Watch out, Tesla Model Y: the Rivian R2 is here, and it'll start from $57,990

Rivian is ramping up. Rapidly. Last month, we drove the new all-electric R2 in pre-production form, and now we know how much it’s going to cost. In America, at least – and it makes for compelling reading.

The R2 Performance arrives in Launch Package form at $57,990 (£43,170 at the current exchange rate, but you can round it up), touting a dual motor, all-wheel drive set-up that’s good for 656bhp, 609lb ft, and a 0-62mph time of about 3.7 seconds.

Rivian estimates a range of 330 miles (EPA), and our experience in the car suggests that’s doable. Launch spec includes semi-active suspension, a lovely green exterior paint finish, premium interior with birchwood accents, and a fabulous audio system.

“The R1 did a really wonderful job serving as the brand’s handshake with the world. It demonstrated what we mean by enabling adventure,” Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe tells TopGear.com. "But we wanted to make something at a more affordable price point, that still felt intentional, aspirational and thoughtful, on and off road."

The Performance version of Rivian’s newbie leads the charge initially, with the Premium spec arriving later in 2026, and a long-range Standard iteration due about a year from now. That one starts at $48,490 (£36k), powered by a single motor with a power output of 350bhp, 355lb ft, and a range of “up to 345” miles. An entry-level Standard will join it later in 2027, costing $45k (£33.6k), with the same power and torque as the other Standard car, and 275+ miles of range.

Scaringe admits this is an inflection point for the brand, as it chases scale and a mass-market audience. Its R1 pick-up and SUV has gained significant traction, particularly in the wealthier, more liberal parts of America, but the R2 is the car Rivian urgently needs to keep its investors and Wall Street happy.

To which end, it has simplified the design and manufacturing process, while maintaining a commitment to driving dynamics and class-leading tech. Rivian is a master of vertical integration, particularly in its software, and the R2 bristles with AI and autonomous functionality.

Significantly, it’s also the car that will take Rivian into Europe, though the date of arrival is yet to be set. Sometime in late 2027 probably, although that’s largely down to how quickly the company can establish the necessary infrastructure. Tapping into an existing dealer network would offer the fastest route to market, but it’s not the solution favoured by this forward-thinking company.

“To sign up a bunch of dealers is a very 20th century idea. But at the same time I want to get to the UK, Germany and France quickly,” Scaringe says.

Despite continued consumer ambivalence around EVs, ongoing tariff chaos under Donald Trump, not to mention generational geo-political upheaval, Rivian is bullish. “We want to build millions of cars per year. There is demand for EVs, and the proof that there’s demand is if you have a highly compelling product,” Scaringe continues. 

“The Model Y sells around 350,000 units per year [in the US], and it’s six years old. There’s absolute demand, but in our view there’s a lack of compelling choices. You can see in the R2 that there’s a clear perspective, it’s not trying to copy something else. We wanted the car to feel magical."

Job done there, but that void of compelling product is just about to be filled, with the likes of the BMW iX3, Mercedes GLC, and Volvo EX60 all promising their own version of magical. And certainly bigger range.

But none of them has anything like the R2’s off-road capability, or ingrained spirit of adventure.