The universe of three-row SUVs is forever expanding, with compact, midsized, and large models spanning the range from relatively affordable to eye-poppingly expensive. But the galaxy of EV versions is far, far smaller. With the arrival of the Rivian R1S, the number of options increased by 50 percent, to three vehicles: the R1S, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, and Tesla Model X.
The Rivian R1S SUV gives this Silicon Valley startup a three-row vehicle that should appeal to a wider audience than the brand’s first model, the R1T pickup truck. Of course, this audience is still a relatively narrow slice of the new-vehicle market: specifically, it’s for consumers who want a fully electric SUV, are affluent enough to spend $78,000 on the entry-level version, and not deterred by the nontraditional ordering and delivery process.