Rivian Boosts Ride Quality With New Software Update
Automakers can work wonders with over-the-air software (OTA) updates, from increasing EVs’ range to adding new infotainment features and safety tech. Rivian’s recent software update improved its vehicles’ ride quality and ride height settings, showing that OTAs can deliver meaningful hardware updates without a tech ever touching the vehicle.
The R1T electric pickup and R1S SUV are both included in the OTA. Rivian said its update focuses on ride quality for the All-Purpose Soft Ride mode and the vehicles’ Sport Mode. Improvements include “reduced abruptness” with sharp road impacts and a smoother ride at lower speeds.
Owners also get new phone call features, including deeper functionality of steering wheel controls, the ability to pause and make three-way calls, and a new phonebook feature that enables quick navigation to a contact’s address. The vehicles also have a new drive mode function that lets owners preset a mode for a road trip in the navigation system. Finally, interior touchscreens now have a disable feature that makes cleaning easier.
Other automakers have issued interesting updates in recent times, including models equipped with Google built-in services. The tech giant announced new teleconferencing and third-party app features for its software, and the capability will reach several models in the coming days. Mercedes made similar moves with its latest models, offering third-party apps and games in some configurations.
[Image: Rivian]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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"Finally, interior touchscreens now have a disable feature that makes cleaning easier."
A good idea. My 10-year-old Honeywell Wi-Fi thermostat has that - you get 30 seconds to clean it, once you touch CLEAN.
"Finally, interior touchscreens now have a disable feature that makes cleaning easier.".................... Or- I dont know - just clean it when the car is off
odd looking car. if i m going jumbo; i m getting an evilgm denali.
I'll take the R1S in the photo.