Rivian R1S. Electric off-road conqueror
The Rivian R1S is an all-electric mid-size four-wheel drive SUV, produced since 2021 by Rivian (USA). The sales have not yet begun, but are expected in the fall-winter of 2021. The R1S will be assembled in the USA. It is known that its initial cost will be around $70,000, and so far only one model is available, offering a driving range of up to 500 km.
The Rivian R1S is like your regular large seven-seater SUV, perfect for transportation and leisure. The only thing that makes it different from other petrol or diesel SUVs is its completely electric nature. Considering the format specifics, the R1S has many competitors, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model Y, Chevrolet Tahoe, Dodge Durango, and Honda Pilot.
Exterior
The new Rivian R1S is similar to the Land Rover, but not as formidable and heavy. It is quite large (5.3 meters long, 1.8 meters high), but looks light and slender. It is easy to remember the front face due to the two vertical oval holes that make the electric vehicle naively surprised. But these are just maintenance holes to access some functions, such as filling the washer fluid reservoir. These holes have the LED frame, which is part of the headlight system, which also includes a narrow LED strip along the entire width of the nose.
Powertrain
The 2021/2022 Rivian R1S has a large battery that powers the electric motor on each wheel. With an output of 415 hp from the front engines and 420 hp from the rear ones, the electric SUV accelerates to 100 km/h in just 3 seconds. The electric motors have the option of automatically adjusting the torque output to vary traction and handling based on driver action and road conditions. According to official information, the R1S can tow up to 3.4 tons of cargo.
The battery can be charged from a stationary device at home, which provides +40 km per hour of charging. The fast charger provides +225 km in 20 minutes. With a fully charged battery, the driving range of the SUV will be more than 480 km.
Off-road options
The developers have equipped the new Rivian R1S with an adjustable air suspension that increases or decreases the vehicle’s ground clearance depending on driving conditions. Fully raised for off-road driving, the electric SUV has a maximum ground clearance of 36 cm, which is more than even the Ford F-150 Raptor.
Interior
The 2022 Rivian R1S will be available in 5 or 7-seat configurations, with ample room for second-row and third-row adult passengers. The panoramic all-glass roof is a dubious advantage for an SUV, but thanks to it, the spacious interior is flooded with light. There is a large front trunk with a capacity of 0.3 cubic meters, there is a small rear cargo compartment, and the cargo capacity of the passenger compartment is up to 3 cubic meters.
Control and entertainment are split across two monitors: a horizontally oriented large central touchscreen and a small one in front of the steering wheel. The developers claim that the electric vehicle supports the ability to remotely update software. The interior has built-in Wi-Fi, six USB ports and a cordless phone charger.
Options
In addition to all the standard options that the R1S is equipped with, like any modern large SUV, it is also equipped with an impressive set of advanced driver aids ‘Driver+’. It includes:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (maintains the distance set by the driver between the R1S and the vehicle in front);
- Forward Collision Mitigation System (warns of an impending collision and automatically brakes if necessary);
- Lane Keeping Assist (directs the R1S back into the lane if it starts to cross the lane marker).
The 2021 Rivian R1S will soon be available on the market, so soon drivers will be able to check for themselves if it really is a competitor to the trendsetters. But the beginning looks intriguing. Let’s wish it good luck!
