Rivian Officially Launches the R2

It's hard to believe it's been two years since Rivian first showed us an R2 prototype. There was so much news last week (Lucid, Renault, Mercedes...) I realized I had taken notes but hadn't yet offered up my thoughts on the final details that Rivian released last week.Of course, the promised $45,000 model is not the one available at launch; Rivian's strategy mirrors that used by numerous other automakers (startup and legacy) that hit the streets with high-margin premium models before rolling out the entry level models. The numbers look competitive, and a few things stand out...

🔸 The 656hp from the dual-motor configuration blows the Mercedes GLC EQ out of the water (although we have yet to see an AMG variant), and even beats the BMW iX3 M60's estimated 620-630hp and Tesla's 627hp--but is just a bit shy of the Volvo EX60's 670hp peak. That leaves room for the as-yet-unmentioned trimotor variant we were promised two years ago, which could appear as the new RAD variant.

🔸 Although the press release does not mention it, the R2 charges from 10-80% in about 30 minutes, reportedly at up to 240kW. That's not bad, but the 800V architectures from BMW, Mercedes, and Volvo are all quite a bit quicker.

🔸 The 9.6" ground clearance and low approach/departure angles (25 and 26 degrees) position the R2 as far more offroad-capable than its luxury competitors. The closest competitor appears to be the Jeep Recon, with up to 9.4" of ground clearance (although it's 33.8/33.1 degree approach/departure angles are inferior).

🔸 The as-yet-untested Autonomy+ with handsfree capability is a fairly reasonable $2,500 price for life (and free on the Launch version). It uses HDR cameras and radar--but curiously no lidar (at least, not yet).

🔸 VW Group thought well enough of Rivian's software capability to partner with them, and the R2 looks ready to demonstrate some sophisticated new tech, including their in-house-developed Rivian assistant.

I've been a fan of Rivian since I got a tour of the R1s from their chief designer back at their debut in Los Angeles in 2018. It seems like the R2 is coming to market with a very competitive set of specs (along with with a fairly distinctive and handsome appearance); let's see how the launch goes...