3 Reasons the 2023 Rivian R1S Launch Edition Is the Most Extreme SUV Money Can Buy
The Rivian R1S is one of the most expensive SUVs on the market. That being said, the full-size electric SUV has unique capabilities that few vehicles could rival. The R1S Launch Edition can accomplish amazing feats. Here’s why the 2023 Rivian R1S Launch Edition is the most extreme SUV that money can buy.
The 2023 Rivian R1S has an incredible power output
The Rivian R1S comes in two configurations since the brand axed the base model Explore trim. The Rivian R1S Adventure starts at $78,000. The Launch Edition starts at a whopping $90K.
The 2023 Rivian R1S Adventure makes 600 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque using a dual-motor powertrain system. The Launch Edition model produces an incredible 835 horsepower and 908 lb-ft of torque using a quad-motor powertrain system.
Rivian’s full-size electric SUV is insanely powerful. To put those numbers into perspective, the Lamborghini Urus Performante makes 657 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. That’s right, Rivian’s adventure vehicle (at least the final configuration), is more powerful than the performance version of Lamborghini’s popular SUV. Power is just one reason why the R1S is the most extreme SUV on the market.
The Rivian R1S has nearly 15 inches of ground clearance
Ground clearance is important for any good off-road vehicle. Rivian’s truck and SUV models both have unbelievable ground clearance. This ground clearance makes it easy for Rivian vehicles to drive right over off-road obstacles without risking severe damage.
The 2023 Rivian R1S has 14.9 inches of ground clearance. An off-roading guide prepared by Edmunds claims that a vehicle with above 8.5 inches of ground clearance should be “pretty good” off-road. The R1S’ ground clearance makes it one of the most capable SUVs on the market. The 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor, another SUV with amazing off-roading capabilities, has just 13.1 inches of ground clearance in comparison.
Rivian’s fully-electric SUV has over three feet of wading depth. It comes with several driving modes, including an off-road mode. The R1S can even handle rock crawling.
The 2023 Rivian R1S Launch Edition is quicker than some sports cars
According to Car and Driver, the Rivian R1S Launch Edition goes from 0-60 miles per hour in just 3.1 seconds. It’s slightly quicker than the Urus Performante, which goes from 0-60 in about 3.3 seconds.
When you get a Rivian R1S Launch Edition, you’re essentially getting a full-size SUV with the body of an off-road vehicle and the spirit of a supercar. The R1S Launch Edition is quicker than most sports cars on the market and quicker than some supercars.
Rivian’s SUV may not be for everyone, but it has a place in the industry because of its amazing specs and capabilities. The brand has hinted that more electric vehicles are on the way. A midsize or small SUV could be next. It will likely be much more affordable and share many of the same great off-roading features. Rivian has its fair share of challenges as a company, but it intends to become one of the biggest names in the EV space in the years to come.
