Rivian has introduced a series of new features through an OTA update aimed at enhancing the driving experience, extending the scope of its vehicle’s performance and ADAS capabilities, and providing owners with more flexibility and customization across the ownership experience.
At the height of this offering is the rollout of Rivian’s Enhanced Highway Assist ADAS to the automaker’s Gen 2 vehicles. This recently launched feature allows drivers to engage hands-off driving for extended periods of time on compatible highways, though Rivian stressed that the driver must remain focused on the road ahead.
When activated, the system can independently control key driving functions such as steering, acceleration and braking, altogether reducing stress and enhancing comfort. In terms of monitoring the driver while it is activated, the Enhanced Highway Assist uses an infrared camera embedded in the interior rearview mirror to gauge the driver’s attentiveness. This location was intentionally chosen by Rivian, due to its intuitiveness in that the mirror can be adjusted for each driver, thereby adjusting the orientation of the camera itself.
Beyond ADAS, the software update also includes a new driving mode for Rivian’s Dual-Motor vehicles. Upon selecting the Off-Road Mode in these vehicles, Rally Mode can now be activated. The new driving mode is focused on delivering heightened throttle response and steering across many types of terrain, including ice, mud, dirt, or asphalt.
Owners of Rivian’s Dual-Motor EVs (both Gen 1 and Gen 2 with a Standard+, Large and Max battery pack) benefit further from an optional performance upgrade. Purchasable from the Rivian account page, or the automaker’s mobile app, the one-time $5,000 (£3,858 / €4,601) payment unlocks 665 hp (489 kW) and 829 lb-ft (1123 Nm) of torque, as well as three new drive modes – Sport, Rally, and Soft Sand.
In addition to these upgrades, Rivian also highlighted a series of smaller additions delivered through the update, including the ability for the user to change their wheel type in the Settings menu to facilitate more accurate range estimates. A new ‘Go Chime’ issues an audible alert when, in traffic, the vehicle in front of the driver begins to move. In both Gen 1 and 2 vehicles, the side mirrors will now automatically tilt down when the reverse gear is selected to help users protect their wheels and tires as they reverse their vehicle.
A new feature in the Rivian app will allow the user to remotely close the charge port door, in case they forget to do so after walking away from their vehicle, while a new Tire Puncture Detection system proactively detects punctures and slow leaks on tires while in motion, notifying the driver immediately upon detecting these signs to ensure their safety.
