American electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian is strategically expanding its product lineup with the introduction of the R2, a new mid-size electric SUV designed to appeal to a wider demographic. The company announced that initial deliveries of the R2 will commence with a variant priced under $US60,000, with a more affordable standard model expected to follow next year.
Rivian’s Strategy: Expanding Market Reach with R2
Rivian, already known for its R1S seven-seater SUV and R1T electric pickup truck, aims for the R2 to attract a significantly broader audience. The company stated that the new R2 will achieve this expansion “without losing what makes Rivian unmistakably Rivian,” suggesting a commitment to maintaining its brand identity and core capabilities.
Deliveries of the R2 are scheduled to begin in the US in the spring. The R2 Performance with Launch Package will be available starting at $US57,990, prior to taxes and applicable fees. For context, this price would translate to approximately $A83,000 if the vehicle were to be released in Australia under current exchange rates.
Rivian plans a phased rollout of additional R2 variants. The R2 Premium is slated for late 2026, while the base Standard model is expected in the first half of 2027.
Platform and Performance: Balancing Accessibility and Capability
The R2 is underpinned by Rivian’s newly developed mid-size platform. This platform is engineered to facilitate a more accessible price point while ensuring the vehicle retains robust capabilities, a key focus for the automaker.
Across its lineup, the R2 is set to offer impressive performance metrics. The top-tier variants will deliver up to 656 horsepower, achieving 0–60 mph in as little as 3.6 seconds. Highway acceleration from 50-70 mph is projected at 1.55 seconds, and the vehicle is estimated to achieve a range of up to 345 miles (approximately 555 kilometers).
R2 Performance Variant: Top-Tier Specs
Rivian designates the R2 Performance as its most capable variant for both on-road and off-road conditions. This model features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, producing the maximum 656 horsepower and 609 lb-ft of torque (around 825 Nm). Its EPA-estimated range is up to 330 miles.
R2 Premium Variant: Mid-Range Offering
The R2 Premium, scheduled for late 2026, represents a step down in performance from the top variant but still offers dual-motor AWD. It will produce 450 horsepower and 537 lb-ft of torque, with acceleration to 60 mph taking 4.6 seconds. This variant maintains an EPA-estimated range of up to 330 miles and will be priced at $US53,990.
R2 Standard Variant: Entry-Level Model
The entry-level R2 Standard model is anticipated in the first half of 2027, with a starting price of $US48,490. This configuration will utilize a single-motor rear-wheel-drive setup and is described as “Long Range.” It will deliver 350 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. However, it is expected to offer an enhanced Rivian-estimated range of up to 345 miles.
Further R2 Standard Variant Planned
Rivian has also indicated plans for an additional R2 Standard variant, expected to launch in late 2027. This model is projected to start at approximately $US45,000, roughly $A65,000, and is expected to provide an estimated range exceeding 275 miles (442 km). More detailed specifications for this basic model will be released closer to its launch date.
CEO’s Vision for the R2
RJ Scaringe, founder and CEO of Rivian, expressed his enthusiasm for the R2’s development. “R2 embodies so many of our learnings that we have accumulated—the passion and attention to detail from our team is visible everywhere,” he stated, highlighting the integration of company experience and design principles into the new vehicle.
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