If the R2 Launch Edition price is $54,999

[1T2022]

(320 mile, 650hp, no lidar), how do you feel? Good for us and for Rivian?

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[Great Gatsby]

Sounds about right, maybe a few thousand dollars more but I doubt it will touch $60k.

Even at $59,999 - it is a still bargain compared to the comp and specially ICE vehicles. You have supercar speed, good range, plenty of storage and modern tech. No one else is offering that combination at that price point. At least, not yet.

My buddy bought a fully loaded Hyundai Santa Fe for $55k. 0-60 in 7.2s and Hyundai's infotainment from a decade ago. No frunk, but a third row and Apple Carplay though! Jokes aside, you are not getting this performance in the ICE space sub $60k.

This should be a grand slam for Rivian. Their main issue, IMO, is brand awareness. I think once they are more comfortably a household name, we will see the R2 (and eventually the R3) everywhere.

 

[DuoRivian]

Sounds about right, maybe a few thousand dollars more but I doubt it will touch $60k.

Even at $59,999 - it is a still bargain compared to the comp and specially ICE vehicles. You have supercar speed, good range, plenty of storage and modern tech. No one else is offering that combination at that price point. At least, not yet.

My buddy bought a fully loaded Hyundai Santa Fe for $55k. 0-60 in 7.2s and Hyundai's infotainment from a decade ago. No frunk, but a third row and Apple Carplay though! Jokes aside, you are not getting this performance in the ICE space sub $60k.

This should be a grand slam for Rivian. Their main issue, IMO, is brand awareness. I think once they are more comfortably a household name, we will see the R2 (and eventually the R3) everywhere.

Destination, which is close to $2k needs to be added on. Also the competition includes premium brands with better technical specs and the same size also starting at $60k. $55k plus destination seems reasonable, especially if Rivian continue the trend of overcharging for paint, interior color choices and wheels compared to the completion which would narrow any price gap.

 

[Rade]

It's a shame that they can't also offer the base model option for $45k to entice folks on the fence about going Rivian and EV.

 

[Nixapatfan]

R2 is the only option that is offroad capable at that price point. But if all you'll be doing is mall crawling which a majority of buyers are then there are a lot of options in that space which may be better suited for on road use from premium brands and non-premium brands.

 

[savethemanual]

It's a shame that they can't also offer the base model option for $45k to entice folks on the fence about going Rivian and EV.

From everything Rivian has stated, the R2 is still on track to start at $45k, yes that model will not be offered at launch, but it's still in the cards at some point.

 

[Great Gatsby]

Destination, which is close to $2k needs to be added on. Also the competition includes premium brands with better technical specs and the same size also starting at $60k. $55k plus destination seems reasonable, especially if Rivian continue the trend of overcharging for paint, interior color choices and wheels compared to the completion which would narrow any price gap.

Premium brands around $60k? A BMW X3 starts at $56k and 0-60 of 6s. Audi Q5 is at $53k and just below 6s as well. Volvo EX60 at $52k and 0-60 in 6.5s. To get "comparable" performance, add at least $10k to these prices. Once the non-LE R2 comes out, it will likely be cheaper and still faster than these vehicles.

Oh, and these premium brands really do not feel premium at these price points - specially looking at the X3. I still give Rivian the lead here. Matter of opinion, but to me, there is no comparison.

It's a shame that they can't also offer the base model option for $45k to entice folks on the fence about going Rivian and EV.

It will come eventually. Also $45k is not what it used to be. It is now middle tier trims for compact SUVs in the non premium space. Cars are really expensive now. I don't know why we are expecting Rivian to release a better product and at a cheaper price than where the market is.

 

[Rividiculous]

R2 is the only option that is offroad capable at that price point. But if all you'll be doing is mall crawling which a majority of buyers are then there are a lot of options in that space which may be better suited for on road use from premium brands and non-premium brands.

A lot of people, a LOT of people, want to be ABLE to off road even if they will never do it. There's something reassuring about knowing you could jump a curb if the zombie apocalypse breaks out.

Unless the iX3 is priced competitively with the R2 (note: it probably won't be; the iX is not), I think Rivian will sell a lot of R2s based on the "design premium." In other words, it just looks cool. The iX3 is the only thing that comes close in the looks department. And the latest remodel of the Model Y is lipstick on a pig, at best. (Plus, the Rivian comes with no shameful aftertaste.)

 

[mkg3]

Premium brands around $60k? A BMW X3 starts at $56k and 0-60 of 6s. Audi Q5 is at $53k and just below 6s as well. Volvo EX60 at $52k and 0-60 in 6.5s. To get "comparable" performance, add at least $10k to these prices. Once the non-LE R2 comes out, it will likely be cheaper and still faster than these vehicles...

If the LE pricing is ~$55K+destination, it's very competitive. Personally, I think it will be more like ~$60K. Hope you're right.

That said, for those that are interested in R2, vast majority don't place such a high importance on 0-60 time. Very slow 0-60 is a problem but anything around 5~6 seconds is more than sufficient for mid sized SUV.

Build quality, interior noise, compliant ride in various road conditions and surfaces are far more important than 0-60 time for majority or shoppers.

BMW, Audi, Volvo and alike are known for being premium brand. Rivian is not. Just because Rivian sells vehicles in the price range of premium brand doesn't make them so without the track record of known automakers.

