Rivian CEO delivers ‘unexpected’ reveal of brand new R3 and R3X electric vehicles at launch of R2 model as fans rejoice

RIVIAN has shocked its fans with the launch of its second and third lineup of vehicles.

Drivers tuned into Rivian's R2 launch, the second lineup of the popular brand's electric vehicles, and were shocked as the brand's CEO RJ Scaringe unveiled two more surprising cars.

For months, Rivian has teased the March 7 event as the launch of the mid-size R2 electric vehicles.

However, the company shocked viewers when two additional crossover hatchback SUVs were brought onstage.

The newly introduced R3 is the most compact vehicle in Rivian's upcoming lineup.

"R3 is our take on what a crossover can be — built on the same midsize platform as R2, but smaller," Rivian shared on social media after the live stream of the reveal ended.

Earlier in the live stream, Scaringe revealed that the R2 was shorter in height than its predecessor, the R1, and was made to fit into all garages and tight spaces.

Following the R2 launch and the surprise R3 reveal, the R3X was also introduced.

The main difference between the R3 and R3X was its style.

The R3X looked different than all of the Rivian cars before it, with a two-tone paint job that featured a deep turquoise body paired with a red-orange side view mirror. The interior mirrored the color combination.

"We designed R3X for maximum performance, capability — and fun," Rivian said on social media.

The R3 and R3X models will begin deliveries after the R2 starts shipping in 2026.

Drivers can now reserve an R2 model with just a $100 refundable deposit.

The cost of the R2 is expected to start at $45,000, with the R3 retailing for even less.

'POTENTIAL GAME-CHANGER'

Fans loved the surprise reveal.

"R2 looks great, R3 is a potential game-changer," a fan said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"So unexpected. I’m so excited!!!!" another tweeted.

"Was not expecting that,"; someone else chimed in.

One fan even suspected that the R2 and R3 had different people at the helm.

"I can tell the R2 and R3 were designed by two different designers. I'm [100%] sure," they tweeted.

He went on to say that it looked like "competing designs" were presented to Scaringe.

However, most fans were thrilled by the brand's presentation and the progress presented.

"The future of Rivian is brighter than most can imagine," one said.

RIV REVS

Rivians' massive launch came after the company hit a disappointing low point.

In February, RJ Scaringe revealed the company would lay off around 10% of its salaried workforce after the manufacturer missed Wall Street expectations for sales and production.

The company attempted to ramp up production after historic peaks in EV sales in 2023, but interest rates, driver hesitation around electric driving, and a lack of low-cost vehicle options temporarily stunted the company's growth.

Fans looked for Rivian to pivot from the sales slumps and layoffs with the launch of exciting new vehicles.