MAKING good on a promise to construct extra inexpensive fashions than the R1T pick-up, Amazon and Ford backed specialist BEV producer Rivian has introduced the early 2026 manufacturing of three new SUVs known as the R2, R3 and R3X that begin in worth from US$45,000 (A$68,000) for the R2 with the R3 anticipated to be priced decrease.
All share Rivian styling cues together with the cartoonish face and boxy physique.
And all three 5 seat, mid-size SUVs share the identical new platform that consolidates and eliminates components because of “clever design” together with using excessive stress die castings, a structural battery unit the place the highest of the pack additionally serves as the ground, and closure techniques that dramatically cut back complexity (and price).
The brand new fashions additionally utilise Rivian’s drive unit platform and internally developed community structure, laptop topology and software program stack.
The primary new mannequin to roll off Rivian’s Regular, Illinois manufacturing line would be the R2 for which Rivian claims it’s holding 68,000 reservations of $100.
Rivian says the R2 delivers a mix of efficiency, functionality and utility in a five-seat bundle optimized for giant adventures and on a regular basis use.
“The silhouette and face of R2 are distinctly Rivian and the powered rear glass totally drops into the ‘liftgate’ for carrying all kinds of gear enabling a singular open air driving expertise,” the US producer stated in a press release.
In accordance with Rivian literature on the brand new fashions, the R2’s inside is designed for ease-of-use, whereas being uniquely Rivian by way of a mix of inviting design and premium, sustainable supplies which are straightforward to wash.
The R2’s first and second row seats fold fully flat, for gear, cargo, and (even) automobile tenting.
The R3 is a (smaller, sportier) mid-size crossover that’s “tidy on dimensions however delivers large by way of efficiency, off-road functionality, passenger consolation, and storage” whereas the R3X is a efficiency variant of R3 providing much more dynamic talents each on- and off street.
Two battery sizes might be accessible with the bigger pack claimed to be able to a 480km vary on a single cost and facilitate a 0-100km/h acceleration time circa three seconds or higher for the quickest powertrain configuration.
Three motor variants might be accessible leveraging Rivian’s current powertrains: a single-motor (RWD), dual-motor (AWD), and tri-motor (two motors in rear and one in entrance) AWD, with the quickest configuration delivering that speedy 0-100km/h time.
The structural battery utilises a brand new 4695-cell providing that delivers vital enhancements in power density and output, estimated to ship over 480km for each R2 and R3.
DC quick charging is suitable with each NACS (native) and CCS (with adapter), charging from 10- to 80 per cent in lower than half-hour (claimed).
Different applied sciences aboard the brand new Rivians embrace self-driving functionality utilizing Rivian’s new notion stack that includes 11 cameras, 5 radars and a extra highly effective laptop platform which will permit the R2 and R3 to offer dramatically enhanced autonomous capabilities.
Extra to which are enhancing and increasing options accessed by way of Rivian’s community structure, the topology of computer systems and related full software program platform to facilitate frequent software program updates and supply the “headroom” for function progress over time.
Rivian’s cheaper pricing is designed to make its automobiles extra accessible to extra folks unerringly focusing on Tesla fashions and different BEV makers.
Within the new mannequin announcement final week, Rivian stated its improvement groups have been intensely centered on value by way of manufacturing, design innovation, and sturdy provide chain improvement whereas on the similar time working to make sure a easy launch and speedy ramp of R2 and supplementary fashions.
It’s supposed the R2, R3, R3X might be accessible internationally following their North American launch says Rivian. No readability as to their availability Down Below has been proffered.
“I’ve by no means been extra excited to launch new merchandise – R2 and R3 are distinctly Rivian by way of efficiency, functionality, and usefulness, but with pricing that makes them accessible to lots of people,” stated Rivian founder and CEO R J Scaringe.
“Our design and engineering groups are extraordinarily centered on driving innovation into not solely the product options but additionally our method to manufacturing to attain dramatically decrease prices.
“The R2 gives consumers beginning within the $45,000 worth vary with a much-needed selection with a totally developed expertise platform that’s bursting with character. I can’t wait to get these to clients.”
