This is nothing new. The 1.5l EcoBoost Ford Focus in Europe had two trim options: 150BHP and 182BHP. The only difference was software. Just instead of a subscri

This is nothing new. The 1.5l EcoBoost Ford Focus in Europe had two trim options: 150BHP and 182BHP. The only difference was software. Just instead of a subscription you had to buy the option upfront. Of course barely anyone took the 182BHP version considering every other mechanic could perform the necessary upgrade. One friend of mine even did that during the lease. Considering 2/3 of premium brands' stock is usually leased and returned after that period anyway, I think this trend will only continue. Sucks to be the third owner of such a vehicle I guess, but the manufacturers never cared too much about the used market, considering they make most of their money on the initial sale/lease and authorized dealership maintenance. Personally I'm now even less likely to ever get a premium brand car, because it's becoming increasingly obvious that I'm not the target market.