What do you think of Dual Motor Performance? | Views on Sport Mode in particular

[Jonger1150]

funny - i noticed the same thing - with the clunk - glad its not just me

Have you had any error codes or temporary rear motor disengagement?

If the issue persists after the next software update I will be contacting service and will look into this. Numerous others have mentioned this fixes the issue.

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/lost-rear-drive-under-acceleration.31808/post-741913

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[CANCERDOC]

Have you had any error codes or temporary rear motor disengagement?

I don't think anything is broken - it is just some sort of new calibration they introduced with 2024.51.

 

[Jonger1150]

I don't think anything is broken - it is just some sort of new calibration they introduced with 2024.51.

Yup. if it persists after the next patch, I'll contact service to get mine calibrated.

This has to be impacting A LOT of dual motor owners.

 

[CaptTrev]

Have you had any error codes or temporary rear motor disengagement?

If the issue persists after the next software update I will be contacting service and will look into this. Numerous others have mentioned this fixes the issue.

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/lost-rear-drive-under-acceleration.31808/post-741913

no error codes or any other issues - i have an appt at a SC in a couple of weeks - i will bring it up to them then if a new update doesn't fix it

 

[LawnDarter]

Can't say I've read all the comments, by my 2 cents is that if you drive curvy roads, sport mode is great! Gen 1 Dual-Max Performance on 20" wheels. I use it anytime I'm going up or down the hill.

 

[mpshizzle]

One question I have that I'm not sure anyone has empirically answered yet is if AP mode really is identical between dual and dual performance, or if some portion of the extra power is available in that mode too

 

[CANCERDOC]

One question I have that I'm not sure anyone has empirically answered yet is if AP mode really is identical between dual and dual performance, or if some portion of the extra power is available in that mode too

From all the press info and interviews, it seems the extra power is only accessible in Sport mode. AP is the same whether performance or non-performance.

 

[MikeWilliams_R1T]

So now that the update is out... has anyone here upgraded their Dual motor to PDM?

Mine is sitting in a service center right now to replace the powered tonneau so I have not yet made a choice. Based on some of the comments in this thread, I am a little more excited about the idea of unlocking the rest of my Standard+ battery in a future update.

 

[riv-e-in]

Not us. Thought we’d jump on it after we bought the car, but reading all of the input from others, combined with the $5k price tag, means we’re holding off for now. Had this been priced lower, say $3k, the vehicle probably would be updated.

We’ve contacted Rivian about five times in the past couple of weeks using their “feedback” link in the app and received no response to some important items. Because of this, we may have to escalate the “is the upgrade from dual motor to performance dual motor available in all drive modes” to a service inquiry.

Rivian communication needs improvement to ensure customer feedback is addressed because their “feedback“ mechanism seems to be a black hole.

 

[CANCERDOC]

Not us. Thought we’d jump on it after we bought the car, but reading all of the input from others, combined with the $5k price tag, means we’re holding off for now. Had this been priced lower, say $3k, the vehicle probably would be updated.

We’ve contacted Rivian about five times in the past couple of weeks using their “feedback” link in the app and received no response to some important items. Because of this, we may have to escalate the “is the upgrade from dual motor to performance dual motor available in all drive modes” to a service inquiry.

Rivian communication needs improvement to ensure customer feedback is addressed because their “feedback“ mechanism seems to be a black hole.

The extra power is only available in sport mode. AP is the same.

 

[Rividiculous]

Well, I upgraded my Dual Max to a Dual Max Performance and I can now answer my own question: The Performance upgrade is both completely frivolous and totally awesome. Yeeeeehaaaa!

For me, it was well worth it. I enjoy driving and love the feeling of added control and responsiveness with the rear drive always engaged in Sport Mode. I also like the firm suspension. (Side benefit: my kids are less likely to feel car sick with a firm ride. That surprised me but makes sense--it's less "floaty.") The extra power takes the acceleration from "almost scary" to "downright scary." Maybe I'll get it on a drag strip one day just for fun but, in general, I don't see myself mashing the accelerator much. I'll save that for a (lighter) R3X. Still, even if I'm not hammering it, I like the way the power comes on better when accelerating. The sound of the rear motors is nice too. Yes, this EV has soul.

So, my 2¢ for others considering the upgrade: If you can afford it and you are a person who enjoys driving, definitely get it. If it would be a financial stretch or you just want to get from point A to point B then no need; the regular dual motor is an amazing car and already pretty fun to drive.

The more difficult call is probably choosing among Dual Performance v. Tri v. Quad. Good luck with that!

 

[applechill]

Well, I upgraded my Dual Max to a Dual Max Performance and I can now answer my own question: The Performance upgrade is both completely frivolous and totally awesome. Yeeeeehaaaa!

For me, it was well worth it. I enjoy driving and love the feeling of added control and responsiveness with the rear drive always engaged in Sport Mode. I also like the firm suspension. (Side benefit: my kids are less likely to feel car sick with a firm ride. That surprised me but makes sense--it's less "floaty.") The extra power takes the acceleration from "almost scary" to "downright scary." Maybe I'll get it on a drag strip one day just for fun but, in general, I don't see myself mashing the accelerator much. I'll save that for a (lighter) R3X. Still, even if I'm not hammering it, I like the way the power comes on better when accelerating. The sound of the rear motors is nice too. Yes, this EV has soul.

