Buy or subscribe? The honest calculator for Tesla owners in Germany.
Tesla is expected to launch the FSD subscription in Germany on this date. After that, this decision becomes less critical – you'll be able to flexibly choose between purchase and subscription.
Tesla currently offers Full Self-Driving (FSD) in Germany only as a one-time purchase (~€4,000). Starting February 14, 2025, a monthly subscription (~€99/month) is expected to become available.
The question: Should you buy FSD now – or wait for the subscription?
One-time payment, yours forever, partially transferable when selling the vehicle, historically free hardware upgrades
Cancel monthly, flexible, no commitment – but: more expensive with long-term use, hardware upgrade risk for older vehicles
Enter your vehicle data and planned usage. The calculator computes the true total costs of both options – including hidden factors like hardware upgrade risk, resale value, and tax benefits.
Tap Vehicle → Software → Additional Vehicle Information
It will show "Computer: HW3" or "Computer: HW4"
HW4 has a visible camera in the front bumper (below the license plate area).
HW3 does not have a camera there.
Your vehicle likely has Hardware 3. This means:
• With FSD Subscription: If Tesla discontinues HW3 support, you might have to pay €1,000–2,000 for an upgrade yourself – or be completely excluded.
• With FSD Purchase: Tesla has historically provided free hardware upgrades for purchasers (HW2.5 → HW3). Buying gives you better protection.
This risk is factored into the calculation!
Your vehicle has Hardware 4 – the latest Autopilot hardware. This means:
• No hardware upgrade risk – you're covered for the foreseeable future.
• Your decision between purchase and subscription depends purely on usage duration and costs.
• Tip: With HW4, the subscription is often more attractive if you want to stay flexible.
| Item | FSD Purchase | FSD Subscription |
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