en.Wedoany.com Reported - American automaker and technology company Rivian announced that the R2 midsize SUV has begun deliveries to its first public customers. To prepare for these external deliveries, Rivian's manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois has started production of R2 vehicles, with company employees taking delivery first in April. Starting today, Rivian has begun sending ordering invitations to existing R2 reservation holders.
The R2 is a midsize electric SUV, first unveiled on March 7, 2024, in Laguna Beach, California, designed to bring Rivian's design, performance, and technology to a broader audience. Nearly two years later, after multiple rounds of mileage accumulation, testing, and validation across North America's harshest climates and terrains, the R2 has reached its first public customers.
Deliveries begin with the R2 Performance equipped with the Launch Package (starting at $57,990), followed by the R2 Premium configuration in late 2026, and multiple R2 Standard configurations throughout 2027.
Following its unveiling, the R2 entered a multi-year development and validation program. Each R2 in Rivian's development fleet has accumulated tens of thousands of miles across the United States. The engineering team validated the R2 across temperatures and conditions, from scorching deserts to frozen tundra, ranging from -45°F (-43°C) to 122°F (50°C), and traversed highly challenging terrain.
The R2 is built on an all-new midsize platform, designed to achieve a more accessible price point. Compared to the R1, the R2 weighs nearly 2,000 pounds less, has a shorter wheelbase (115.6 inches), is responsive and easy to maneuver in urban environments, while retaining Rivian's off-road DNA: a leading 9.6 inches of ground clearance, a 25° approach angle, and a 26° departure angle.
The R2 offers a spacious interior with 40.9 inches of front headroom and 40.4 inches of rear legroom, along with a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat that can transport long items like skis or lumber. With the seats folded, total storage capacity reaches 90.1 cubic feet, accommodating up to five large suitcases, three backpacks, a stroller, and more, from the front trunk to the rear cargo area.
Starting today, R2 reservation holders will begin receiving configuration and ordering invitations. Customers will receive invitations based on various factors, including reservation time and delivery location. Existing Rivian owners will receive accelerated delivery times, balanced with non-owner deliveries to maintain production line flow for all customers. Customers with upcoming lease expirations can enter their lease expiration information in their Rivian account, which will be considered when possible.
Once customers receive an invitation, they can select configurations, colors, wheels, and interiors through their Rivian account and confirm the order. By the end of June, all reservation holders will receive an estimate of their expected order invitation time.
The first orderable vehicle is the R2 Performance with the Launch Package, starting at $57,990. This model comes standard with Autonomy+, including hands-free driving assistance on 3.5 million miles of roads in the US and Canada. The Performance with Launch Package also features dual-motor all-wheel drive with 656 horsepower and 609 lb-ft of torque; a 0-60 mph acceleration time as fast as 3.6 seconds; an EPA-estimated range of up to 330 miles; semi-active suspension (exclusive to the Performance configuration); an exclusive Launch Green exterior color option (available for an additional fee); a special edition Rivian green anodized key fob; and a towing package with an integrated 2-inch hitch receiver and a towing capacity of 4,400 pounds.
The R2 Premium configuration will be available in late 2026, starting at $53,990. The R2 Standard configuration begins in early 2027, with the RWD Long Range starting at $48,490. Another R2 Standard version will be available in summer 2027, starting at $44,990. If customers wish to wait for future R2 versions, they will be notified when they become orderable. After order confirmation, customers can take delivery within 2 to 6 weeks.
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