Rivian‘s Software Chief Wassym Bensaid has said on Tuesday that improvements are coming to the Performance Upgrade “later this year.”
This information came in response to an X post by ‘RivianTrackr,’ who had mentioned that he had just purchased the Performance Upgrade for his R1S Dual-Motor.
Several users noted on their replies that the upgrade was not “worth $5,000” and that it was “very disappointing to have power limit in All-Purpose [mode], so there is really no difference unless you’re in Sport Mode.”
However, Bensaid clarified that “All purpose does get a [performance] boost (acceleration, torque shaping) with Performance upgrade.”
According to the Rivian executive, contrary to what owners believed, the performance boost from the upgrade is experienced in all driving modes.
The Performance Upgrade was launched earlier this year as an in-app or in-car purchase for Dual-Motor R1 owners. Previously, it was only possible to get it as an option while ordering the vehicle.
The upgrade is available for both Gen 1 and Gen 2 vehicles and introduces new driving modes — Sport, Soft Sand and Rally — with specialized capabilities. Sport Mode improves track performance.
Bensaid added that “there’s other improvements coming to the Performance upgrade later this year.”
Rivian‘s upcoming 2025.34 software update will improve its assisted driving system and home charging experience, while also fixing audio tuning issues that the company’s Software Chief previously promised to address.
According to the release notes, the new update will introduce the Co-Steer feature, which allows drivers to adjust their position within a lane using gentle steering inputs while Highway Assist is on — without the system disengaging.
Last week, the Irvine-based brand confirmed that the Digital Key will not be released with the 2025.34 over-the-air update, “as it requires a bit more testing” — two weeks after Bensaid noted that it would be coming in “an upcoming update.”
Wassym Bensaid also affirmed that the company would be unveiling a smart charging feature, allowing customers to time their home-charging sessions.
Rivian has previously partnered with WeaveGrid for home-based charging solutions.
As the EV maker rolled out its 2025.26 software update last month, Bensaid noted that “more improvements” were coming to the infotainment system, after the company integrated Google Maps in mid-July.
