The long-awaited R1S from electric-vehicle startup Rivian has finally begun shipping out. The R1S is a huge, luxury SUV that is made in Illinois but is firmly in dream-car territory.
There aren’t even that many of these SUVs out there, and if you purchase one of the popular ones now, you’ll be waiting for years.
However, early this summer I was given the opportunity to spend a few days behind the wheel of the R1S, and now I’m going to show you what it’s like to sit in the driver’s seat of this futuristic, fully loaded SUV.
The base price of the R1S versions (which I tested) is roughly $90,000. You get a lot of convenience and comfort for your money.
The R1S is a luxury SUV that can also handle rough terrain, making it a suitable alternative to both the Tesla and the Land Rover.
Come with me as I make my way around to the rear. Seats upholstered in faux leather are heated and cooled for the driver and passenger.
They’re soft and breathable, with a modern, technological look and feel thanks to the contrasting stitching. Since the R1S is aimed at outdoorsy types with disposable income, they are a natural match.
You’ll find the same wood paneling on the dashboard as you see everywhere in the interior.
Here you can alter the vehicle’s ride height and driving modes, tweak the audio system, locate charging stations, and even put Fido in “Pet Comfort Mode,” which maintains the air conditioning while you’re away.
The system is intuitive and aesthetically stunning, but it takes a lot of tapping to make adjustments to the climate control, heated seats, and mirrors.
The driver’s 12.3-inch display is almost as visually appealing, showing a map, speed, and fuel level.
There’s a large console in the middle of the front seats and a charging station for wireless devices. When you need to use them, the cup holders pull out.
There is enough for a suitcase or backpack close to the driver’s feet. It’s rubberized and covered with hundreds of small Rivian emblems, much like the charging pad.
The rechargeable bluetooth speaker that comes standard with every Rivian may be found nearby, under the middle stack. Other than the Tesla Model X, the R1S is the only battery-powered SUV with seating for seven people.
The R1S has several USB Type-C charging connectors and many small storage compartments.
To ensure that no one is left out of the fun, a large sunroof extends over the first two rows and a smaller one can be found over the third. Although the third row isn’t particularly large, it’s plenty big enough for adults to sit comfortably. Even though I am a little over six feet tall, I have no trouble squeezing inside that trunk. Even those sitting in the far rear of the vehicle have access to the same air vents, cupholders, storage compartments, and charging outlets as those sitting up front.
When you don’t need to carry seven passengers, the R1S’s massive quantity of storage capacity comes in handy.
The R1T pickup truck has a slide-out kitchen, and the business eventually intends to offer its own trunk-mounted camping kitchen.
The R1S’s air compressor hose and an emergency medical kit are stored underneath (more on that in a moment).
Indeed, this is one of the many advantages of electric drivetrains. Car manufacturers have a lot more room to work with since they don’t have to accommodate for an engine, gearbox, petrol tank, and other cumbersome components, which often results in innovative storage and packaging.
A pair of plugs may be found on the R1S’s left wall. If you’re always carrying around a massive battery, you may as well utilize it to power your electronic devices.
In conclusion, the Rivian R1S has everything you need.
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