U.S Company Rivian is Headed for Europe with the R2
Rivian is an electric car start up that launched its first cars, the R1S SUV and R1T Pick-up, in September 2021.
Both the R1S and R1T are large, luxury cars with many new features, such as it’s unique pass-through tunnel sighted between the rear doors and rear wheels, stretching from one side of the car to another.
It frees up a huge storage compartment that can also be customised to fit a full-sized outdoor kitchen. And yes, this is an option.
But at 5.5 meters in length these cars are perhaps too large for European tastes and roads. And this is where Rivian is launching their second car with the R2.
Rivian R1T Pasthrough Tunnel
Rivian R2
Smaller than the R1, the R2 which launched in the U.S. on the 12 March is still a premium SUV. But it’s Rivian’s pivotal car as it aims to return a profit for the first time from more affordable, mass-produced cars.
In doing so, it will lose some premium features, partly due to downsizing. For example, there is no passthrough tunnel in the R2, but what Rivian is offering is a long range, high-tech, premium SUV fit for Europeans.
With up to 650 horsepower and a 0-60 mph in a Lambo rivalling 3.6 seconds, and an estimated range of 345 miles (on the EPA test cycle), the R2 is a stand-out electric SUV in a crowded sector.
Rivian R2
The R2 comes in three trim levels; Standard, Premium and Performance. Even the entry level version is good for 345 miles of range on the more accurate American EPA test cycle and can sprint to 60 mph is a very agreeable 5.9 seconds.
On the two top trims, there is a drop-down rear glass that is completely concealed in the tailgate, handy for carrying exra-long items. And storage is class leading. The front trunk alone can carry 147 litres of cargo, whilst the total cargo space is a near van-like 2,551 litres.
R2 Premium Interior
The Standard comes with a 2WD set-up and an optional AWD set-up. Autonomy+ is an extra, too. But inside, the R2 Standard has heated front seats and a heated steering wheel with the seats being 12-way powered for the drivers seat and 8-way powered for the passenger seat.
Stepping up to the Premium gives you AWD as standard, a premium interior with Birch wood accents, premium audio, 12-way electrically adjustable drivers and passenger seats, Matrix LED lighting and much more. Thanks to its dual motors, the R2 Premium will race to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.
The Performance adds semi-active suspension, more power and torque for that 3.6 second warp-speed dash to 60 mph and large 21-inch wheels.
There’s a choice of colours, three wheel sizes ranging from 19-inch to 21-inch and two interior colours.
There’s no confirmed date for a European launch, but some speculate that the R2 could be arriving in 2027. CEO R J Scaringe has previously stated that Europe is a priority to launch the R2 and has suggested that right-hand drive versions will be made available, too.
Rivian R3
Rivian also has plans to launch an even smaller vehicle once the R2 is ramped. Called the R3, it’s more of a crossover than a full-blown SUV. There’s little information about the R3 yet as it’s still a long way from production, but it’s a great looking car.
Rivian aims to deliver over 300 miles of range on the American EPA test cycle, offering 3 motor variants, a 2WD, AWD and Tri-Motor performance version with all cars receiving regular over-the-air software updates.
Rivian R3
We will keep you informed as soon as we hear official information from Rivian about a European launch, and right-hand drive versions.
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About the Author
Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more.
You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb or YouTube @REV-EV.