Carmakers are charging for a lifesaving feature
Modern cars are basically computers on wheels, each with over 1,400 processors. The more complex our cars get, the more at risk we are. I’m not talking about theft; I’m talking about remote carjacking … or worse.
Imagine this: Someone with enough skill and bad intentions could stop your car while you’re driving it. Want a car with all the bells and whistles? That’s gonna cost ya. Charging a subscription to go faster is one thing, but charging for an important safety feature? That’s shady.
🐴 Straight out of ‘The Godfather’
Some carmakers are now charging for “protection.” Automatic crash notification, or ACN, uses your car’s communication tools or a paired phone to notify emergency services in case of a crash. If you’re knocked unconscious or otherwise unable to make the call yourself, this is truly a lifesaving feature.
Some manufacturers include ACN for free, while others charge as much as $100 annually. If you don’t pay, you lose it. Despicable.
- Brands that offer ACN for free: Acura, Audi, BMW, Ford, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Polestar, Porsche and Volvo.
- Brands that offer ACN as a five-year (or more) free trial: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, some Jeep models, Kia, Lexus, Mercedes, Ram, Toyota and Volkswagen.
- Brands that charge for ACN before five years: Chrysler, Dodge, Infiniti, some Jeep models, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Ram, Subaru and Toyota.
Next thing you know, there’ll be an upcharge to deploy your airbags.
From the critical to the comical
Paying extra for add-ons when you buy a car is nothing new, but these subscription costs will make you laugh, groan or roll your eyes.
- Audi wants you to cough up $260 annually for “dynamic lighting.” If you have to ask, it’s not worth it.
- BMW offers a dashcam function for $19 monthly or $430 for the vehicle’s life. You can buy a pretty sweet dashcam that’s 15% off.
- Cadillac’s hands-free driving system goes for $25 a month.
- Mercedes charges $1,200 annually to get you from 0 to 60 mph one second faster.
- Porsche will help protect your vehicle from theft … for $280 annually.
We’re not there yet, but I’d bet the trend of charging for what should be standard protection will continue.
This is important information for anyone in the market for a new car or someone who’s just purchased one. Please share this article with your family and friends, so they’re in the know.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
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