First R2 trim will be Dual Motor AWD Launch Edition. Production & delivery on track for first half 2026

[twraps]

Based on how RJ's described the Launch Edition, I'm guessing a ~$57k price. That'd be about what the Model Y Performance is, so basically it lets the consumer decide which they value more...adventure or performance. I think it'll be a mistake if the Launch Edition starts above $60k.

They may be able to pull good acceleration (mid 3sec range) given that it's a much lighter vehicle... after all the cheapest R1S is mid 4s range acceleration. So mid 3sec positions it in par with the Model Y Performance.

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[AlphaSnowbordergirl]

They made that mistake with the R1 and ended up with pricegate - increasing the price on reservation holders, and then rolling back the decision because people were canceling. I think it’s the right call to wait on pricing until they are much closer to actual production and deliveries when they are certain of their costs.

I am well aware but if the configurator came out the end of this year, I was hoping that meant earlier release in 2026. But as it stands, this does indicate no release until may or june which would likely indicate I will not get my vehicle until 2027.

 

[lefkonj]

Dual motor R2 is going to sell the most, should be in the sweet spot for price and performance. The tri-motor will grab attention but will be expensive for the mass market. I still want one but I get it. Make the one that will sell the most next.

 

[Viking80]

More disappointed they won't bring out configurations and pricing until 2026.

Same, but that’s only eight weeks away with a lot of holidays and distractions between now and then. Please be the first week of Jan and not mid-March or later.

 

[Dark-Fx]

I am well aware but if the configurator came out the end of this year, I was hoping that meant earlier release in 2026. But as it stands, this does indicate no release until may or june which would likely indicate I will not get my vehicle until 2027.

Launch Editions probably mean you get to make two choices that have to happen at the plant. Interior color and exterior color. Tires and wheels can get swapped at the service center before delivery. Rivian already has a good idea on product mix here based on R1 sales.

I actually wouldn't be surprised if they start deliveries before they have the full configurator online. Seeing what other options are available if one waits might make it hard for them to start those initial sales for R1 owners. Especially once it becomes build-to-order. Rivian really struggled at the start of R1T sales because of having to match customers to batching.

 

[2kwik4u]

Sure hope they use a different clutch on the RDU if they intend to make the dual motor default to "conserve" mode like the R1's.

 

[savethemanual]

I'm very curious if the dual motor will have a performance upgrade option like R1 in addition to the standard variation.

 

[SDH]

Echo what most think here. Start with a decent trim level that the majority will want, then add in the hot stuff later for those 'few' who want to spend the extra.

Also, only downside risk going too early on config and pricing, as much as I want to play with the configurator. RJ has always seemed like a level-headed guy and not someone to overhype (like you know who). Keep it that way.

 

[Great Gatsby]

Honestly, good news across the board. Appreciate managing expectations without overpromising. Hearing about the R2 event early next year is exciting. Can't wait!

As time goes, I'm leaning towards getting the R2 Tri when it comes out. My only holdup is range. If they are able to get 300+ real range on the Tri and decent charging, that will be my next car. Oh, and it'd have to come in red

 

[runwithscissors]

Sure hope they use a different clutch on the RDU if they intend to make the dual motor default to "conserve" mode like the R1's.

Is that because of the disconnect noise? I've never heard it in person but would never get a dual for that reason if it's noticeable. I could never unhear that noise while driving and would be a deal breaker.

 

[VandalSibs]

Is that because of the disconnect noise? I've never heard it in person but would never get a dual for that reason if it's noticeable. I could never unhear that noise while driving and would be a deal breaker.

There are lots of reports of people being able to hear it - but I'm not one of them (2023 Gen 1 Dual R1T owner). I'm not afraid to use the go pedal and I can't recall ever hearing a "clunking" sound from behind me. Maybe I just don't know what to listen for?

 

[2kwik4u]

Is that because of the disconnect noise? I've never heard it in person but would never get a dual for that reason if it's noticeable. I could never unhear that noise while driving and would be a deal breaker.

You can only hear it when it's REALLY bad. Which is a few times a week for me. You can FEEL it damn near every time.

Remember driving an ICE powered vehicle, and you went to pass on the interstate; you put your foot down, then wait a split second for the gearbox to downshift, THEN you got power. Yea, the dual motor is like that EVERY.SINGLE.TIME you accelerate on the interstate. It takes an absurdly smooth input to keep the rear from re-engaging. You can "feel" the reconnect, and then the power feeds in. Sometimes that feel is subtle and well timed, other times it's like a kick in the seat. When it kicks the seat, you can sometimes hear it.....To be really clear here......the "shift" in the R1T is still VERY fast as compared to something like a traditional automatic, and the power feeds in as fast as any dual clutch vehicle I've driven; however it still exists and is noticeable to some (myself included). For reference, my wife can't tell or doesn't care, but she drives a CVT every day so it's been many years since she "felt a shift while driving" anyway.

COMPLETELY kills the otherwise exceptionally smooth and well calibrated driveline.

If I run in snow mode, or with stability set to reduced, the rear motor stays engaged and it's exceptionally smooth. Best I can tell there isn't significant range reduction either (however I do have 20in AT's so my range isn't stellar anyway). OutOfSpec had a video of an "always on AWD" setting coming for the dual R1's, but it hasn't materialized yet. I already go in that menu every day to turn off the auto ride, so swapping to a true "all purpose" mode wouldn't be a big deal. They can just rename the current "all purpose" to "conserve" to match the rest of the R1 branding.

I'm really hoping the R2 has one of a few things.......It defaults to AWD all the time, the rear clutch is a different style than the "dog clutch" style in the R1 duals (The clutches in the quads don't have this issue in my experience), or the rear motor is an induction motor that can freewheel and doesn't need a clutch at all (what Tesla does). Any of those strategies would make it a non-issue IMO.

 

[savethemanual]

It's also reported that the R2 will have V2H!

https://insideevs.com/news/778013/rivian-r2-vehicle-to-home/

 

[zakool21]

Can't wait. I'm an earrrrrrrly reserver (first few minutes after the reservations went live). I still have 14 months left on an Kia EV6 lease, but have the budget to pay a simultaneous R2 lease. Also, it may be nice to have the EV6 as a backup for 6-8 months just in case the R2 ends up in the shop (which is 40 minutes away from me).

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