Rivian is sending out a new software update to all R1T and R1S customers which sounds like a big improvement. Owners report positive effects on the suspension and ride quality in all drive modes, in addition to better speed control, phone call features, and more.
Software version 2023.34.0 is rolling out to R1T and R1S owners and the changes are apparently noticeable from the cabin quite quickly. Kicking things off are two new speed options for cruise control. Drivers can either set it to the Speed Limit of the road they’re traveling on or to the Current Speed.
The biggest change appears to be in the way that the two vehicles handle everyday driving. “We improved ride quality across all drive modes and ride heights,” says Rivian. In part that includes reducing “abruptness when driving over sharp road impacts in all drive modes.” Early online reports suggest that owners are shocked at just how much better their Rivian vehicles drive.
More: Rivian To Introduce Redesigned R1T Electric Tonneau Cover In Early 2024
In addition, there are new phone call features like the ability to mute, pick up the phone, or swap between calls from the steering wheel. Also, the route planning application will now consider drive mode as a part of its calculations. Range loss is diminished by some 25 percent after this update when the vehicle is parked with Gear Guard off or set to Off at home.
There are tiny practical updates too like a new Screen Clean feature that allows users to clean the screens in the vehicle without interacting with them. Pressing the ‘Done’ button for three seconds turns it off or it’ll simply switch off after five minutes automatically.
Connected vehicles do pose a new potential risk to customers in terms of privacy but this is a clear indication of some of their benefits. Over-the-air updates give automakers the option to make a vehicle perform better long after the sale occurs and that’s a whole new experience for most of us.
