this post was submitted on 16 Aug 2025
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Is $879 for an extra 20 horsepower even worth it?
Not really IMO, but I would personally never buy it, since it's an artificial limitation only meant to extort buyers for more money, for something that cost them nothing, and I would never reward artificial limitations and such shenanigans.
I'd probably look for some third party hack to unlock it for free instead, or probably buy another brand of car.
more horse power means more stress - the car will break more. Not only wouldn't I buy it I'd pay less for a used car if anyone ever paid for it.
That's a good point, especially at at high mileage it may become an issue.
But I don't think it's normally much of an issue, it would be mostly gear and engine that has that extra stress, and AFAIK they are very durable.
I saw a complete tear-down video review of a VW gear and engine, and they are very well made. So I wouldn't worry about it, especially if you can find one at a reasonable price with reasonable mileage.
Fair if you care about it. No other upgrades will get you that much.
For ice cars If you are outside warranty you can just have your ECU remapped and gain much more hp.
I am guessing these remaps will eventually be available for electric motors too
I'm not sure about other EVs, but on the BMW iX, a lot of the computer stuff is encrypted now, and has to be signed with BMW's private key (i.e. they've actually implemented encryption correctly). Apps like Bimmercode don't work on it.
No. Switching from 140 to 160 hp isn't something you'd really even notice on everyday commuting. More is more of course, but unless your driving style is very aggressive that doesn't really make any difference on the driving experience. What it might do is improve your range slightly, but that depends heavily on multiple different things and if your driving style and conditions on most common routes aren't suitable it might even reduce the range you'll get out of the thing.
Do you notice the power difference when your AC is on?
This 20 hp should be similar tbh.