Gen(R3)Xer
Well-Known Member
I can’t even book a time in Indiana. It’s always fully booked! At least the R2 is. Good sign for Rivian. I wonder why it’s only day-by-day and not week-by-week?
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hsctiger
Active Member
- First Name
- Brad
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2025
- Threads
- 1
- Messages
- 32
- Reaction score
- 19
- Location
- Richmond, VA
- Vehicles
- 2014 Tesla Model S
Just got back from my test drive in Richmond, VA. After driving an R1 in December, I really liked the size of the R2. Half Moon Grey color, too BTW. It was a pretty color but I think I'd still go with launch green or forest green if my number gets called that late.
I'm coming from a 2014 Model S where some EV things just weren't figured out yet. Like A/C. Mine SUCKS. R2? Wife approved. Huge pickup.
Fit and finish inside certainly wasn't as fancy as my wife's Mercedes but still quite comfortable. And the seats are a huge step up from my MS (another thing Tesla hadn't figured out in 2014). Forgot to ask if the seats were real or fake leather. Not a deal-breaker either way, just curious. It was just a more functional interior than my MS. Good spots to put your phone, large cup holders (also not figured out in 2014), more logical placement of things.
I agree the screen in front of the steering wheel is quite small. I found myself ignoring it and looking at the larger screen. It might be about 4" high x 16" wide.
Some intel I got from the sales rep...
1. There isn't a pre-ordained number of Launch Editions Rivian plans to make. My reservation (very late) may result in a Performance R2. Or it may still be LE. Nobody knows.
2. He said to "expect a ton more deliveries in July and August. A ton more." But Richmond has only delivered employee cars so far. There was a transport truck at the SC, but alas he was only picking up ICE cars. No deliveries.
3. Rivian is cognizant of the service center crunch that happened to Tesla when they launched 3 and Y. It's hard to say if they're prepared to handle the volume or not but at least they know the crunch will happen. Better than Tesla.
4. I asked if they would consider opening non-warranty repair to independent mechanics and he said there was already a Rivian authorized service provider program? That was interesting.
5. He said remote service is still TBD on R2. Could be available; could have an upcharge; could be free; could be unavailable to R2. They won't decide until they get a good sense of R2 reliability. Hopefully it won't have as many temperamental circuits like our favorite droid.
6. The sales part of the Service Center was hopping. Tons of demo drives of all models going on. My sales guy said he hadn't sat at his desk all day.
Definitely keeping my deposit and making sure my preferences are updated, even if it means it'll be a while before my number is called.
I'm coming from a 2014 Model S where some EV things just weren't figured out yet. Like A/C. Mine SUCKS. R2? Wife approved. Huge pickup.
Fit and finish inside certainly wasn't as fancy as my wife's Mercedes but still quite comfortable. And the seats are a huge step up from my MS (another thing Tesla hadn't figured out in 2014). Forgot to ask if the seats were real or fake leather. Not a deal-breaker either way, just curious. It was just a more functional interior than my MS. Good spots to put your phone, large cup holders (also not figured out in 2014), more logical placement of things.
I agree the screen in front of the steering wheel is quite small. I found myself ignoring it and looking at the larger screen. It might be about 4" high x 16" wide.
Some intel I got from the sales rep...
1. There isn't a pre-ordained number of Launch Editions Rivian plans to make. My reservation (very late) may result in a Performance R2. Or it may still be LE. Nobody knows.
2. He said to "expect a ton more deliveries in July and August. A ton more." But Richmond has only delivered employee cars so far. There was a transport truck at the SC, but alas he was only picking up ICE cars. No deliveries.
3. Rivian is cognizant of the service center crunch that happened to Tesla when they launched 3 and Y. It's hard to say if they're prepared to handle the volume or not but at least they know the crunch will happen. Better than Tesla.
4. I asked if they would consider opening non-warranty repair to independent mechanics and he said there was already a Rivian authorized service provider program? That was interesting.
5. He said remote service is still TBD on R2. Could be available; could have an upcharge; could be free; could be unavailable to R2. They won't decide until they get a good sense of R2 reliability. Hopefully it won't have as many temperamental circuits like our favorite droid.
6. The sales part of the Service Center was hopping. Tons of demo drives of all models going on. My sales guy said he hadn't sat at his desk all day.
Definitely keeping my deposit and making sure my preferences are updated, even if it means it'll be a while before my number is called.
emroch
Active Member
- First Name
- Eric
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2026
- Threads
- 1
- Messages
- 38
- Reaction score
- 48
- Location
- Austin, TX
- Vehicles
- Nissan Altima, Chevy Equinox
The frunk is power open and should lift on its own to a reasonable angle. You can manually push it higher if needed. You do have to pull it down manually, but it latches itself once you get the hook in position (a bit of momentum or a slight push on the emblem is all you need).
Autonomy+ is included for free on the launch edition but is available as a paid upgrade ($2500 lifetime or a monthly subscription). The only exclusive features of the Launch Edition vs the non-launch Performance will be the special key fob and access to Launch Green paint.
R2 is shipping with Rivian OS 2.0, so it's going to feel like a new system the same way iPhone and Android updates can change your phone experience. I don't know if they've committed to upgrading Gen1 and/or Gen2 R1 vehicles with OS 2, but I wouldn't be surprised if they do in order to unify the experience.
Do you? My wife and I drive a Chevy Equinox and a Nissan Altima. The steering wheel volume controls in the Altima are on the front left of the wheel, under your thumb. On the Equinox they are on the back right, under your fingers. It took a minute to get used to, but we can pretty easily context switch.
I'd say it would be worse if the R1 and R2 wheels were very similar but the controls behaved differently. The fact the controls are so different should give your brain a context clue to help switch modes. Same goes for the software on the screen - once you learn where things are it should be just as easy to use, if not easier.
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reodds
Member
We just got back from our Demo drive in St Augustine FL. First, contrary to what some are saying, the staff at the service center could not have been nicer or more accommodating. Taking the time to thoroughly show us the R2, and answering all of our questions, including what color options are available.
The test drive was great, very smooth and quiet, lots of interior room, handling was great, and I love the regenerative braking. My wife and are were both very pleased.
We are one of the lucky ones, who have invited to order an R2, and just completed the order: Performance Launch Edition, Eskar Silver with Coastal Cloud, no other options.
Because the Coastal Cloud interior is not available until August, we were put on the wait list...
Now I have time to install that level 2 charger in my garage!
Roger
The test drive was great, very smooth and quiet, lots of interior room, handling was great, and I love the regenerative braking. My wife and are were both very pleased.
We are one of the lucky ones, who have invited to order an R2, and just completed the order: Performance Launch Edition, Eskar Silver with Coastal Cloud, no other options.
Because the Coastal Cloud interior is not available until August, we were put on the wait list...
Now I have time to install that level 2 charger in my garage!
Roger
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