The Rivian R1S is considered one of the best large electric SUVs available, especially for those seeking three rows of seating and are willing to pay a premium. It boasts a rugged build, excellent software, impressive range, and a sleek design. Now, just two years after the original R1S rolled out to initial buyers, Rivian has unveiled a second-generation version of the vehicle. But what’s actually different about the new Rivian R1S? At first glance, it appears mostly the same, prompting the question: should you trade in your first-gen model for a new one? Let’s delve into the key improvements and changes in this second-generation R1S.
Design and Interior
The overall exterior design of the Rivian R1S remains largely unchanged, which is a good thing. The car’s stylish yet playful aesthetic, characterized by its unique buggy oval headlights, has garnered widespread appeal. However, there are subtle design tweaks. New wheel and tire options are available, including 22-inch aerodynamic wheels paired with Pirelli-designed tires for enhanced range. For performance enthusiasts, a 22-inch wheel with a high-performance Michelin tire is offered for quad-motor versions. The frunk is slightly smaller due to the relocation of some components from other areas of the vehicle to the front. Additionally, new lighting elements have been introduced, including Adaptive Drive Beam for automatic glare reduction for oncoming drivers and an RGB light feature that uses the front light bar to indicate charging status.
The interior has undergone more substantial changes. Rivian has introduced two entirely new premium interior designs, featuring fresh paint and trim options. A notable upgrade is the electronically tinted glass roof, replacing the permanent tinting of the previous generation. Moreover, Rivian has addressed a major complaint regarding the first-gen model’s interior by adding new storage compartments.
Tech and Infotainment
The most significant changes lie in the tech under the hood. For instance, a new heat pump has been incorporated, which Rivian claims warms the interior much faster than the previous generation while consuming less energy. Entering the car is now more convenient thanks to the addition of ultra-wideband support, allowing Apple users to utilize Apple Car Key via the Apple Wallet app. This feature is also available on select Pixel phones and is expected to roll out to more Android phones in the future.
The infotainment system and software have also received a tech upgrade. Rivian has reduced the number of electronic control units (ECUs) from 17 in the first-gen model to just seven. Simultaneously, the computational performance of each ECU has been enhanced. The software features a new design, including a drive mode screen powered by Unreal Engine for visually stunning graphics. Additional software features are bundled into a subscription called Connect+. This subscription grants access to video streaming via Google Cast and allows users to sign into various content subscriptions like Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, and Alexa. Even the wiring in the Rivian R1S has been refined. Rivian claims that the new electrical architecture has shaved off 44 pounds of wiring weight, contributing to improved range and reduced production costs.
Rivian is taking its autonomous driving system more seriously. The new R1S is equipped with 11 cameras and five radars strategically placed around the vehicle, enabling the system to perform 250 trillion operations per second (TOPS). This translates to the cameras having a 10-second look-ahead capability at highway speeds, allowing the car ample time for critical decision-making. Rivian is following Tesla’s lead in leveraging its self-driving technology. They have launched Rivian Autonomy Platform+, a premium version of their autonomous tech. For now, Rivian states that the features included in this tech will be available at no extra cost. The first new feature, Lane Change on Command, will be accessible via a software update in the summer. More features are planned for rollout, and it’s likely that Rivian will start charging for them in the near future.
Performance
Rivian R1S continues to offer performance options. The vehicle remains available in a dual-motor variant, delivering 665 horsepower and accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.4 seconds in the Performance variant. New to the second-gen model is a tri-motor variant powered by Rivian’s new drive unit, boasting 850 horsepower and reaching 60mph in an impressive 2.9 seconds. There’s also a new quad-motor version, offering a staggering 1,025 horsepower and achieving 60mph in a mere 2.5 seconds. This is remarkable for such a large, heavy vehicle. The tri- and quad-motor versions feature a launch mode and utilize Rivian’s new drive unit, housing two motors and used in the rear of the tri-motor version and both the front and rear of the quad-motor version.
Range and Charging
The Rivian R1S continues to offer a solid range, though it’s not drastically different from previous models. The base R1S, the dual-motor variant with the Standard battery, achieves 270 miles of range. Upgrading to the “Large” battery extends the range to 330 miles, while the “Max” battery delivers a substantial 410 miles. The tri-motor version exclusively comes with the Max battery pack, offering 380 miles of range. The quad-motor variant also exclusively features the Max battery; however, its range remains unknown. It’s expected to be lower than the 380-mile tri-motor R1S but hopefully not significantly lower.
Pricing and Availability
Along with the new features, Rivian has increased the price of the R1S slightly. The new version now starts at $75,900 for the dual-motor Standard battery R1S. Prices escalate from there, reaching $105,900 for the tri-motor variant. Final pricing for the quad-motor R1S is yet to be determined. Delivery timelines for the new R1S vary depending on the chosen version. Dual-motor variants will begin shipping between August and September, while the tri-motor variant will ship between September and October. According to Rivian, the quad-motor R1S will commence deliveries in 2025, but the exact date within the year is unknown.
Overall, the improvements to the R1S are meaningful and beneficial. While a price increase might be disappointing, the vehicle remains the best electric SUV in its price range.
