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Rivian R1S First Drive Review

This funky-looking three-row is full of clever features and is an EV to get very excited about.
Rivian is a relatively new automaker based in Irvine, Calif., that claims it makes “electric adventure vehicles.”
Its first products are the fully electric R1T pickup truck and the R1S SUV, and while the hype over startup electric vehicle (EV) makers tends to fizzle out, Rivian has sustained the buzz. A brief drive of the 2022 Rivian R1S proved why it’s worthy of the hype.

Style for Days
Rivian’s vehicles are easily among the coolest-looking around right now. The company managed to lean into a retro design aesthetic while still projecting a thoroughly modern but also rugged image. Boxy and upright, I love the R1S’s cartoon-like face, its unique oval headlights, the futuristic light bars front and back that span the whole width of the SUV, and the fact that it doesn’t look like it’s scowling. SUVs can look overly aggressive with huge, gaping grilles and angular vents, but the R1S looks fun and friendly, like an affable robot sidekick from a Disney movie.
The brand uses sustainable and recycled materials to create an upscale yet rugged interior. I love the open-pore wood accents, the uncluttered look of the dashboard, and the airy cabin. The vegan leather seat coverings also feel high-quality, and the fit and finish is good except that a few panels will move slightly if you push them. For comparison’s sake, the interior feels much higher quality than a Tesla. It’s not Audi or Porsche solid, but is still pretty impressive.

An Excellent Powertrain and Chassis
The Rivian R1S’s battery pack is integrated into its frame, and the company says it’s capable of DC fast charging at 200 kW for sustained periods. There was no charging or off-roading during this brief drive, nor was there enough time for a proper range test, but the powertrain proved impressive nonetheless.

With the standard battery pack, range is estimated at 415 km – a number that grows to 515 km with the larger battery. All Rivian models currently have a quad-motor all-wheel drive setup that enables four-wheel torque vectoring. The automaker says this setup is good for a combined 835 hp and 908 lb-ft of torque, which gets the SUV to highway speeds from a standstill in just over three seconds. A more affordable dual-motor setup will be available later with about 600 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque.
Acceleration on the road is strong, which is unsurprising because most EVs are quick. But when you consider how large and heavy the Rivian is, it seems even more impressive. The R1S doesn’t feel like a large or heavy vehicle to pilot; it’s easy to manoeuvre and park, and the visibility is great with big, boxy windows, and a tall seating position.
The SUV is very stiff over broken roads, even in its softest setting, but that’s also not uncommon for EVs. Rivian offers a fair amount of customization for how the R1S feels and behaves from ride height (all come standard with a variable air suspension), regenerative brake feel, steering, and more. The steering was a highlight, and the regen braking felt strong without being too twitchy. Wind noise was quite loud on the highway, perhaps the only minor fault that made itself known during this short drive.

Endless Practicality

The R1S is impressively practical. With three rows of seats and lots of clever storage solutions, outdoorsy families are sure to find this SUV very accommodating. There is a large frunk with hidden storage underneath a cargo divider that holds a generous 313 L of cargo. That divider is there to reduce the lift-in height, but it can be stowed upright magnetically to make room for taller items.

With all the rear seats folded flat, there’s 2,966 L of cargo space and yet another under-floor storage compartment. That divider can be used as a shelf to create a flat load floor so you can slide longer items in with ease. ...
Read More https://www.autotrader.ca/editorial/2...

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