Rivian launches its next all-electric SUV, the R2.RivianThe next all-electric SUV from Rivian is here as the aptly named, R2. Officially launched Tuesday, the R2 comes with five-seats, a new Rivian design and a much smaller price tag than its R1S predecessor.The R2 Performance with Launch Package starts at $57,990, conveniently under $60,000 before fees and options. The cheapest seven-seater R1S starts just under $77,000. The launch version is on- and off-road capable with dual motors and 656 horsepower, 609 pound-feet of torque and zero-to-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds. The 88 kWh battery provides 330 miles of range. The R1S Dual with Max battery reaches up to 420 miles.A R2 Standard variant is supposed to arrive in summer 2027 (sooner than originally announced) starting at $44,990. The standard variant will be rear-wheel drive with 350 horsepower, 355 pound-feet of torque and 275-mile battery range. More details are expected closer to production.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhile some things are here to stay (like a flashlight tucked into the driver's side door) across the Rivian product line, here are the main differences from the original R1S SUV that first arrived in 2022.1. R2 Is SmallerJust looking at the R2 it's easy to see it's a much smaller car than the lumbering R1S. Most noticeably is the missing third row. The R2 is a five-seater with no optional way back adding two more seats. The entire footprint is shaved down with 185.9 inches in length compared to the R1S' 200 inches. Inside, the cargo space is also sized down with 90.1 cubic-feet total throughout the vehicle compared to 104.7 cubes in the R1S.2. Native AI Features Built InBack in December, Rivian showed what the R2 would be capable of during its Autonomy & AI Day and now it's official: The R2 across all trims will boast certain autonomy features right away, while others will be available as they roll out. Every R2 purchased will include these features.Hardware that's compatible for the Rivian's Autonomy+ subscription ($49.99 per month or $2,500 one time) is built into every R2 and new vehicles include a 60-day free trial. This includes Universal Hands-Free driving on 3.5 million miles of roads in the U.S. and Canada and eventually point-to-point driving.AdvertisementAdvertisementAlso coming soon is the Rivian Assistant, a conversational AI assistant connected to your car and your personal information.Catalina Cove is a Rivian R2 exclusive color that invokes the waters alongside Santa Catalina Island on the coast of California.Rivian3. New ColorsWelcome to Catalina Cove. The new color that's only available on the R2 is a deep blue-green inspired by the water around Santa Catalina Island.With the R2 launch, Rivian also offers a new Esker Silver as the base color option and a Half Moon Grey that's, well, gray, like the foggy coastal city of Half Moon Bay for which it's named.These new colors join Rivian's Midnight, Glacier White, Forest Green, Borealis andLaunch Green exteriors.4. Improved TechThe R2 comes equipped with 11 cameras and five radar sensors with corner radar updated and cameras bumped up from 55 to 65 megapixels.AdvertisementAdvertisementThere's also a new interior camera that will enable a pet cam, a much-desired future feature. Overall, the R2 will offer a new user experience for any longtime Rivian drivers on the dual digital displays.The new Rivian R2 interior was redesigned for a smaller, simplified space.Rivian5. Simplified InteriorThe back is where it feels less plush compared to the backseat of the the R1S. There's no rear screen and just a set of air vents. But just because it's more streamlined doesn't mean everything was sacrificed. Because of the new layout the second row in the R2 has a few inches of extra legroom compared to the R1S second row.Haptic Halo Wheels are a new feature on the 2027 Rivian R2.Rivian6. Redesigned Frunk, Rear Windshield and Steering WheelTo keep down costs and build a smaller, simpler SUV some cuts had to be made. The frunk (front trunk) took a big hit with a shallower hold and a manual close, but it opens at a better angle for pulling down to close.The rear windshield is also different with the capability to roll down completely, so Rivian had to get creative with how the rear wiper was placed.AdvertisementAdvertisementAn eye-catching change is the steering wheel: It features two Haptic Halo Wheels, or dials. These are used for scrolling, pushing, pulling and tilting through different functions. It's a hybrid solution to give people more physical hardware that works with digital software. It's similar to the central dial on the Ford Mustang Mach-E that works in tandem with the touchscreen for different features.Two gloveboxes are better than none in the new Rivian R2.RivianThe Rivian R2 has new storage space.Rivian7. Two Gloveboxes Instead of NoneRivian owners wanted better interior storage options and now they will have it. Now water bottles can fit in the side doors and instead of zero gloveboxes like in the R1S there are two side-by-side up front. Best of all, they open manually. No need for finding the menu option to access the compartments.8. All the Windows OpenRivian might've shortened the backside on the R2 but it's a lot more fun in the back now that there's a button to drop the back windshield all the way. A single button can open every window as a fun party trick. Whether it's surfboards or dogs, the R2 is now equipped for special equipment or passengers.The rear windshield drops open fully in the new Rivian R2.Rivian9. No Truck Companion…YetThe R2 is coming into the driving world all alone. Unlike the R1S which followed the R1T truck, the R2 is not yet dubbed the "R2S" and as of its debut there's no R2T in the works.AdvertisementAdvertisementSelect deliveries and orders for reservation holders opened Tuesday for the R2.This article was originally published on Forbes.com