Rivian has taken the wraps off the second generation of its flagship electric vehicles, the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV. While the exterior design retains a strong resemblance to the first iteration, Rivian insists these are not mere cosmetic updates. They claim a complete reengineering with hundreds of improvements hiding beneath the familiar skin.
A closer look reveals some subtle changes on the outside. New headlights and taillights, along with restyled wheels designed to reduce drag, are the most noticeable upgrades. The headlights will gain adaptive beam technology later this year, further enhancing nighttime visibility. New color options like Storm Blue and blackout trim packages add a touch of personalization.
The cabin boasts a more significant refresh. A premium audio system, a color-adjustable ambient lighting system, and a panoramic "Dynamic Glass Roof" that electronically tints at the driver's command create a more luxurious and customizable environment. The user interface has been completely redesigned using the Unreal Engine, promising a "unique and playful illustration style with real-time graphics." While Rivian hasn't revealed all the details, it sounds like a significant step up from the previous system.
Tech enthusiasts will appreciate the new digital key technology and the "Connect+" subscription service. The latter offers in-vehicle entertainment options like Google Cast streaming, access to thousands of apps, and integration with Apple Music's vast library of songs and playlists.
Safety also gets a boost with an upgraded driver-assistance system. The standard package includes features like blind-spot monitoring and highway assist. The optional Rivian Autonomy Platform+ adds more advanced features like lane-change assist and enhanced highway assist functionality.
Performance is where the new R1T and R1S truly shine. Rivian has designed and built its own drive units, offered in tri-motor and quad-motor configurations. The quad-motor R1T boasts a staggering 1,025 horsepower and 1,622 Nm of torque in Launch Mode, launching the electric truck from 0 to 96 km/h in a mind-blowing 2.5 seconds. The tri-motor setup, with two rear motors, delivers a still-impressive 850 horsepower and a 0-96 km/h time of just 2.9 seconds. Rivian has even confirmed a future dual-motor all-wheel-drive option with a respectable 665 horsepower and a 3.4-second 0-96 km/h time.
Range has also been improved through a combination of factors. New "Large" and "Max" battery packs with redesigned modules and more efficient packaging promise an estimated range of up to 676 km. For those prioritizing budget over maximum range, a new "Standard" pack with a lithium iron phosphate battery offers a still-respectable 435 km of estimated EPA range.
Efficiency improvements come from a redesigned heat pump-based thermal system, a completely new electrical architecture, and a new compute platform. The new architecture utilizes 10 fewer Electronic Control Units (ECUs) and eliminates a whopping 2.6 km of wiring per vehicle, contributing to both weight reduction and efficiency gains.
Speaking of advancements, the R1S boasts a new Rivian Autonomy Platform that promises a significant leap forward in driver assistance capabilities. This system is 10 times more powerful than before, with eight times the number of camera megapixels, allowing it to "see further into the distance, even in poor weather and low-light conditions."
Finally, the updated suspension and air springs promise a smoother ride experience for both the R1T and R1S.
Production of the second-generation R1T and R1S is already underway, with some variants available for immediate delivery. Pricing starts at $69,900 for the R1T and $75,900 for the R1S. While the exterior design may not scream "all-new," the extensive reengineering and performance upgrades suggest Rivian is serious about pushing the boundaries of electric vehicles.