Rivian is preparing to give its brand-new midsize SUV a major injection of speed. Despite the R2 just hitting the market, a performance upgrade is already on the horizon for early adopters looking to maximize their straight-line acceleration.
Rivian software chief Wassym Bensaid recently teased the feature on X, sharing a video of an employee putting the system through its paces. In the post, Bensaid confirmed, "Team testing Launch Mode on R2. Coming in the next OTA update!"
Team testing Launch Mode on R2. Coming in the next OTA update! pic.twitter.com/ANCJItF1hH
— Wassym Bensaid (@WassymBensaid) July 9, 2026
Track-Ready Acceleration Post-Launch
Rivian has a documented history of bringing maximum performance tech to vehicles well after they’re rolled off the factory floor. The brand introduced a neck-snapping Launch Mode for Gen 1 Quad-Motor R1T and R1S models back in 2024, long after they began deliveries in 2021. More recently, Rivian rolled out the track-focused acceleration feature to all of its Dual-Motor Performance R1 variants earlier this year.
Because R2 customer deliveries officially began almost exactly a month ago, Launch Mode is arriving much quicker than it did for the elder R1 lineup. The feature will be headed straight to the R2 Performance trim, which is currently the only variant in production and making its way into customer hands bundled with the exclusive Launch Package.
How Launch Mode Works on the R2
Launch Mode is designed to get you going really fast by coaxing the maximum possible acceleration out of your vehicle. Activating the system is simple: drivers will just need to navigate to the On-Road drive modes menu, select Sport Mode, and tap the checkered flag icon at the bottom of the screen. From there, you follow the onscreen instructions to press the brake firmly and floor the accelerator. Lift your foot off the brake, and off you go!
Launch Mode preconditions the battery pack and motors to the perfect operating temperatures while optimizing torque delivery to each wheel, all so you can achieve the fastest possible 0-60 (and 0-100) mph sprint. It also adjusts the adaptive semi-active dampers to stiffen up the suspension for a clean launch. All of this comes with a cool visualization on the driver’s display that tracks your times. However, because the R2 swaps out the air suspension found on the R1 lineup for a traditional coil-spring setup, the ride height won’t actively lower during a launch.
While Bensaid did not share an exact release date for the software drop, early R2 owners have been driving for a month now, meaning a fresh update packed with bug fixes and new features should arrive at any moment.
