As an EV enthusiast, you likely already know about Rivian, the buzzy electric vehicle startup behind the smash hit R1T electric pickup and its cousin, the powerful R1S electric SUV. I‘m betting you are also eagerly tracking Rivian‘s next act – the stunning R1x performance electric SUV unveiled last August.
Maybe you already have an R1T or R1S reservation locked in. Or perhaps like me, you are hungry to learn everything you can about this tantalizing new Rivian arrival. That‘s why I researched every last detail and insider perspective available on the upstart R1x to deliver you this definitive guide.
Because from its groundbreaking quad-motor powerplant to release timing insights direct from Rivian‘s CEO, this is absolutely the resource to get you up to speed on the electric SUV of the future.
A Rapid Rise Fueled by Innovation
Before diving into the R1x itself though, context is key. That’s why I think it’s important we first shine a spotlight on Rivian the company and the unique EV advantages powering its rapid emergence…
Founded in 2009, Rivian operated for years in total stealth mode before bursting onto the scene in 2018 with early R1T and R1S prototypes. I remember the buzz being absolutely electric (pun intended) when Rivian debuted these models showcasing unseen range, unprecedented performance and hardcore off-road chops.
It turned out those vehicles delivered spectacularly on that initial promise when production versions finally dropped. Just look at a sample of the game-changing innovations Rivian has pioneered across its portfolio:
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Patented Quad Motor AWD – Applying a separate motor to each wheel unlocks unbelievable control. Torque vectoring allows real-time tuning of each wheel‘s torque delivery for unparalleled performance. No other pickup or SUV matches this.
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300+ Mile Range – While 400 miles continues to elude Tesla‘s Model X, Rivian already crosses this milestone with its largest battery option. Combining industry-leading battery tech with clever efficient engineering pays dividends in range.
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Tank-like Off-Road Durability – Rivian vehicles shine even far from paved roads thanks to innovations like hydraulic suspension lift for incredible clearance and underbody armor shielding the battery and motors from rocks and impacts.
Rivian also made a splash by landing a major investment from automotive titan Ford. More recently, it sealed a blockbuster 100,000 order deal for electric delivery vans from Amazon. Not bad for a decade-old startup!
Jeff Hammoud, Rivian’s lead exterior designer, summed up the company’s meteoric rise, telling The Verge:
“When models like the R1T and R1S actually reached customers essentially unchanged from those early show cars, it shocked the industry. It vaulted Rivian from unknown startup to a leader redefining electric mobility seemingly overnight.”
Which brings us to Rivian’s next act – extending its advantage into the red-hot performance SUV segment with the R1x…
The R1x By the Numbers
While official details remain scant, intriguing early facts on the R1x make one thing abundantly clear about this next-generation electric SUV – raw performance takes center stage.
Price: $115,000 (starting MSRP)
Release: Early 2024
Configurations: Quad Motor AWD (standard)
Output (Est.): 1,200 hp / 1,200 lb-ft torque
Range: 300+ miles (expected)
0-60 MPH (Est.): <3 seconds
For context, these staggering power figures handily outstrip Italian supercar territory. They signal straight line acceleration on par with the fastest production cars…but from a full-size, all-wheel drive luxury SUV with seating for five!
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe hinted at the sheer speed while speaking to press after the R1x unveiling:
"With the R1x, we sought to create our interpretation of an electric supercar SUV. Early testing indicates it will set new standards for combining absolute high speed precision with off-road versatility only possible with quad motor control."
Delving Into the Powertrain Tech
So how exactly will Rivian manage to extract such outrageous speed and control from the R1x? The magic lies in its unique quad motor architecture.
Engineers designed four separate motors – one for each wheel – using exotic materials like carbon-sleeved copper rotors. Per Rivian’s press release, these state-of-the-art rotors allow smaller, lighter motors while achieving maximum power density.
The carbon sleeves enable unprecedented 30,000 RPM rotational speeds – that’s 50% quicker than the motors inside Rivian’s already crazy fast R1T truck with its blistering 3 second 0-60 time. This lets the R1xSibling rivalry? Rivian R1t Tesla Cybertruck systems react quicker for sharper on-demand acceleration.
Torque output clocks in at a mountainous 1,200 lb-ft split evenly to all four wheels. That allows effortlessly swift launches when stomping the accelerator. But here’s where Rivian’s quad motor magic truly shines – enabling real-time torque vectoring.
By tuning torque to each wheel, the R1x can shift power side to side for supercar-rivaling cornering grip. Or fore and aft for unbeatable traction during intense off-road rock crawling.
All this four-wheel precision translates the R1x’s brute force into easily controllable, almost telepathic performance – on the street, track or trails alike.
Pushing Electric Range Limits
But make no mistake, the R1x is more than just straight line speed. In keeping with Rivian’s tradition of maximum range offerings in its segment, expect a variety of R1x battery configurations extending up to 400+ miles per charge.
After cracking the elusive 400 mile barrier with the top-spec R1S SUV, Rivian battery tech chief Ann Marie Sastry noted to TechCrunch that longer range electric SUV options remain priority one for the company.
Drivetrain engineers managed to shrink motors dramatically versus early Rivian models. Combined with battery chemistry improvements, Sastry says drivers can reasonably expect a sub-three second SUV capable of over 400 miles from the R1x.
“Our world class battery team continues finding ways to extract more efficiency. With smaller motors, we focused efforts on boosting capacity of the new packs. The 400 mile target was daunting, but I’m elated to be on the cusp of delivering our longest range SUV yet with the R1x.”
