It probably streamlines the assembly process and saves money for the manufacturer which is good for everyone involved.

As a consumer, I don’t care as long as I get what I need.
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I don't have the numbers. but I wonder how they truly work out. Value here is only achieved if people subscribe in sufficient numbers. if not, then the companies are installing components they have to pay for, for no return. Meaning, having a car and using it in a configuration of a basic model means you actually own the higher model, with all the extras and features, but they simply don't work. That stuff isn't free.

We're also only in the relatively early stages of this stuff. I mean, satnav in a BMW currently means you get a "basic system", and have to subscribe for upgraded 3D maps, augmented reality, head-up displays, and more detailed points of interest, and more frequent traffic updates. If too few pay for the extra, then surely the incentive for the company is to hobble the basic mode even more.....
 
I'm OK with paying for features at the time of purchase but will never buy a subscription for features. Case in point my new car came with remote start option good for one year, then you have to pay for it monthly, which I will not do. Same with radio options that come with a free trial, I don't even bother signing up for the trial sense I have no plans to ever pay for the service.
 
C50 said:
I'm OK with paying for features at the time of purchase but will never buy a subscription for features.
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That’s my bottom line too.

We took the six months of Sirius radio and were nagged from day one to upgrade the plan for in the house too. No. We cancelled the trial early and they still kept up the nagging.
 
One day, there are probably going to be ads flashing across your windshield. Gotta maximize profits! That's all that matters in the 21st century!
 
Jules said:
We took the six months of Sirius radio and were nagged from day one to upgrade the plan for in the house too. No. We cancelled the trial early and they still kept up the nagging.
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Such an odd thing!
We pay $7 a month for the car, and we can access it for no additional charge on all our amazon devices outside of the car.
We access music for parties, listen to out favorite deejays, hear play-by-plays for sporting events... in the car, in the house, and wherever we take an amazon device (beach, vacation home, neighbor's patio, anywhere there is WiFi).
 
I would be OK with it if I have the option to pay for the features at purchase or pay a monthly fee later. I may not feel the need for them when I purchase, but I may wish for them later, and it would be nice to know I could have them without buying a different car. I may not feel the need for a heated steering wheel if I live in Texas, but if I move to Montana, I may not mind paying that extra ten a month.
 

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