Rivian R1S gets drastic automated driving and ride quality improvements with 2023.34.0 software update

One of the strongest selling points of modern cars, especially electric cars, is that manufacturers can push software updates to patch bugs, add features, and even improve vehicle efficiency. Rivian is known for using software updates to great effect, previously introducing features like Bird's Eye View, Camp Mode, and Snow Mode to its vehicles in OTA updates.

Rivian's latest R1S software update, which, according to a Reddit post containing a draft of the update changelog, is seemingly being tested internally ahead of a public release, primarily adds automatic speed limit monitoring to the Adaptive Cruise Control and Highway Assist systems.

The inclusion of a Speed Limit mode to the driver assistance systems allows Rivian's R1S to monitor road signs and maintain the speed limit instead of having to rely on a driver-set speed. Conceivably, having a vehicle automatically stick to the speed limit will be a boon for many that do frequent long-distance trips.

In addition to expanding the ADAS featureset, Rivian also claims to have improved the R1S's handling and ride comfort, stating that All-Purpose Soft Ride mode has been made even less harsh. The suspension damping has also been adjusted to handle abrupt impacts with more composure, according to Rivian.

How the new dynamics and ADAS updates play out when the internal beta hits public release is, of course, yet to be seen. Aside from improving quality of life for drivers, Rivian has fixed a number of software bugs and added a Screen Clean mode that locks up the infotainment screen for five minutes to allow for a thorough cleaning.

All-in-all, it looks like Rivian's in-house software development strategy might pay off for the American EV maker if it continues to support its vehicles after release.

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