The Rivian R1t Quad engine is a real technology monster: over 1,000 hp, All-wheel drive with four individual electric motors And a lot of ground clearance - ideal for asphalt and rubble. But there is an interesting discussion among real off-road enthusiasts: Is less sometimes more?
Four engines - maximum control?
Rivian relies on a quad engine setup that can control each wheel individually. This brings enormous advantages on the street: sensitive torque vectoring, top acceleration and precise driving dynamics.
But in the field it shows: Mechanical differential barriers have far from being out of date. With a classic off-roader you can mechanically block front, medium and rear axles- all wheels rotate consistently equally quickly, no matter what the surface says.
With the Rivian, this task takes over the software. The disadvantage: she recognizes slip Only when he happens, and then reacts through targeted braking or torque shift. This leads to:
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Pouring bikes
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Burnt rubber smell
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Return traction
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And a feeling of "less control", as off-road tester Roman Mica describes.
Example from the test:
When rock crawling in California, a rear wheel had no grip, the other turned wild. Classic reflex: foot from the gas. But with Rivian? Give more gas! Because the software needs the signal to recognize: Aha, we have to distribute the torque differently. A risky moment - despite the technology. "I would have liked a mechanical lock at that moment," said the tester.
Conclusion: Hightech wins-but not always in the heart of the off-road scene
The quad engine technique works- Everyone ultimately came up the hill. And the Rivian is beyond any doubt on asphalt.
But: If you are looking for pure off -road, with maximum predictability and mechanical feedback, you'd better use classic locks - as the coming Scout pickup from VW should offer.
