Rivian R1X dual-purpose SUV to be the brand’s new flagship model

Following the R1S, Rivian is developing a smaller, dual-purpose SUV called R1X with a plan to launch in 2023, as per a Motor Trend report dated August 3, 2022. The Rivian R1X will be a cross between off-road vehicles like the Jeep Recon and Land Rover Defender, along with inspiration from Rivian’s own R1T and go-fast SUVs, like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, for instance.

According to Rivian sources, the Rivian R1X is a rally-inspired performance SUV that rides high and is equipped with special off-road hardware for exploring unbeaten paths. Upon returning to the road, it will be as quick as a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, the report said. In February 2019, a spy shot (view on Motor Authority) hinted that Rivian’s third passenger model will be an SUV with a sloping roofline. That was probably the R1X, suggests the report.

The R1X will be a two-row SUV based on a shortened version of the R1 skateboard platform. The powertrain layout and batteries would, however, be new. Rivian plans to use four of the in-house motors of dual-motor R1S and R1T in its next SUV. Featuring carbon-sleeved rotors, the quad-motor powertrain will be able to operate at higher rpm and produce more power. According to those familiar with Rivian’s developments, the high-performance powertrain will produce 1,200 horsepower and 1,200 lb.-ft. of torque.

Likewise, the battery pack of the R1X will be an indigenously developed unit, as per the report. It suggests that the R1X will have a four-wheel independent suspension setup comprising a double-wishbone suspension in the front and a multi-link suspension in the rear, both with height-adjustable air springs.

The R1X could go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2023 (between October and December 2023), with prices starting at around USD 115,000. The triple-motor GMC Hummer EV SUV tops out at USD 110,595, just in case you were wondering.

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Featured Image Source: Rivian