Upon unveiling the R2 onstage, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe introduced its sleeker counterpart, the R3, along with a performance variant named the R3X. Scaringe provided minimal details on the R3 but emphasized its striking design.
With a lower profile and more compact dimensions compared to the R2, the R3 resembles a sporty hatchback, hinting at a potential rally car inspiration as teased by Scaringe in 2018. Its design exudes an energetic vibe.
Featuring Rivian’s distinctive lighting signature, the front of the R3 maintains a semblance to the R2, while its tapered roofline and sleek rear hatch lend it a distinct character reminiscent of a rugged Volkswagen Golf. Its appearance suggests a blend of adventure and urban sophistication.
The R3’s rear hatch incorporates a unique feature called the Flipper Glass, allowing for separate opening of the glass from the hatch itself, facilitating the accommodation of elongated items within its compact frame. This innovation enhances the vehicle’s versatility.
Rivian’s commitment to innovation extends to the R3’s interior, boasting dual glove boxes, flat-folding seats, and a spacious front trunk for secure storage, optimizing functionality within its compact layout. It prioritizes practicality without compromising on comfort.
Featuring a minimalist dashboard with digital instrumentation and a prominent touchscreen for vehicle controls, the R3X variant introduces interior accents like cork and anodized metal, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Its exterior showcases rally-inspired wheels, suggesting a focus on performance.
Built on the same skateboard chassis as the R2, the R3 incorporates 4695-style battery cells, offering various powertrain options including single rear motor, dual motors, and tri-motor configurations. Performance enthusiasts can expect potent power delivery from this lineup.
Given its performance-oriented design, the R3 is likely to offer at least the dual-motor setup, if not the tri-motor configuration, emphasizing its dynamic capabilities both on and off the road. Rivian aims to deliver an exhilarating driving experience.
Adopting the Tesla NACS charge port, the R3 is anticipated to feature its charge port on the passenger-side rear fender like its predecessor, facilitating convenient charging. With fast-charging capabilities, Rivian expects the R3 to charge from 10 to 80% in just 30 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime.
Equipped with advanced safety features, including five radar units and 11 cameras, both the R3 and R2 prioritize occupant protection. Production for the R2 begins in Normal, Illinois in 2026, while details for the R3 remain undisclosed. Rivian confirms the R3 will be priced lower.
