Review of R1S Gen 2 Dual Max Performance with Darkout Package

[2 Out of the Box]

Looks like the Darkout option is hitting the streets...

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[White Shadow]

The tow hooks disappear when they're black. I much prefer the non-dark (bright?) package instead.

 

[Scoiatael]

Looks like the Darkout option is hitting the streets...

There is an El Cap DM Max in the shop right now with Darkout package. So definitely starting to make them, but a lot slower than bright package.

 

[Broark]

Glad to see them hitting the road, my R1S with the darkout package is supposed to be delivered in August - September. Fingers crossed!

 

[Bradyb23]

I've always liked the look of "deleting" the chrome on a car, but wonder what folks think about the Rivian darkout relative to the metal skid plates. Does it make things look cheaper? My old (long ago sold) Tesla Model 3 didn't have any chrome to speak off, so when I blacked-out the molding around the doors and the Tesla logos, it looked sharp. Not sure about what the look will be when removing the chrome from the front and rear bumpers on the R1S. Will it look sleek, or like there's a ton more plastic? And from the video Scoiatael posted above, the blacked out chrome looks shiny, while the bumper trim looks matte.

I need to make a decision soon because my voucher is expiring end of September. The sales guy, while VERY friendly, has been of limited help, and is clearly trying to steer me away from blackout for some reason (but not for reasons of aesthetics, either way). Anyway, I'm in this place now where I'm trying to make final decisions on the configuration, and it's tough because I'm over 100 miles away from the nearest shop and the images on the website aren't that great. (I have the same questions about getting the AT wheels vs. 21" or 22" wheels, but I know there are plenty of views on that in other threads!)

 

[Scoiatael]

I've always liked the look of "deleting" the chrome on a car, but wonder what folks think about the Rivian darkout relative to the metal skid plates. Does it make things look cheaper? My old (long ago sold) Tesla Model 3 didn't have any chrome to speak off, so when I blacked-out the molding around the doors and the Tesla logos, it looked sharp. Not sure about what the look will be when removing the chrome from the front and rear bumpers on the R1S. Will it look sleek, or like there's a ton more plastic? And from the video Scoiatael posted above, the blacked out chrome looks shiny, while the bumper trim looks matte.

I need to make a decision soon because my voucher is expiring end of September. The sales guy, while VERY friendly, has been of limited help, and is clearly trying to steer me away from blackout for some reason (but not for reasons of aesthetics, either way). Anyway, I'm in this place now where I'm trying to make final decisions on the configuration, and it's tough because I'm over 100 miles away from the nearest shop and the images on the website aren't that great. (I have the same questions about getting the AT wheels vs. 21" or 22" wheels, but I know there are plenty of views on that in other threads!)

I'm thinking they are supply constrained on the darkout package right now. There are some in the shop now, but they seem to be appearing much slower than bright package.

 

[Spamthechan]

I personally like the chrome. The accent pieces help break up the design and darking everything out makes it look sportier, sure, but cheaper, in my opinion.

 

[2 Out of the Box]

I've always liked the look of "deleting" the chrome on a car, but wonder what folks think about the Rivian darkout relative to the metal skid plates. Does it make things look cheaper? My old (long ago sold) Tesla Model 3 didn't have any chrome to speak off, so when I blacked-out the molding around the doors and the Tesla logos, it looked sharp. Not sure about what the look will be when removing the chrome from the front and rear bumpers on the R1S. Will it look sleek, or like there's a ton more plastic? And from the video Scoiatael posted above, the blacked out chrome looks shiny, while the bumper trim looks matte.

I need to make a decision soon because my voucher is expiring end of September. The sales guy, while VERY friendly, has been of limited help, and is clearly trying to steer me away from blackout for some reason (but not for reasons of aesthetics, either way). Anyway, I'm in this place now where I'm trying to make final decisions on the configuration, and it's tough because I'm over 100 miles away from the nearest shop and the images on the website aren't that great. (I have the same questions about getting the AT wheels vs. 21" or 22" wheels, but I know there are plenty of views on that in other threads!)

Can you ask the salesperson why they are steering you away from the Darkout? That's very interesting.

The whole reason I posted this is because I have heard (unconfirmed rumors, mostly here) that the Darkout option will cause delays. So, I was surprised to see someone in the wild getting a demo to review. Made me think that perhaps the Darkout builds aren't as delayed as suspected. That's my hope anyway. ?

 

[Bradyb23]

Just asked. He said it was an availability issue. But as someone else pointed out, there are R1Ss for sale in the R1S Shop with the Darkout option. There just aren’t that many

 

[katierivs]

I personally like the chrome. The accent pieces help break up the design and darking everything out makes it look sportier, sure, but cheaper, in my opinion.

Agree with you. I was all ready with my DIY chrome delete and black badges pre-delivered but when I picked up my R1S in June, I realized the “chrome” is a brushed matte look, including the badges, and agree it adds visual “texture.” So I have not deleted it yet.

 

[Bradyb23]

Agree with you. I was all ready with my DIY chrome delete and black badges pre-delivered but when I picked up my R1S in June, I realized the “chrome” is a brushed matte look, including the badges, and agree it adds visual “texture.” So I have not deleted it yet.

What color is your R1S?

 

[katierivs]

What color is your R1S?

White

 

[White Shadow]

I've always liked the look of "deleting" the chrome on a car, but wonder what folks think about the Rivian darkout relative to the metal skid plates. Does it make things look cheaper? My old (long ago sold) Tesla Model 3 didn't have any chrome to speak off, so when I blacked-out the molding around the doors and the Tesla logos, it looked sharp. Not sure about what the look will be when removing the chrome from the front and rear bumpers on the R1S. Will it look sleek, or like there's a ton more plastic? And from the video Scoiatael posted above, the blacked out chrome looks shiny, while the bumper trim looks matte.

I need to make a decision soon because my voucher is expiring end of September. The sales guy, while VERY friendly, has been of limited help, and is clearly trying to steer me away from blackout for some reason (but not for reasons of aesthetics, either way). Anyway, I'm in this place now where I'm trying to make final decisions on the configuration, and it's tough because I'm over 100 miles away from the nearest shop and the images on the website aren't that great. (I have the same questions about getting the AT wheels vs. 21" or 22" wheels, but I know there are plenty of views on that in other threads!)

I think Rivians need the brighter accents to look good. The only exception is maybe a completely black vehicle (the old murdered out look) where everything is black. But that's not really my style. I think bright accents like tow hooks, front skid plate, wheels, and even the window trim look better on Rivians than the blacked out look.

 

[kapsjt]

I see the vehicle in this review has an aluminum dead pedal for the driver's left foot. In other Gen 2 videos it appears to be black plastic instead of aluminum. Is the aluminum only for the performance? I was told the performance is only a software unlock. No hardware differences.

Or this the aluminum dead pedal for the max pack and standard pack has the black dead pedal? Not a huge deal, but the aluminum is a nice touch.

 

[2 Out of the Box]

I see the vehicle in this review has an aluminum dead pedal for the driver's left foot. In other Gen 2 videos it appears to be black plastic instead of aluminum. Is the aluminum only for the performance? I was told the performance is only a software unlock. No hardware differences.

Or this the aluminum dead pedal for the max pack and standard pack has the black dead pedal? Not a huge deal, but the aluminum is a nice touch.

You win the Eagle Eye award. That’s a crazy catch! ?

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