New Yorkers, Rivian Is Opening a Special Retail Space for You in Brooklyn

No matter how you put it or how much money you have available for splurging, acquiring a brand-new, pricey vehicle in this inflationary environment and uncertain economic times is not an easy decision. On top of that, there's the lifestyle change you have to deal with if you haven't owned an all-electric machine until now.

But you might sense that there's something special about owning a Rivian. It's an all-American company that, right from the get-go, released amazing trucks. The R1T and R1S are positively regarded by owners, the media, and the employees working to make them.

Of course, there have been hiccups here and there. Nobody's perfect. Rivian still has some stuff to work on, like the software, bringing the redesigned tonneau cover to market, and making sure that it doesn't keep spending all that cash on hand it still has.

Fortunately, the company seems to be taking all the right steps lately. Its executives are communicating with potential investors and financial partners, the social media presence has been amped up, production has been sorted out by prioritizing the highly demanded R1S, the latest software update has considerably improved the EVs that are already on the road, and deliveries of the budget-friendly dual-motor R1Ts just started.

It's looking good, no matter how you put it.

Besides, the Georgia plant is not riddled with legal struggles, and progress is looking good. Apart from a deep financial crisis or a massive mistake on Rivian's part, there isn't something that can stop this brand from keeping "the world adventurous forever." It's shaping up to be one of America's greatest automakers.

But that's just the good news. You, the buyer, face making the hard decision. Right now, you can spend a minimum of:

• $79,000 on a dual-motor large-pack R1T;
• $84,000 on a performance dual-motor large-pack R1T;
• $84,000 on a dual-motor large-pack R1S;
• $87,000 on a quad-motor large-pack R1T;
• $89,000 on a dual-motor max-pack R1T;
• $89,000 on a performance dual-motor large-pack R1S;
• $92,000 on a quad-motor large-pack R1S;
• $94,000 on a performance dual-motor max-pack R1T.

Those are the versions available today, which should reach customers by the end of the year or early 2024. No matter how you look at it, these are expensive EVs. They're mighty capable, but there's no escaping these figures that don't include tax, shipping, and other fees.

The reviews available online are great. We strived to cover Rivian extensively and made sure to bring you everything that was worth sharing. Even so, we acknowledge it might not be enough.

Fortunately, New Yorkers living in Brooklyn and adjacent areas don't have to experience any anxiety while ordering a brand-new R1T or R1S. The EV maker is opening a new customer-oriented space on Friday.

You'll find it at 366 Wythe Ave, "just blocks from Domino Park and the Williamsburg Bridge." That's where you'll be able to interact with the R1T and R1S, discuss various battery and powertrain options with experts, and even schedule test drives.

Rivian will keep it open from Monday until Saturday between 10 AM and 6 PM, while on Sunday, the schedule starts an hour later but ends at 6 PM.

But if you don't want to spend time building and waiting for a custom order, Rivian has opened its "secret shop" to everyone. You can check if something to your taste is available in your area and take delivery faster than ordering a custom build. Keep in mind that this version of the inventory checker only includes R1Ts for now.

Lastly, we advise those not in need of a new car to wait a bit before getting a Rivian. The company is getting ready to fine-tune the R1T and R1S even more. That could happen right before Q4 2023 ends or early next year.