For those eagerly anticipating the arrival of their Rivian vehicles, the choice of drive systems has never been more exciting. Preorder holders now have the opportunity to select from three distinct drive setups that distribute power seamlessly to all four wheels. As Dual-Motor vehicles prepare to hit the roads, let’s delve into the specifics that can guide your decision-making process.

Dual-Motor AWD: Unveiling Excellence in Performance and Adaptability While Maximizing Range

The Dual-Motor AWD configuration stands out for its exceptional performance and remarkable adaptability, all without compromising on range efficiency.

Performance Dual-Motor AWD: Elevating On-Road Performance while Prioritizing Range

The Performance Dual-Motor AWD package takes things up a notch by offering heightened on-road performance, all the while ensuring optimal range efficiency.

Quad-Motor AWD: Designed for Unparalleled On-Road and Off-Road Performance

Engineered for peak performance, both on the road and off it, the Quad-Motor AWD system defines the pinnacle of driving prowess.

Automatic AWD vs Permanent AWD: A Closer Look at Efficiency and Performance

In the realm of All-Purpose mode, the Automatic AWD function orchestrates vehicle movement predominantly through the front axle motor and wheels, thus optimizing range. However, it seamlessly and instantaneously directs power to the rear axle motor and wheels whenever necessary — an especially responsive feature during rapid acceleration or instances of traction loss. This makes Automatic AWD the most streamlined and efficient AWD system available.

For the sake of performance and safety, the default mode shifts in other driving scenarios such as Snow, Tow, All-Terrain, and Sport. Here, both motors operate consistently, mirroring the mechanics of Permanent AWD.

Quad-Motor AWD employs the Permanent AWD mechanism, which ensures all four motors are continuously active, barring the selection of Conserve mode, where the rear motors are temporarily deactivated.

Embracing Versatility Through Drive Modes

Dual-Motor AWD vehicles are equipped with four distinct drive modes:

• All-Purpose
• Snow
• Tow
• All-Terrain

Performance Dual-Motor AWD introduces an additional fifth mode:

• Sport

Quad-Motor AWD takes versatility a step further with ten drive modes:

• All-Purpose
• Snow
• Tow
• All-Terrain
• Sport
• Conserve
• Rock Crawl
• Rally
• Drift
• Soft Sand

Unveiling the Absence of Conserve Mode in Dual-Motor AWD and Performance Dual-Motor AWD

The rationale behind the absence of Conserve mode in Dual-Motor variants is linked to the Automatic AWD drive setup. When in All-Purpose mode and maintaining speeds above approximately 19 mph (30 kmph), Dual-Motor vehicles primarily rely on the front motor and front wheels for propulsion. Similarly, a Quad-Motor vehicle in Conserve mode deactivates the rear motors, employing only the front motors for propulsion. This intelligent decoupling and recoupling, prompted by acceleration demands, renders a separate Conserve mode redundant in Dual-Motor vehicles.

The automatic management of rear axle coupling during high acceleration or during non-acceleration phases in a Dual-Motor vehicle is also instrumental in ensuring balanced power distribution, mitigating excessive front tire wear.

Varied Suspension Heights: A Matter of Personalization

Dual-Motor AWD vehicles provide the choice of four suspension height options:

• Max
• High
• Standard
• Low

Both Performance Dual-Motor AWD and Quad-Motor AWD models offer an additional suspension height:

• Lowest

Aesthetic Nuances: Reflecting Individuality

Both Dual-Motor AWD and Performance Dual-Motor AWD come adorned with exterior door badges finished in a sleek monochrome satin silver, complemented by a tailgate badge featuring a gloss black accent. Furthermore, these models sport silver front and rear brake calipers.

Quad-Motor AWD vehicles maintain their distinct appearance with vibrant yellow badging accents and brake calipers.