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Rivian R2 Outsells Both R1 Models Combined Despite Premium-Only Lineup
Rivian's new R2 is selling so briskly that it has already outsold the company's two R1 models combined, even though buyers can currently choose only the top-spec R2 Performance priced at $59,485.
By George Kensington · 2 min read
Rivian's new R2 electric SUV is selling so strongly that it has already outsold the automaker's two R1 models combined. The figure stands out because the R2 is currently available only in its most expensive configuration, the R2 Performance, which carries a list price of $59,485. In other words, the company is moving more of its newest vehicle than of its two established models, and it is doing so with a single trim at the top of the range.
The demand is notable given the price point. Buyers are paying a premium for the R2 at a time when the broader electric vehicle market has been under pressure, and the fact that the newer model is outpacing both members of the R1 family suggests the R2 is attracting a considerable share of Rivian's customer base. The R1 lineup, which includes the R1T pickup and the R1S sport utility vehicle, has formed the core of the company's sales since it entered production. Against that backdrop, the R2 has reached a higher volume in a shorter period than either of its predecessors managed on its own.
The early performance of the R2 matters for Rivian as it works to broaden its appeal beyond the premium segment. A model that sells quickly at a high price gives the company a strong start, but the absence of more affordable trims means the current sales picture reflects one version of the vehicle rather than the full range that may follow. The source material does not specify when lower-priced variants will arrive or what they will cost, so any assessment of the R2's reach across the wider market remains provisional.
For the time being, the R2 Performance is the only way to buy into the new platform. Its strong reception offers an early signal that, at least among buyers willing to pay for top-tier specification, Rivian's latest model is resonating well ahead of any expansion of the lineup. Whether that momentum carries over once more affordable versions are offered is a question the current sales figures alone cannot answer.
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