Battery size: 135 kWh
WLTP range: 400 miles (est)
Battery size: 106 - 141 kWh
The Rivian R1S is a large, seven-seat electric SUV that's currently sold in North America and Canada, but may soon find its way to global markets including Europe and the UK.
I'm rather a fan of the looks. Rivian has made those oval lights a very distinctive trademark of all of its cars, and I think they work really well. As for the rest of the R1S? Well, it's big and bluff, and very modern!
Range, battery and charging
Because the Rivian R1S isn’t (yet) officially on sale in Europe, we don’t have WLTP range figures - which are the mandated range figures that all cars on sale in Europe use. But, the American range test gives us EPA figures instead, which are typically around 10- to 20% more conservative, so are closer to the real-world range figure that you’ll be able to achieve (maybe we should use the EPA test in Europe?!).
Anyway, there have been various updates for the Rivian R1S since it went on sale a few years ago, but currently the entry-level Standard Range Rivian R1S gets a 270 mile (435km) claimed EPA range, while the Standard+ gets up to 330 miles (531 km), or the Max Pack Rivian R1S models get more electric motors, more power and a range of up to 410 miles (660km) if you go for the most efficient spec.
The R1S charges at up to 215kW, which does showing the car’s age a bit given than newer rivals like the Porsche Cayenne, BMW iX5 and Volvo EX90 will all charge at well over 300kW. Still, the Rivian R1S will add some 140 miles of range in 20 minutes, which will be fast enough charging for most.
Motors, performance and handling
The R1S is stupidly quick! Even the entry-level Standard model will do 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds, or you can step up to the tri- or quad-motor models if you want supercar performance of around 2.7- to 3.1 seconds. Every Rivian R1S has all-wheel drive as standard, of course, and you can choose from between 533- and 1,025hp depending on which model you go for.
So, obviously, the acceleration presses you back into your seat when you mash the pedal in the big Rivian SUV, but more importantly - it’s well-mannered. This isn’t a gruff, unwieldy performance vehicle that sacrifices everything in the name of speed and handling. This is an SUV with the versatility to manage cargo and people and the capability to go off-road.
There are six drive modes that change how the R1S drives depending on the terrain beneath the tyres whether it’s Tarmac or dirt. Everything from ride height to suspension to throttle response all subtly alter to keep you in control. There’s All-Purpose, Sport, and Conserve to cover you in everyday driving on the road. There’s also a Tow mode for taking advantage of this SUV’s maximum tow rating of 3,500kg - which is right up there with the new Porsche Cayenne, and substantially better than the new Range Rover Electric’s 2,500kg towing capacity. Choose Snow mode for when winter weather arrives and Off-Road mode when you hit the dirt.
Speaking of which, the R1S is impressive off road. It can ford water of up to 900mm, and it has 380mm of ground clearance for uneven terrain and even rock crawling. It’s just as well suited to an adventure where there’s no road at all, as it is to taking the kids to school, or managing the daily commute.
This is a large SUV with three rows of seating, so does it need to be as quick as it is? No! Obviously not. No one needs that kind of power in an SUV. Heck, no one needs that kind of power in any car, but just because you don’t need it doesn’t mean it’s not fantastic. The R1S is fun to drive instead of just being a boring family vehicle.
It handles its power well with responsive steering and a minimum of body roll, but make a quick lane change at highway speeds and you will feel a little bit of sway. Most importantly, it’s confident and just great to drive on the road - and perfectly manageable and relaxing despite the excess of power.
Practicality and boot space
Inside, the R1S is minimalist luxury with a focus on sustainability and seating for seven. The third row fits two, but it’s a bit short on legroom so you’ll need to plan accordingly and keep it for smaller kids. I'd say you actually get better third row space in the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9, but apart from that the Rivian R1S is hugely spacious and very comfortable.
The boot is vast, too. There's 499 litres of boot space behind the third row, 1,376 litres behind the second row and 2,498 litres if you fold down that middle row. It is MASSIVE back there. You'll even get a big suitcase behind the third row. Mind you, the R1S is 5.1m long, so it's not a small car. Oh, and the frunk is also enormous. At 314 litres, the frunk in the Rivian isn't far off the same size as the boot in your everyday family hatchback.
Interior, design and technology
There’s the quiet that comes only from driving an EV, but the Rivian also keeps the rumble and vibration of rough pavement to a minimum. The adjustable air suspension is standard on every Rivian R1S, and it gets lots of credit for keeping this big, heavy SUV nicely controlled and easy drive. Wind noise was a bit more noticeable – this isn’t the most aerodynamic vehicle – but highway noise is kept nicely to a low hush.
Trims are attractive with ash wood accents and perforated vegan leather seats that look and feel like the real deal rather than like some vinyl holdover from the seventies. It’s attractive, comfortable, and streamlined with the durability to stand up to the mud and muck that comes along with off-roading. It’s also ready to handle the messes and sticky everything that comes with a crew of kids.
One of the standout elements of the interior is the infotainment screen, which measures 15.6 inches. It’s a hub for controlling everything from audio to drive modes to climate control. That last one we have a little issue with as it’s the only way to move the air vents. While it looks snazzy, just physically adjusting the vent would be so much easier and faster! I love the tech, but sometimes you have to admit that the old-fashioned way can sometimes be the best way.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention some of the gimmicky features of the R1S that are sure to make things fun. Unlocking your Rivian doesn’t require a key fob, but we love this one. It’s a carabiner so you can clip it to your bag or whatever and have it ready. In addition, there’s a waterproof wristlet so you can go on those outdoor adventures and not worry about ruining your fancy tech.
Also on the list of fun things is a Bluetooth speaker that stows underneath the centre console. It charges when it’s tucked in its little cubby so no need for cables and it’s always ready to go when you want some music. Sure, there’s an audio system, but if you’re off the grid camping, this little speaker is great. It even glows a soft orange, like a campfire.
Rivian R1S prices, specs and on sale date
The Rivian R1S has yet to go on sale in the UK and is currently available only in Canada and the US. Prices in America suggest that it’ll come in at around £60,000 - £100,000 in the UK, or some €70,000 and up in European markets, but that’s all a guessing game at this point. And if I’m honest, I think Rivian needs to concentrate on getting the smaller R2 over to the UK and Europe more urgently - it’s the newer model and it’ll be the bigger seller over here.
Verdict
If you’re buying in America or Canada, then let’s face it, the Rivian R1S isn’t the most affordable option. But it does deliver a really premium experience with a beautiful interior, off-road capability, and room for the whole family. And personally, I love the tech-first look and approach of the R1 - and all of Rivian’s products. If it’s to keep up with rivals then I think the R1S needs a heavy update, soon, for faster charging, better towing capacity and longer range. Even so, it’s brilliant to drive and live with! Maybe a used one is the best way to go…
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