American brand Rivian has revealed two boldly-designed electric crossovers called the R2 and R3, with the new models set to lead the brand’s entry into Europe.
And that’s not all – the brand plans to launch an even more off-road-focussed version of the R3 called the R3X.
Rivian is best known for its range of off-road-focussed electric vehicles, with the current line-up formed of the R1T electric pick-up and R1S electric SUV.
Rivian had originally planned the launch event solely around the R2 mid-size SUV, but the brand’s CEO RJ Scaringe surprised the audience by pulling the covers off the R3 and R3X.
The R2 is the largest of Rivian’s new models, sitting below the R1T and R1S in the brand’s line-up.
In terms of design, the R2 features very short front and rear overhangs to optimise approach and departure angles. Up front it gets the same distinctive oval headlights and light signature as the R1T and R1S.
With a 2.9m wheelbase, a length of 4.7m and a height of 1.7m, the R2 is similar in size to the BMW iX3.
Rivian says its latest model has been designed with a major focus on passenger space and storage capacity. That means you get two boots, with a large ‘frunk’ under the bonnet, and lots of cubby holes dotted around the interior.
The rugged off-roader also has lots of interior flexibility. For example the seats can be folded for a completely flat-folding cabin.
From launch, the R2 will be offered with a choice of three powertrains. The entry-level models will arrive with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive setup, while a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version will also be available.
And if you want your R2 to come with maximum performance, you can get a tri-motor model, which gains an extra motor at the rear.
As for the batteries, Rivian claims that the ones used in the R2 and R3 have a greater density than ones used in the R1T and R1S and can be charged from 10-80% in as little as 30 minutes. All R2 models will have a range of more than 300 miles.
Rivian's new SUV is set to arrive in 2026 and cost from $45,000 (£35,300), putting it in a similar price range to the Tesla Model Y.
The R3 takes the form of a compact crossover and will become the Rivian brand’s smallest and most affordable EV to date.
It rides on the same platform as the R2, but features a wheelbase that is 135mm shorter than its SUV sibling, measuring 2.8m - that makes it similar in size to the Volvo EX40.
Much like the R2, the R3 has been designed to be a practical EV: the interior folds completely flat and the rear screen can be raised independently and to different heights.
The R3X is a different machine altogether, with a greater focus on off-road capability and performance. It sits on larger alloy wheels, shod with chunky off-road tyres that stick out from the car’s neat-looking body.
Rivian has also confirmed that the R3X will use a tri-motor powertrain.
The American brand has not given a launch date for its new electric crossover, stating that it had learned lessons from the joint development of its previous models, which all faced significant delays.
Rivian does have plans to expand its operations into Europe, but has stopped short at saying whether the R2 and R3 will be offered in the UK.
