Power by subscription: Volkswagen offers to unlock 170 kW for ID.3 Pro

Automakers continue to experiment with subscriptions, and Volkswagen has decided to go beyond the usual features like smart lights or navigation. ID.3 Pro owners are now being offered to increase the electric motor's output from 150 to 170 kW for money.

Here's What We Know

The option is available in two ways: one-off for €629, or by subscription for €18.90 per month. In the case of a one-off payment, the power increase stays with the car forever, even on resale. If the subscription is cancelled, the power limiter reverts to 150 kW.

Technically, the upgrade was made possible after the ID.3 upgrade in May 2025: the Pro S version with a 77 kW∙h battery has a power increase to 170 kW, while the Pro with a 59-kilowatt battery retains the previous 150 kW. But their engines are the same - the APP310 with 310 Nm of torque. Now, in countries where the Pro has so far been offered in the 150-kilowatt version, owners can get the same output as the Pro S. However, only with software version 3.2.1 or higher and via the VW Connect Store.

Characteristics after the upgrade are almost unchanged: the WLTP range (434 kilometres) and top speed (160 km/h) will remain the same. The only difference is the acceleration - instead of 7.6 seconds from a place to a hundred, it can approach 7.1 seconds, as in the more powerful version.

Interestingly, the price of the ID.3 is not affected in any way: the Pro with a 59 kW∙h battery costs from 32,925 euros, and the Pro S (77 kW∙h and 170 kW) - from 40,525 euros. In other words, even with the power surcharge, the "junior" ID.3 is still considerably cheaper.

"Performance Upgrade" is not the only feature that can be fitted to the ID.3 (or other ID. models). Depending on the model, navigation costs from €23 per month, "Light Assist" high beam control from €4.50 per month and ACC adaptive cruise control from €9.50 per month, to name just a few examples. Unlimited activation is also possible here for a one-off payment, even if the car was not ordered with the feature, which is interesting for the used car market. For example, if the new owner wants to activate ACC or interior lighting (€1.50 per month or €59 one-off), but the first owner did not order these features.

Source: Volkswagen, Autoexpress