Here comes Mercedes-Benz jumping into the monthly subscription-service craze, joining a fast expanding list of marques experimenting with the business model. It was just last week when BMW launched its pilot subscription program “Access by BMW” in the US. And now, its fiercest German rival has jumped on the bandwagon by introducing its pilot program in Nashville and Philadelphia “Mercedes-Benz Collection”, starting this June.
Like its competitor BMW, which is also launching its subscription service in the home of country music, Mercedes will operate its partnership with local dealers in both markets.
Like other vehicular services of this type, it will allow subscribers to hop between the brand’s cars that fit their changing day-to-day needs and desires. Mercedes-Benz says options include coupes, cabriolets, roadsters, sedans, wagons, and SUVs, presumably encompassing crossovers under the SUV umbrella. The U.S. version will reportedly allow unlimited access to vehicles via a mobile app and delivered via concierge. Members will also have access to high-performance Mercedes-AMG models.
BMW last week launched its Access by BMW subscription service with two tiers: $2,000 or $3,700 a month, plus a $575 joining fee, including taxes and fees, maintenance, roadside assistance, full detail washes, insurance and a 2,000-mile monthly driving limit.
Mercedes is yet to give details about the program cost. All we know is there will be a handful of monthly subscription tiers. The monthly subscription fee will also include insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and vehicle maintenance, with no limit on mileage for any vehicle.