Rivian has a few tricks up its sleeve.
After teasing the debut of the midsize R2 for weeks, the electric carmaker also launched another new model, the R3, on Thursday. The stylish SUV will serve as the brand’s entry-level showcase, but it may also be the most interesting vehicle.
The R2 may be a smaller version of the giant R1S, but the R3 is entirely new. It will be built on the same platform as the R2, but with a five-inch shorter wheelbase and subtle rear end, making it Rivian’s smallest and most comfortable model to date, although the brand still calls it a midsize car. He shares the same face and general soft lines as his older siblings, but his posture and appearance are entirely his own. We particularly like the glass rear hatch, which gives the car a look comparable to the first-generation Range Rover in the Eastern Bloc. This is a very rare electric car which can be called truly spectacular.
The interior design is simple, highlighting the entry-level status of the R3. Up front, you’ll find a digital instrument cluster mounted behind the steering wheel, a prominent touchscreen infotainment system located high in the middle of the dash, and not one, but two glove compartments. The slatted seats look nice, clean, and fold forward and backward (which can be useful if you’re taking it on an EV camping trip). It also has a large glass roof which gives the space a comfortable feel similar to other Rivian SUVs.
Only limited technical details were provided, but the R3 will be available with single, dual and triple engine options. It’s unclear how powerful any of these settings are, but you can probably expect to achieve about 300 miles of range from each. There will also be a sportier model called the R3X. This version of the EV will feature a top-spec tri-motor engine, wider wheels, stronger tires and higher ground clearance – improvements that suggest it can handle off-road terrain. Based on the images shared by Rivian, the car looks like an electric rally car. he looks
The R3 may have stolen the show on Thursday, but we think the R2 will attract a lot of drivers interested in electric vehicles. It’s not as big as the R1S – the brand’s first SUV is 15 inches longer, seven inches wider and 10 inches taller than the new EV – but it otherwise looks similar. The R2 will also be available with one, two or three engines.
The first variant will be rear-wheel drive, while the other two will be all-wheel drive. No production has been announced, but Rivian estimates the most powerful R2 will be able to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in three seconds. No range numbers were also provided, but the company expects all three versions to be able to travel more than 300 miles on a single charge.
The only problem with the R3 as far as we can see is that it won’t be available for a while. The SUV is expected to follow the R2, which if all goes well, won’t be released until 2026. We also don’t know how much the EV will cost, but it’s expected to be less than the R2’s announced $45,000 starting price.
