Rivian R2: A Compact Rival to the Tesla Model Y for Europe

Electric SUV Rivian Launches the R2 in Europe

2026-09-16 Source: dpa 1 min Reading Time

With the R1, American electric-car maker Rivian has countered Tesla's quirky Cybertruck. But the pickup and its SUV sibling are too big for Europe. Now the smaller R2 is making its debut.

Electric car manufacturer Rivian is launching its R2 SUV in the U.S.(Image: Rivian) — Electric car manufacturer Rivian is launching its R2 SUV in the U.S.
(Image: Rivian)

Following Tesla and Lucid, another U.S. company is gearing up for Europe: In the U.S., the startup Rivian has now launched the R2 and discussed the possibility of exporting to Europe. According to the company, this could happen as early as 2028.

While the first model, the R1—a pickup and a rugged truck—is primarily geared toward U.S. tastes and, at over five meters, is simply too large for our market, the new R2 SUV is a direct competitor to cars like the BMW iX3, the Mercedes GLC, the Volvo EX60, and, above all, the Tesla Model Y.

Gallery

According to current—albeit still vague—plans, the Rivian R2 is set to launch in Europe in 2028.(Image: Rivian)

The model is set to launch with a few adventure apps—setting it apart from traditional city models.(Image: Rivian)

The R2 is set to launch in the U.S. for $58,000.(Image: Rivian)

With a clean, cool, and modern design featuring vertical oval headlights, it measures just 4.72 meters and, according to Rivian, currently starts at $58,000 in the U.S.—or the equivalent of about 50,000 euros. Later, there will be more basic versions with one electric motor instead of two and a smaller battery. Their starting prices are expected to be well below $40,000.

The First Version has a Distinctly Sporty Look

We’ll start, however, with the Performance version. With two electric motors delivering a combined 482 kW/656 PS, it accelerates more briskly than many sports cars. It can therefore sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in well under four seconds. However, its top speed is capped at around 200 km/h (124 mph). Power comes from an 87.9 kWh battery, which, depending on the version, is rated for a range of about 550 kilometers (342 miles) on the U.S. cycle.

To stand out in the crowded mid-size SUV segment, Rivian has given itself an adventurous vibe and surprises with clever details. That’s why the key doubles as a carabiner, the door houses a flashlight that’s always charged, and the menu features half a dozen driving modes for sand, snow, or gravel.

The US electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian is to supply self-driving vehicles to Uber. (Image:Rivian)

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