Finished R2 demo test drive? Share your review / impressions

[Jeremy3292]

I'm wondering how this can be fixed with a software fix if they are still rotating, unless it knows you want a click and completely disables rotation. Proper fix would be adding a few buttons IMHO...

It’s all software driven. It senses inputs and triggers the software to do what it senses. I’m no expert at this but those on this forum have said it’s not a hard fix, just needs more refinement on the inputs.

For example, side to side clicks seems a little difficult to do bc it scrolls up too sometimes. So you can trigger the software to only scroll up if there isn’t an immediate side click movement right after. That’s the gist of it I think.

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[TexasBob]

The iX3 is not available for test drive yet. I drove it in the ultimate driving experience here in Raleigh.

....

For me and my family the iX3 is the better car. The way the power is delivered and softer regen makes it much more pleasant to drive. I have a daughter that gets carsick. Also, I didn’t feel like when I drove the R1 it was as jerky as the R2, so I was confused by that. Maybe a software update can fix it. Plus it gets very hot here in NC. It was 100* all last week. I would need to tint the R2 to help the AC situation out.

I did a second test drive in the R2 today. I felt like I did not give it a completely fair shake last time and I have a strong pull toward the L3 with Lidar so I wanted it to work. Sadly, I walked away saying no again. II had talked myself into the range and charging would be "good enough."

I took it on "not great" sections of road, over train tracks, in the rain with 21s. I did not like the R2 ride over bumps. It is noticeably jarring especially on the small stuff. I then drove my Gen 1 R1T over the exact same terrain and R1 was significantly better (despite the unsettled suspension rattles). The noise in the R1 was also better. And the seats in the R2 were not a good fit for me (your 3/4 comment resonates but also the seat depth feels short and the windshield crossbar is an inch too low and distracting even though headroom is good).

I am looking seriously at the iX3 (I like the iX5 better but my whole point is to go with something smaller and more efficient). Any thoughts on how it handles rough pavement?

 

[SCSEV]

My R1S lease is up the beginning of February 2027. I’m going for my test drive of the R2 tomorrow. I have an R2 order slot August/September. Going to test drive the Tesla model Y and then the Tesla Cybertruck on Thursday. Might stop by and look at the Ionic 9, as well. Then I have to decide what to do. Right now I’m open minded. Hopefully one will stand out for me.

 

[rvnxyz001]

It’s all software driven. It senses inputs and triggers the software to do what it senses. I’m no expert at this but those on this forum have said it’s not a hard fix, just needs more refinement on the inputs.

For example, side to side clicks seems a little difficult to do bc it scrolls up too sometimes. So you can trigger the software to only scroll up if there isn’t an immediate side click movement right after. That’s the gist of it I think.

I think if it were easy to fix, it would have been fixed before the public release. They even said how proud they are of this thing, but we will see. I tried using this device and could not get it to switch views. It is also a bit awkward to click on something that is supposed to rotate. It just does not feel very natural or intuitive.

I will try again in a month and wait for a fix, but this could be another potential deal breaker, in addition to the glass roof and one-pedal driving.

 

[rvnxyz001]

I did a second test drive in the R2 today. I felt like I did not give it a completely fair shake last time and I have a strong pull toward the L3 with Lidar so I wanted it to work. Sadly, I walked away saying no again. II had talked myself into the range and charging would be "good enough."

I took it on "not great" sections of road, over train tracks, in the rain with 21s. I did not like the R2 ride over bumps. It is noticeably jarring especially on the small stuff. I then drove my Gen 1 R1T over the exact same terrain and R1 was significantly better (despite the unsettled suspension rattles). The noise in the R1 was also better. And the seats in the R2 were not a good fit for me (your 3/4 comment resonates but also the seat depth feels short and the windshield crossbar is an inch too low and distracting even though headroom is good).

I am looking seriously at the iX3 (I like the iX5 better but my whole point is to go with something smaller and more efficient). Any thoughts on how it handles rough pavement?

You should give premium a chance with regular suspension, it could be tuned better. Also, tires might be softer on it.

 

[Jeremy3292]

I think if it were easy to fix, it would have been fixed before the public release. They even said how proud they are of this thing, but we will see. I tried using this device and could not get it to switch views. It is also a bit awkward to click on something that is supposed to rotate. It just does not feel very natural or intuitive.

I will try again in a month and wait for a fix, but this could be another potential deal breaker, in addition to the glass roof and one-pedal driving.

It's in the release notes. Things needs refinement for a new product, not unusual.

"Improved Haptic Halo Wheel scroll and click behavior"

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...ar-guard-launch-mode-wifi-hotspot-more.61276/

 

[mellowthecat]

I did a second test drive in the R2 today. I felt like I did not give it a completely fair shake last time and I have a strong pull toward the L3 with Lidar so I wanted it to work. Sadly, I walked away saying no again. II had talked myself into the range and charging would be "good enough."

