The phrases electrical SUV and expensive collector’s merchandise seldom seem collectively in the identical sentence, particularly relating to auctions. Most EVs depreciate closely. However Rivian simply offered a flowery, one-off model of the R1S, the 2026 Rivian R1S Quad Pebble Seaside, for $175,000 at Broad Arrow’s Monterey Jet Heart public sale. Rivian auctioned the automobile to assist YouTuber Mr. Beast’s #TeamWater clear water initiative. The gavel value beat its $130,000 estimate by $45,000. So far as we are able to inform, it is probably the most cash anybody has ever paid for a Rivian.
In fact, within the context of Monterey {Car} Week, $175,000 is like ordering a pizza with further sauce. Million-dollar auctions are all over the place throughout this week of prosperous motoring. However this Rivian sale is one thing particular.
What Is The Rivian R1S Quad Pebble Seaside?
The bottom automobile is, because the identify suggests, the Rivian R1S Quad. It options Rivian’s strongest quad-motor setup, producing 1,025 horsepower and 1,196 pound-feet of torque. It may possibly speed up from 0 to 60 mph in a supercar-slaying 2.6 seconds, however it might probably nonetheless tow as much as 7,700 kilos. The EPA estimates a variety of 338 miles earlier than extra electrical energy is required.
The “One in all One” particular version therapy is completely aesthetic. Rivian used a novel Monterey Silver Paint with a liquid metallic end that’s presupposed to evoke the golden hour mild – the moments simply after dawn and simply earlier than sundown when the daylight is smooth. On this occasion, Rivian seeks that impact because it happens off the water, altering hues in several mild. It additionally will get a pebble stone adventex inside with coastal-inspired particulars. Rivian trimmed the dashboard with spalted Olive Ash wooden with marbling, which seems to be cool however wouldn’t have been production-grade.
Will Rivian Construct Extra Fancy Automobiles Like This?
Briefly, sure. MotorTrend spoke with Rivian chief designer Jeff Hammoud. He confirmed that a part of Rivian’s motivation with the R1S Quad Pebble Seaside is to discover the marketplace for extra high-end choices.
“From a pricing perspective, we haven’t discovered the ceiling for R1 automobiles and our Rivian model,” Hammoud advised MotorTrend. “Our objective with attending Pebble Seaside is to know the demographics there. We needed to see how we might be acquired by going elevated, whereas sustaining the rugged functionality and welcoming really feel of a Rivian.”
Hammoud additionally confirmed that Rivian’s Studio Originals program would proceed to provide one-off automobiles sooner or later.“We wish to strategy it like a sneaker drop,” Hammoud stated. “Studio Originals lets us get extra expressive and experimental round colours, supplies, and design.”
Ought to Rivian Construct Extra Fancy SUVs Like This?
The reply right here can be sure. Rivian’s exploration of higher-end finishes will not be too shocking. Inside design is a energy for the model. We drove a Rivian R1S earlier this 12 months and would put its inside on par with any higher-end model. And it’s a possible revenue driver for Rivian. As Porsche and different automakers have found, the client maxing out a Rivian R1S Quad might be not constrained by value. Going additional with particular person touches and bespoke customizations may be fairly a income generator.
Increased-end finishes would additionally assist Rivian differentiate its lineup a bit. One of many weaknesses (or virtues, relying in your perspective) of Rivian is that its automobiles are simplified to ease manufacturing. You acquire extra vary, functionality, and choices as you progress by the trim ranges. However there isn’t a lot visible distinction.
The customer paying roughly $80,000 for a base mannequin receives an SUV that intently resembles the $125,000 mannequin. That’s nice for the bottom mannequin buyer. Nonetheless, it’s pure for the client of a completely loaded R1S to need one thing a bit extra particular.
Sources: Broad Arrow Auctions, MotorTrend