Rivian’s Quad-Motor R1S is absolutely insane—and equally impressive
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe was not joking when he stated on social media platform X that the new R1S Quad-Motor is "absolutely nuts." As it turns out, the exact same sentiments were echoed by automotive reviewers who were fortunate enough to try out Rivian's updated flagship SUV.
MotorTrend recently published its review of the 2025 Rivian R1S Quad Motor, which the publication noted features "supernatural driving dynamics." This was, as per the publication, partly due to the fact that Rivian implemented a lot of under-the-hood improvements into the new R1S Quad, such as custom-designed electric motors that are no longer sourced from a supplier.
With its improvements in place, the new Rivian R1S Quad Motor features a 149 kWh Max Pack battery and four electric motors that produce 1,025 hp and 1,198 lb-ft of torque. This effectively enables the 2025 Rivian R1S Quad Motor to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds and complete the quarter mile in 10.5 seconds at 128.2 mph. That's supercar-level performance from a large, legitimate, off-road-capable electric SUV.
The new Quad is absolutely nuts. https://t.co/rKvUDzCqEo
— RJ Scaringe (@RJScaringe) September 18, 2024
Granted, the 2025 Rivian R1S Quad Motor is slightly less quick than the Tesla Model X Plaid, which has a 0-60 mph time of 2.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 9.9 seconds. However, one could make an argument that between the two vehicles, the Rivian R1S Quad Motor has more utility and more off-road chops than the Model X Plaid, which is designed more as a family hauler for city dwellers.
Perhaps the best thing about the 2025 Rivian R1S Quad Motor is the fact that it is unashamedly electric. As per MotorTrend, the new flagship SUV is able to offer an excellent and engaging driving experience without resorting to tricks like digital exhaust sounds or simulated gearshifts. It's just a really great electric vehicle with monstrous performance that is simply great to drive.
This is not to say that the 2025 Rivian R1S Quad Motor is a perfect vehicle, of course. All that power and performance means that it's not the most efficient Rivian out there. MotorTrend noted that during its Road-Trip Range test, the flagship R1S exhibited a driving range of just 274 miles despite its large 149 kWh battery and combined EPA estimated range of 355 miles per charge. The 2025 Rivian R1S Quad Motor is also very expensive at $115,900 to start.
Then again, such a price is very reasonable considering what the 2025 Rivian R1S Quad Motor offers.
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