So, my 2¢ for others considering the upgrade: If you can afford it and you are a person who enjoys driving, definitely get it. If it would be a financial stretch or you just want to get from point A to point B then no need; the regular dual motor is an amazing car and already pretty fun to drive.

The more difficult call is probably choosing among Dual Performance v. Tri v. Quad. Good luck with that!

Glad you’re enjoying it! I’m still making the decision for my Dual Max.

In an email, Rivian said the 0-60 time is actually improved in AP mode too. Was that noticeable at all? Before that disclosure, we were assuming that AP was identical between Dual and Performance Dual but it seems that is not the case.

I’m also curious if anyone with a Tesla Model 3 LR (dual but not performance) can compare the driving experience for R1S Performance Dual in Sport mode to the Model 3. That’s our other car and the driving experience is a lot of fun. I know the R1S would be faster than the Model 3 when in Sport mode, but how about handling, throttle response, etc.?

In AP mode the R1S is significantly less fun to drive because of the throttle lag and “floatiness” — not sure how much of that is tuneable with Sport mode vs. just inherent to a big truck compared to a small sedan.

 

[DayTripping]

Glad you’re enjoying it! I’m still making the decision for my Dual Max.

In an email, Rivian said the 0-60 time is actually improved in AP mode too. Was that noticeable at all? Before that disclosure, we were assuming that AP was identical between Dual and Performance Dual but it seems that is not the case.

I’m also curious if anyone with a Tesla Model 3 LR (dual but not performance) can compare the driving experience for R1S Performance Dual in Sport mode to the Model 3. That’s our other car and the driving experience is a lot of fun. I know the R1S would be faster than the Model 3 when in Sport mode, but how about handling, throttle response, etc.?

In AP mode the R1S is significantly less fun to drive because of the throttle lag and “floatiness” — not sure how much of that is tuneable with Sport mode vs. just inherent to a big truck compared to a small sedan.

I use my M3 LR as a baseline to compare lots of things to. It is a great all round car.

I driven most of the models of Rivian. They will never be sort of point and shoot like the 3 will be but they handle extremely well for a truck.

I've driving an R1T performance dual but honestly it was never in AP mode. It absolutely launches harder than a stock 3 does. Its acceleration is pretty comparable to my Model 3 with acceleration boost. It also might be just a touch quicker to 60. Above 60 I think the 3 is quicker and honestly, it isn't that much being my G1 quad from let's say 50-90 mph.

Besides its weight, the biggest thing holding the truck back is tires. Put the truck in low and it handles very well, up until the tires let go.

If I had a dual max truck, I'd absolutely get the performance upgrade as I am a performance junkie. I personally think the AP mode is too soft (for acceleration) in ever Rivian I've tried. It really neuters the acceleration. So I am normally in sport mode all the time when not on the freeway. It feels much more responsive at lower speeds.

I haven't seen anyone quantify the difference between sport and AP on a dual. I'd be interested to see what it is. On my G1 quad, it adds a half second 0-60. Honestly it feels far worse than that as it just kills the launch when I want to accelerate hard and it feels much softer than sport until about 50 mph then they seem to even out.

 

[applechill]

I use my M3 LR as a baseline to compare lots of things to. It is a great all round car.

I driven most of the models of Rivian. They will never be sort of point and shoot like the 3 will be but they handle extremely well for a truck.

I've driving an R1T performance dual but honestly it was never in AP mode. It absolutely launches harder than a stock 3 does. Its acceleration is pretty comparable to my Model 3 with acceleration boost. It also might be just a touch quicker to 60. Above 60 I think the 3 is quicker and honestly, it isn't that much being my G1 quad from let's say 50-90 mph.

Besides its weight, the biggest thing holding the truck back is tires. Put the truck in low and it handles very well, up until the tires let go.

If I had a dual max truck, I'd absolutely get the performance upgrade as I am a performance junkie. I personally think the AP mode is too soft (for acceleration) in ever Rivian I've tried. It really neuters the acceleration. So I am normally in sport mode all the time when not on the freeway. It feels much more responsive at lower speeds.

I haven't seen anyone quantify the difference between sport and AP on a dual. I'd be interested to see what it is. On my G1 quad, it adds a half second 0-60. Honestly it feels far worse than that as it just kills the launch when I want to accelerate hard and it feels much softer than sport until about 50 mph then they seem to even out.

Thanks, your impressions are really helpful especially coming from someone who also enjoys the Model 3 LR. I never bought the acceleration boost on mine and probably won’t at this point (it’s a 2019, not worth putting another $2K into it, even setting aside the Elon factor).

Rivian’s email said the 0-60 improvement from Dual to Performance Dual in AP mode is 4.5 to 4.1 s. I think on paper 4.5 is close to the 2019 Model 3 without acceleration boost, but the 3 feels much quicker in practice. That may be more throttle response than outright acceleration.

 

[DayTripping]

Glad to help. They both will have excellent throttle response. It is that smooth, linear push, that most EVs have.

One thing to add is that my Rivian's acceleration falls off less than my 3 does at lower charge levels. For example, If I can do 0-60 at 3.7 in AP mode, at 80%, even at 40%, I am around 3.8-3.85. At higher speeds the effect is more obvious but still less as a percentage than the 3.

At the same time, its performance seems more dependent on battery temperature than my 3. While cold batteries affect the performance of most EVs, it seems to impact my Rivian more and my efficiency suffers far more with a cold car than any of my Teslas. It isn't terrible, but it s noticeable.

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