I took it on "not great" sections of road, over train tracks, in the rain with 21s. I did not like the R2 ride over bumps. It is noticeably jarring especially on the small stuff. I then drove my Gen 1 R1T over the exact same terrain and R1 was significantly better (despite the unsettled suspension rattles). The noise in the R1 was also better. And the seats in the R2 were not a good fit for me (your 3/4 comment resonates but also the seat depth feels short and the windshield crossbar is an inch too low and distracting even though headroom is good).

I am looking seriously at the iX3 (I like the iX5 better but my whole point is to go with something smaller and more efficient). Any thoughts on how it handles rough pavement?

Unfortunately both my rides in the R2 and iX3 were on smooth roads. The iX3 was a parking lot that I was able hit 80+ mph on. I couldn’t really give the suspensions a fair go given the terrain. I can say the R2 has noticeably more body roll side to side and front to back.

 

[mellowthecat]

Thanks for your thoughts on the ix3. I will be making sure to test drive one before I place my R2 order. I spec'd one out online at ~70k. With an add'l 100 miles of range and faster charging than the R2, I am interested.

BMW dealer and parts network is superior to Rivian in my experience. One thing I found odd is that you can't get ventilated seats in any of the current ix3 configurations. Every car has trade-offs. I hope the ix3 is more engaging to drive.

Dealers are now saying September on iX3 test drives. I would look into seeing if BMW have any UDE events in your area

Vented seats are coming on the iX3 in 2027 as well as the rumor of acoustic glass. Supposedly BMW vented seats kinda suck, or they have on past models

my iX3 is also $70k+

 

[walfredo2001]

I just finished my test drive today. I’m super bummed. I’m 6’6” and the car has tons of headroom front and back. Plenty of legroom, extremely generous on both. Loved the car in general as well, except it has the worst drivers seat I’ve ever sat in in any car of any kind. Felt like a metal bar being shoved into my upper back. I had to pullover after 10 minutes. Wtf? I was planning to order this when my invitation came next week. How could they have made it so bad for tall people? I’m shocked and bummed right now.

 

[Jeremy3292]

I’m wondering if a lot of people don’t realize there’s a lumbar support button and you can change it, which affects back comfort drastically.

 

[walfredo2001]

I’m wondering if a lot of people don’t realize there’s a lumbar support button and you can change it, which affects back comfort drastically.

I tried every setting I could find. The lumbar was lower back. This is a strong metal beam on upper back between shoulders. No way to raise or lower that plate, it’s all one piece the entire seat. I’ve never sat in a less comfortable seat in any car ever, no exaggeration. I’m actually still in some pain from the 10 minutes I tried to drive it.

 

[rvnxyz001]

I tried every setting I could find. The lumbar was lower back. This is a strong metal beam on upper back between shoulders. No way to raise or lower that plate, it’s all one piece the entire seat. I’ve never sat in a less comfortable seat in any car ever, no exaggeration. I’m actually still in some pain from the 10 minutes I tried to drive it.

Just get this
https://www.target.com/p/zone-tech-...A-1003103952?preselect=1003103951#lnk=sametab

I hope it is not a deal breaker anymore

 

[NinjaWrap]

then the Tesla Cybertruck on Thursday

Pros: steer by wire + four wheel steering is absolutely amazing. Wish every car had it. I will miss that more than anything else. Tonneau especially on an angled roof is great to have even though it’s not water tight.

Cons: getting flipped off and thumbs down for no reason. Driver side A pillar blind spot is terrible especially on curvy roads. 18 months later both of those are still annoying.

 

[tivoboy]

I’m wondering if a lot of people don’t realize there’s a lumbar support button and you can change it, which affects back comfort drastically.

It’s not lumbar, it’s upper thoracic.. many tall folks (like myself at 6’5”) have felt it..is quite unusual. And oddly since the CEO is arguably at least 6’2” it’s an oddity for sure.

I know I can fix it, I’ve had racing seats with breaks like that that i didn’t want to fix with a full seat insert (very common, almost standard for racing seats) but a much simpler fabricated one.

Shouldn’t have to, but I think the benefits overall of the vehicle outweigh having to add something to the drivers seat. Doesn’t affect my SO at all and she’s 5’7”

 

[rogunenode]

Dealers are now saying September on iX3 test drives. I would look into seeing if BMW have any UDE events in your area

Vented seats are coming on the iX3 in 2027 as well as the rumor of acoustic glass. Supposedly BMW vented seats kinda suck, or they have on past models

my iX3 is also $70k+

Thanks, I'll stop by my dealer to check on events and make sure I am notified when test drives are available. 70k for potentially better "driver's" car, +100mi more range, and faster charging is compelling. Giving up some off-road capability is a negative, though. R2 is still in the running. Test driving a used Macan 4S EV today as well.

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