Things have been pretty quiet from EV startup Rivian since it began delivering its R1S SUV and R1T pickup to North American customers and its Electric Delivery Van to commercial fleets. That’s largely because the company has been on slightly shaky ground financially for a while, despite positive responses to its cars.
It’ll be betting a lot on the success of the three new cars it’s just unveiled, then. Alongside the expected reveal of the mid-size R2, the Californian firm showed off a surprise third model: the R3. A boxy compact crossover, long-range versions are said to be capable of over 300 miles on a charge, while the fastest three-motor models are forecast to hit 60mph in under three seconds. It’ll undercut the expected $45,000 (approx. £35,000) entry price of the larger R2.
Rivian R3 – front
Coming even more out of the blue, however, is the R3X. A high-performance derivative said to offer “even more dynamic abilities both on and off road,” it marks the brand’s first out-and-out performance-oriented model.
While it’s not explicitly stated in the press release, it seems Rivian has quite clearly looked to the world of retro rallying for inspiration for the R3X. Obviously, there’s the shape of the R3 in general, which resembles a jacked-up, futuristic Lancia Delta Integrale or Renault 5 Turbo.
Rivian R3X – interior
But just look at those wheels, which have definite shades of the fantastically retro items that used to be available on the Alpine A110, or the roof spoiler that’s straight off an ’80s hot hatch.
Inside, there are some fantastic sand-coloured ribbed seats that look like modern takes on the kind of oversized, Alcantara-swaddled buckets that got crammed into lots of classic homologation specials. If none of that’s on the nose enough, then see Rivian’s website, which showcases the R3T slinging up a roostertail of gravel as it goes very sideways on a dirt road.
Rivian R3X – rear
Pricing and expected availability of the R3 and R3X haven’t yet been unveiled, but they’ll follow the R2, which is expected to enter production in the first half of 2026. Currently, Rivian cars are only available in North America, but plans are afoot to launch the brand internationally, including in the UK and Europe, further down the line. It can’t come soon enough – we can’t wait to see the R3X follow in the footsteps of its inspirations.
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