Rivian R3 is coming to Europe — and it may be cheaper than you think

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Rivian plans to launch in Europe in 2027, with the compact R3 arriving a year later at a target price near $35,000 and an off-road sibling, the R3X.

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Rivian is preparing to enter Europe, and the most interesting car from the brand might not be the big R1S but the more compact R3. According to Diariomotor, Rivian sales in Europe should start in 2027, with the R3 arriving about a year later at a target price of around $35,000.

The American company will first launch the R2. This is an electric SUV about 4.7 metres long, designed to lower the entry point into the brand after the larger R1T and R1S. Then comes the Rivian R3 — a more compact model about 4.4 metres long. In format it is no longer a giant American EV but a car closer to European roads, parking spaces and family use.

The R3’s main pitch is the combination of city-friendly size and an off-road image. Exact specs are not yet final, but rear- or all-wheel-drive versions are expected, including a tri-motor setup. Range is claimed to exceed 500 km, with fast charging supporting at least 250 kW. The methodology behind the range figure is not specified in the source, so direct comparisons with WLTP or EPA are premature.

A separate Rivian R3X is also in the works — a more rugged version of the R3 with increased ground clearance, revised suspension, better approach and departure angles, off-road tyres and a specifically tuned all-wheel-drive system. For buyers who find electric crossovers too tarmac-bound, this version could be the key argument.

R3 production is planned at Rivian’s new plant in the state of Georgia, where the R2 will also be built. The company aims for an output of up to 300,000 vehicles per year, and scale is exactly what should help keep prices at a more accessible level.

For Europe, the Rivian R3 looks like a rare case: not yet another heavy premium SUV, but a compact electric 4x4 with a sensible price target and a clear off-road character. The only question is what the European price will be after taxes, logistics and local market adaptation.