R1S SUV

Make
Rivian
Segment
SUV

The Rivian R1S, one of the GMC Hummer EV's chief rivals, is an interesting proposition to those considering an electric SUV. With interest exceeding expectations, it won't be too long before we see these Rivians roaming our streets, but for those who have already placed their orders, the wait feels eternal. Fortunately, we've got some good news.

Founder and CEO of Rivian, RJ Scaringe, has just posted what is believed to be the first picture of a production R1S on Twitter. There's not much of a caption accompanying the post, and no info on how long before we can expect to see the first complete model roll off the line, but this is a good start.

It shouldn't be too much of a surprise that production of the Rivian range, which also includes the R1T pickup, is taking some time. After all, Rivian is innovating heavily, with advances like a detachable battery pack and special Pirelli tires. The real reason that these vehicles are taking so long to arrive, however, is that the global pandemic severely slowed production. As a result, delivery dates for the R1T and R1S have been moved back to June and August 2021, respectively. But with the R1S promising 750 horsepower and 0-60 mph in three seconds flat, it'll be worth the wait.

Maximum range will be around 400 miles, more than even the Long Range version of the Tesla Model X can boast, and it'll out-tow the Tesla too. While the Model X can only pull 5,000 pounds, the R1S is expected to have a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which puts it on par with the likes of traditionally-powered SUVs like the Lamborghini Urus and more than you can pull with a Toyota Sequoia. Let's just hope that production remains on schedule and that we get to have a go in one soon. After all, Tesla almost became an obscure name when all the brand could do was push back self-imposed deadlines.