Not that long ago, the concept of over-the-air updates for cars sounded pretty cool – who wouldn’t want to have the latest and greatest software? It works great for cell phones, right? Well, when it comes to cars, automakers see it as a way of extorting more money out of you, and the new Mercedes EQS is, quite literally, the epitome of that. After paying six figures for a luxury car, should you have to pay another $105 to play Tetris? Or, should you have to pay another $59 for a simple update that makes the car more gentle to drive? Maybe a little more to make sure some Valet can’t go to fast in your new pride and joy? Well, this is the future, it’s only going to get more expensive, and the Mercedes EQS is the epitome of what’s wrong with the future of the automotive industry.

Mercedes EQS – The Car You Keep Paying For

Mercedes caught some negative reaction not that long ago when the world found out it would cost some €489 (about $575) to unlock the 10-degree rear-wheel steering that’s built into the EQS. And, that fee is billed annually. Or, you know, you can pay $1,376 to unlock the feature for three years at a discount. Now, as the EQS launches in Europe, we’re learning that Mercedes is taking things a step further. It’s not just about annual subscriptions for heated seats or navigation, the latter of which might make sense if there’s actually regular updates. This is about frivolous features that just seem crazy – at least in a car that costs well north of $100,000.

Mercedes EQS Customization Package - €89 ($105) Annually

In case spending between €106,000 and €136,000 wasn’t enough spending in one day for you, Mercedes will be happy to charge you another €89 for the “Customization Package.” Mercedes will lure you in with a free 12-month trial, but after that, you’ve got to pay up each year.

Mercedes EQS Beginner Driver Mode and Valet Mode - €50 ($59) Annually

If you don’t think you can handle driving your brand-new, six-figure EQS, Mercedes will be more than happy to charge you another €50 to turn on Beginner Driver Mode. This mode will make it so the “driving characteristics are deliberately more gentle.” Again, the €50 is billed annually.

Mercedes Is Trying to Make “Extra Revenue Streams” Sound Good to Consumers

The idea of paying for over-the-air features might make sense in some regard – maybe on cars that fall into the affordable bracket. At the same time, however, it rubs me as asinine that automakers are going to fill new cars full of tech and then simply charge you to use them while at the same time trying to make you feel like it’s a good thing they are generating more revenue. When I see automakers talk about this new form of income all I see is one company or another coming up with a way to extort more money out of you. One could argue that we already pay for options when we choose them anyway, but there’s a big difference – those options actually have to be installed. You want to opt for a navigation package with a larger display, you’re actually getting a different infotainment system. When it comes to the EQS and other new vehicles, your options will be you paying for something that’s already built into the car, and then you’ll pay for it, again and again, year after year.

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS specifications

Max. powertrain output

HP

245

385

Max. torque transmission output

Lb-ft

406

611

Acceleration 0-60 mph

s

5.5

4.1

Top speed

Mph

130

130

Battery energy content, usable (WLTP)

kWh

107.8

107.8

Charging time10 at wallbox or at public charging station (AC charging, 9.6kW)

h

 11.25

11.25

Charging time11 at a rapid charging station (DC)

min

31

31

DC charging capacity, max.

kW

200

200

DC charging in 15 minutes12 (WLTP)

km

Up to 300

Up to 280