 

[Golfer04]

Premium brands around $60k? A BMW X3 starts at $56k and 0-60 of 6s. Audi Q5 is at $53k and just below 6s as well. Volvo EX60 at $52k and 0-60 in 6.5s. To get "comparable" performance, add at least $10k to these prices. Once the non-LE R2 comes out, it will likely be cheaper and still faster than these vehicles.

Oh, and these premium brands really do not feel premium at these price points - specially looking at the X3. I still give Rivian the lead here. Matter of opinion, but to me, there is no comparison.

It will come eventually. Also $45k is not what it used to be. It is now middle tier trims for compact SUVs in the non premium space. Cars are really expensive now. I don't know why we are expecting Rivian to release a better product and at a cheaper price than where the market is.

It is to each his own on this. I've now driven 162,500 miles in my QM & TM Ts and have never needed to go from 0 to 60 in 3 seconds. I HOPE the R2 sells, but have my doubts. They will need to convert hybrid buyers to be successful long term, and 40 mpg hybrids can definitely be had for less money. I agree with you on the premium brand lower price vehicles. There is nothing premium about them. But they seem to come with better range, charging performance and better service network. For me the R2 form factor is a definite winner. The BMW and Volvo options have similar size specs, but they will cramped. I've owned both brands before and interiors are much smaller than dimensions.

 

[Great Gatsby]

If the LE pricing is ~$55K+destination, it's very competitive. Personally, I think it will be more like ~$60K. Hope you're right.

That said, for those that are interested in R2, vast majority don't place such a high importance on 0-60 time. Very slow 0-60 is a problem but anything around 5~6 seconds is more than sufficient for mid sized SUV.

Build quality, interior noise, compliant ride in various road conditions and surfaces are far more important than 0-60 time for majority or shoppers.

BMW, Audi, Volvo and alike are known for being premium brand. Rivian is not. Just because Rivian sells vehicles in the price range of premium brand doesn't make them so without the track record of known automakers.

The 0-60 times were more to show how Rivian is on another planet compared to the premium competition at this price point. Not all that matters, but hard to overlook, even if you don't want the performance. My angle is that the R2 is very well rounded and an understated performance bargain.

With the Germans specially, a lot of things are not standard. Sure Rivian will likely charge a lot more for colors, but most options people would want would be standard (at least, one would hope). Rivian shouldn't also look to go cheaper or appear cheap, so I think their current pricing strategy, if achieved, will make the R2 a hit. They just have to stick the landing.

 

[VandalSibs]

Destination, which is close to $2k needs to be added on. Also the competition includes premium brands with better technical specs and the same size also starting at $60k. $55k plus destination seems reasonable, especially if Rivian continue the trend of overcharging for paint, interior color choices and wheels compared to the completion which would narrow any price gap.

Destination is something that has to be added to almost any car in the US when comparing MSRP.

 

[forestwalker]

It seemed like a still-insurmountable task to gain enough market share when the rumored price was 45k, not optimistic about finally breaking through at nearly 60k. Perhaps with the reduction of Tesla models it might still work out? There are so many cheap (aka worse) alternatives that people with no taste (aka most people) might settle for.

60k is a bargain, to those who gladly shelled out 75-120 for R1 models , I'm not sure its a bargain to enough people to see the kind of sales numbers Rivian hopes to see?

 

[Great Gatsby]

It is to each his own on this. I've now driven 162,500 miles in my QM & TM Ts and have never needed to go from 0 to 60 in 3 seconds. I HOPE the R2 sells, but have my doubts. They will need to convert hybrid buyers to be successful long term, and 40 mpg hybrids can definitely be had for less money. I agree with you on the premium brand lower price vehicles. There is nothing premium about them. But they seem to come with better range, charging performance and better service network. For me the R2 form factor is a definite winner. The BMW and Volvo options have similar size specs, but they will cramped. I've owned both brands before and interiors are much smaller than dimensions.

Neither have I, but it is always nice to know I have the speed. 0-60 IMO is less about doing drag races and more for having the real world power to merge, have fun at a stop light or overtake a vehicle if necessary. It has its uses.

I have no doubts about the R2, assuming they can increase brand awareness and put butts in seats. Anecdotally, people like the look of the Rivian from conversations I've had and most hesitations with the R1 has been pricing. They can capitalize on the Model Y crowd looking for an EV alternative, the Subaru and Jeep crowd looking for something rugged looking (let's be serious, not many people go off-roading), people looking at a performance bargain, people who wanted an R1 but an R2 is a better price point and size, etc. And from $45k-$70k (perhaps the future tri variant), I think they can cast a large enough net to burn their way into the market.

I know I'm biased, but I'm very bullish on the R2.

 

[CrazyOne]

If the LE pricing is ~$55K+destination, it's very competitive. Personally, I think it will be more like ~$60K. Hope you're right.

That said, for those that are interested in R2, vast majority don't place such a high importance on 0-60 time. Very slow 0-60 is a problem but anything around 5~6 seconds is more than sufficient for mid sized SUV.

Build quality, interior noise, compliant ride in various road conditions and surfaces are far more important than 0-60 time for majority or shoppers.

BMW, Audi, Volvo and alike are known for being premium brand. Rivian is not. Just because Rivian sells vehicles in the price range of premium brand doesn't make them so without the track record of known automakers.

Agree, also getting a premium brand like market share at their prices will not be enough for Rivian to survive. BMW has a 2.5% market share. It needs to stay slightly above Model Y pricing. I don't think the can undercut MY as it's made very cheaply and is missing many features.

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