Rivian needs R2 to work. I tested it to see if it's good enough.
The Rivian R2 is a new midsize electric SUV designed to compete in the mass market with a lower price point and distinctive design. The reviewer highlights its performance and unique features, suggesting it is a critical product for the company's future growth.
Why it matters
Rivian's success with the R2 is seen as a pivotal moment for the company to transition from a niche luxury manufacturer to a mainstream EV player.
I drove Rivian's all-important R2. It has an obvious advantage over America's best-selling EV. Ben Shimkus/Business Insider Rivian is betting its R2 will catapult the EV maker into a viral sensation. I drove the $61,485 Performance trim, but cheaper versions may be the sweet spot. The R2 pairs goosebump-inducing speed with Rivian's playful personality. I was walking away from the Rivian R2 when it gave me an audible confirmation that the doors had locked — but with a twist. Instead of the typical, ugly horn blurt, it played a familiar jingle: the "buh BAH duh bah dah" instrumental riff in the "Ghostbusters" theme song. "Oh my god, that's awesome," my dad, a giant "Ghostbusters" fan since the blockbuster movie came out in 1984, said over a FaceTime call. "Go back and play it again!" I did. I think he heard the jingle five times on that call.
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