For customers not quite needing multi-state range, Rivian will offer smaller packs extending “over 300 miles” per RJ Scaringe. These provide tempting upfront savings over 400+ mile variants.
Evolutionary Design Takes On Sportier Edge
While actual R1x production models remain tightly under wraps, Rivian’s infamous secrecy cracked slightly in recent months providing an early glimpse of this electric SUV via test mules. Camouflage hides most styling cues, but some intriguing clues shine through hinting at an evolutionary yet sportier design.
Sharing the same underlying skateboard architecture as existing models, the R1x maintains familiar lines – squared off wheel arches punctuating a distinctly truck-like silhouette. Notably though, engineers shortened the platform significantly enhancing maneuverability and further lowering center of gravity.
Observers will immediately recognize signature Rivian touches like the continuous light bar spanning the front facia, albeit slimmed down proportionally here. However, the R1x adopts a much faster windshield rake lending a firmer, more planted stance.
This combines with what insider sources describe as a heavily tapered rear fastback hatch. The overall effect casts the R1x as a more aggressive, performance-oriented sibling.
One Rivian employee who worked closely with designers offered some insight into the R1x’s sharper aesthetic direction:
“We set out to amplify the sportiness and emotion versus earlier models with this vehicle. The creative brief highlighted words like striking, daring, quick and fierce to guide us. Elements like the tapering glasshouse capture this while retaining connection to beloved Rivian DNA.”
While purely speculative without official images, leaked design sketches suggest sweeping contours inside echoing Rivian’s signature modern and sustainable luxury ethos. Recycled materials like eco-friendly leather and natural-grained wood feature prominently if these drawings prove accurate.
Competitive Set Promises to Leave Rivals Behind
While competition keeps heating up in the still niche electric SUV segment, no rival combines anything close to the R1x’s corner-carving power with its projected multi-state range.
The iconic Tesla Model X once stood alone as the sole luxury electric SUV option, but increasingly mainstream automakers are expanding offerings. Mercedes fields the 402 hp EQS SUV starting under $105,000 packing ample features and technology but slower acceleration.
Audi‘s lower volume e-tron S Sportback crossover summoned up 496 hp for 60 mph runs below 4 seconds but sacrificed off-road ability. It stickers just under $90k but enjoys less range too.
Porsche broke onto the scene more recently with its 670 hp Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe rocking supercar lines. However, its paltry 16 mile pure electric range leaves much to be desired.
While compelling options individually, none combine category-leading range, otherworldly power, quad motor precision, and benchmark-setting charging rates likely from the upcoming R1x.
Scaringe directly addressed obvious comparisons to segment sales leader Tesla during the R1x reveal:
“Make no mistake – we have immense respect for Tesla and Elon as EV pioneers. But Rivian charts its own course. With innovations like quad motors and upgrades coming to our property battery tech, we think customers seeking the pinnacle of electric performance will find their match in the R1x.”
If early indications play out, Scaringe’s claims carry legitimate weight. Rivian continues demonstrating penchant for disrupting expectations. Consider the R1x fair warning to established luxury automakers – the electric performance SUV crown appears poised to switch heads!
Early Reactions Trend Positively Bullish
Despite major unknowns still surrounding the R1x like interior details, charging rates and options pricing, early reactions trend unequivocally positive from both Rivian devotees and electric mobility enthusiasts.
Anticipation continues building on Rivian discussion forums ever since rumors of an all-new performance SUV model first bubbled up last year. Fans love the idea of a lighter, sportier Rivian built using lessons learned from earlier efforts.
One commenter on RivianOwnersForum who claims an existing R1S preorder reservation summed up the anticipation:
“While I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of my R1S, the R1x sounds incredible. After watching Rivian redefine expectations already, I’m pumped to see them now tackle a faster, more radical SUV. The performance estimates get me so excited about electric platforms!”
Industry observers also laud continued innovation from Rivian after the R1T and R1S shattered perceptions about electric adventure vehicles.
TechCrunch’s Matt Burns noted:
“Just when we had Rivian pegged as pickup and SUV makers, news of the R1x proves their creative engine remains in high gear. I’m thrilled they aren’t playing it safe and instead expanding their advantage with fresh thinking.”
Even reviews expressing some skepticism about lofty power claims or premium pricing seem equally quick to praise quad motor architecture bringing Formula 1-style torque vectoring to an electric SUV.
The Verdict? A Glimpse of the Electric Future
Rivian disrupted preconceptions already once regarding the flexibility of electric pickup trucks and SUVs with its first two products. Early signs point toward the R1x utterly shattering expectations yet again – this time of exactly how quick and nimble a 5,000 lb family hauler can be while protecting our planet.
By harnessing the precision promised by quad motors, the outright grunt churned up by its exotic motor design, and the stewardship inherent in sustainable materials, Rivian appears ready to deliver the promised land vehicle.
The R1x melds heart-pounding performance with environmental conscience and innovation. Rather suddenly, notions about compromise between these ideals fading fast into the rearview mirror.
While some uncertainties inevitably persist about an EV still early in gestation, I feel tremendously optimistic for the production model expected early next year based on clues revealed thus far.
Rivian set the bar incredibly high already – then reinvented it completely with the R1x. After analyzing all available insights on Rivian’s next act, one conviction echoes loud and clear in my mind:
The electric future drips with exhilarating performance…and that future clearly bears Rivian’s compass logo. The R1x marks a quantum leap into this electrified era for both Rivian and SUV buyers alike!
