Rivian’s California Dune Edition: Desert-Inspired Electric Adventure Awaits

Unveiling the Rivian R1S and R1T California Dune Edition: Off-Road Ready

Ever dreamt of cruising through the endless sands of California’s deserts, feeling the thrill of adventure with every dune you conquer? Well, Rivian has just made that dream a bit more tangible with their new California Dune Edition for the R1S and R1T. It’s not just a paint job; it’s a whole vibe, a nod to the rugged beauty of the Golden State’s arid landscapes.

A Desert Dream on Wheels

The California Dune Edition isn’t your average Rivian. It’s draped in a hue that Rivian calls “California Dune,” a sandy beige that whispers of sun-baked earth and windswept dunes. It’s paired with the Darkout Package, which adds a touch of mystery with blacked-out accents, making the whole ensemble look like it’s ready to disappear into the desert night. And those wheels? You can choose between 20-inchers that match the body or go dark to keep the stealth vibe going. Either way, they’re shod with all-terrain tires, because, let’s face it, you’re not buying this to stay on the pavement.

Step inside, and you’re greeted with a two-tone affair: Sandstone below, Black Mountain above. It’s like the desert meeting the night sky. The seats and panels are clad in Sandstone, which isn’t just pretty; it’s practical. Rivian says the new Sandstone Chilewich mats are designed to shake off sand easily, which is a godsend after a day of dune bashing. Interestingly, while most Tri-Motor R1 models come with the plush “Ascend” interior, the California Dune Edition opts for the more rugged “Adventure” interior. That means you miss out on some luxury touches like passenger lumbar adjustment and an electrochromic roof, but gain durability for those off-road escapades. It’s a trade-off, but for the target audience, it’s probably the right call. And yes, there’s a 15.6-inch touchscreen, because even in the wilderness, you need to know where the nearest charging station is.

Built for the Rough Stuff

But the California Dune Edition isn’t just about looks. It’s built for the rough stuff. Rivian has thrown in their All-Terrain Package, which includes a reinforced underbody shield to protect against those pesky rocks, a roof rack with traction boards for when you inevitably get stuck, and a spare tire because, well, you never know. There’s also a “Soft Sand” driving mode, which tweaks the vehicle’s settings to handle the loose stuff better. It’s like having a desert guide in your car’s computer.

Under the hood—or, well, under the floor—lies Rivian’s new Tri-Motor powertrain. One motor up front, two in the back, churning out a combined 850 horsepower and a whopping 1,103 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to catapult you from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, which is frankly ridiculous for something that can also tackle sand dunes. But hey, who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too? The range is a respectable 329 miles, though those all-terrain tires do take a bite out of the efficiency. Still, for a weekend warrior, it’s more than enough.

Pricing and Availability

If you’re itching to get your hands on one, the California Dune Edition R1S starts at $105,900, while the R1T comes in at $99,900. They’re available to order now directly from Rivian, and delivery times are estimated between 1 to 6 weeks. So, better act fast if you want to be one of the first to cruise the deserts in style.

Imagine this: You’re driving through the Mojave, the sun setting in a blaze of orange and pink, the air cooling as night approaches. You find the perfect spot to set up camp, the Rivian’s powered tonneau cover sliding open to reveal your gear. As you sit by the fire, the quiet hum of the electric motors reminds you that you’re not just in the desert; you’re part of it, thanks to Rivian’s thoughtful design.

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