The OnStar system, which until recently was offered by monthly subscription for GM cars, has a wide range of functionality. These are step-by-step navigation, the ability to use a smartphone as a key fob, Amazon Alexa voice assistant, roadside assistance, and much more. For some GM models, the OnStar option is still optional and costs $49.99 per month. However, for Buick, GMC, and Cadillac Escalade cars, it is now mandatory, and it must be bought immediately for three years for 1.5 thousand dollars.
In other words, the cost of a three-year OnStar subscription is now included in the price of new cars and varies depending on the model. For example, Buick cars will rise in price by $1.5 thousand, the basic versions of the GMC Sierra and Canyon – by $1675, other GMC models at a more advanced level of equipment – by $905, Cadillac Escalade – by the same $1.5 thousand, and the price of the Hummer EV with OnStar will not increase at all.
Automotive News, with reference to a representative of General Motors, clarifies that for those customers who do not intend to activate OnStar and use it, a discount is not provided. TheDrive.com in turn, I found out that the option is not mandatory for Chevrolet and Cadillac models, in addition to the Escalade. At least for now.
Subscription options are available for other brands as well. Recent examples include heated seats in BMW cars. The Bavarian automaker also charges a monthly fee for the heated steering wheel, electronic driver assistance systems, automatic high beam control, and others. You can also purchase functions for indefinite use. But there is a caveat: all paid services are available only on new BMWs.