YouTube star and car enthusiast Doug DeMuro posted a review of the Rivian (NASDAQ RIVN) R1S electric SUV on Tuesday. In less than 24hrs, the video has already reached almost half a million views.
DeMuro began his review of the vehicle by featuring the Rivian R1S key fob. The key is shaped to look like a carabiner, complete with a spring-loaded gate for securing your key to almost anything. However, DeMuro went on to explain that the key fob isn’t the only way for a customer to gain entry to their Rivian vehicle. By downloading the Rivian app, a user can essentially use their phone to lock and unlock their vehicle from almost anywhere. There is also a feature that allows users to unlock the vehicle just by standing next to the door.
Once DeMuro enters the SUV, he shows off some of the electric vehicles hidden features, including a removable flashlight in the door, and a hidden Bluetooth speaker in the back of the center console that can also be removed for music while camping or tailgating.
The cargo area of the Rivian R1S features a 2-piece tailgate. The top piece features an automatic open option, while the bottom piece can be opened manually to allow for easy loading and can be used as an extra bench when parked. Behind the standard foldable third row that comes with every R1S, there is a spacious cargo area with removable flooring, allowing for even more storage.
On the side of the cargo area, the R1S features two power outlets. A standard three-pronged house outlet as-well-as a cigarette light style outlet. Below the outlets, there is an air compressor with enough power to fill the vehicles own tires.
In addition to a folding third row, the second row can also be folded down with the press of a button, located in the cargo area near the outlets. Once all seats are folded down, the spacious cargo area is large enough to comfortably sleep in, provided you adjust the floor panel to create a perfectly flat bed. The SUV even features a camping mode which allows the vehicle to level itself out with the ground, so campers don’t have to worry about rolling all the way to one side at night.
The back seats have just as many features, with four USBC charging ports (two located in the consul and one behind each front seat), heated seats, and a fold out cup holder. The center row also can adjust forward and back to give taller passengers more room to get comfortable.
One of the first things DeMuro noticed when getting into the front seat is that the R1S does not have a start/stop button. Fairly common among electric vehicles, the car can sense when the driver is in the vehicle and can be started by placing a foot on the break.
A lot of the SUVs features can be controlled using the vehicles touch screen. The screen can do quite a lot, from locking passenger windows, adjusting the side mirrors, to adjusting the steering wheel and positioning the climate vents. The screen also allows the user to place the vehicle in “car wash mode” Car wash mode will deactivate the automatic windshield wipers and locks the charge port to keep from being accidentally opened by high pressure hoses. The vehicles “Gear Guard” can be activated through the touch screen and utilizes the Rivian’s exterior cameras to safeguard the vehicle from theft.
When DeMuro begins driving the car he points out that the R1S is incredibly quick. With a 0-60 time of 3.2 seconds, Doug says that the R1S is faster than any car of this size has any right to be. Able to outpace some super-cars, the R1S is also able to transport the entire family in an off-road vacation. DeMuro claims that even though the R1S doesn’t boast the highest driving range, it is still far more efficient than any gas car.
Doug ended the video saying that the R1S has “all the great benefits of an electric car and a sports car and an off-roader and a high-tech vehicle and a family SUV all in one.”. From big features like an adjustable suspension, to small features like a wireless phone charger, DeMuro says that the Rivian R1S is “the Most Amazing Electric SUV Yet”.
By Michael Elkins | Michael.Elkins@streetinsider.com