R2 semi-active Suspension on Performance Trim

[quagmire2]

If it is similar to what is in the Model Y Performance, it will be a very nice feature. In the Tesla, Soft mode makes a huge difference in how it handles speed bumps, for example. But I'm not sure how useful the Firm setting really is in the R2. It is not a racing car, after all...

And I found the Model Y Performance much more comfortable than the Premium Model Y, so maybe the R2 is similar. Not sure.

Depends how you like the vehicle to behave.

On my 2nd demo drive last week now that they let me go where I wanted to with the vehicle, I took it on a road that was in poor shape and had speed bumps to specifically test the semi-active dampers.

When going over the speed bumps in soft, the vehicle would rebound a bit more( not Cadillac float like bouncing, but body movement was there). Going over them in firm, the body control was much better. Still comfortable going over the bumps, but it didn't rebound after.

If you're going to be driving where the asphalt is going to be mostly baby bottom smooth, then yeah you're probably not going to tell much difference and would be fine with the fixed dampers of the Premium. Going to be on roads that are like after a Michigan winter, then they might be worth it. My other car has GM's magride suspension, and it does an amazing job between settings to how stiff the suspension feels.

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[JDnLinda]

Thanks for all of the inputs, opinions, and hands on reviews. I hope those who have taken receipt of their vehicles, or ongoing test rides will continue to share their experiences for the rest of us to enjoy vicariously.

 

[Great Gatsby]

Having driven several vehicles with adaptive suspension, yes, it does a make difference. However, the worth it part comes down to how well they tune the standard suspension. If for comfort, than unless you want more spirited driving, then it won’t make a difference. I have a feeling Rivian will likely make the non-adaptive suspension lean towards being softer. So if a cushier ride is your priority, then premium will be fine.

 

[quagmire2]

Having driven several vehicles with adaptive suspension, yes, it does a make difference. However, the worth it part comes down to how well they tune the standard suspension. If for comfort, than unless you want more spirited driving, then it won’t make a difference. I have a feeling Rivian will likely make the non-adaptive suspension lean towards being softer. So if a cushier ride is your priority, then premium will be fine.

The rep during my demo claims the fixed dampers will be around the “moderate” setting on the semi-active ones.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Unless suspension of lower trim is tuned so poorly, and spring rate so poorly mismatched to dampers (typical of sub-$30k economy cars) you wouldn’t know or miss the difference to semi-active… if you are not a car enthusiast with expert level of understanding of vehicle dynamics.

 

[rfkxyz]

What's the difference in physical production - besides the dampers themselves - perhaps just an extra wiring harness connecting to the dampers?

 

[tivoboy]

Someone can gladly tell me I'm wrong if so, but it seems to be more of a gimmick than anything actually useful. It's not air suspension.

It’s not really a gimmick, it’s a self or auto adjusting damper at each corner that is very precisely controlled by wheel, motion and the ECU sensors to make micro adjustments to the tension and release of the shock and spring mechanism... many cars including high performance vehicles (think Mercedes AMG and Audi S and RS lines) have uses this as their primary suspension adjustment and selection feature. It’s also MUCH more reliable and predictable than an air suspension solution not to mention much less expensive and costly to repair or even maintain.

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