Munro deep dive: Gen2 R1S interior cost cutting without sacrificing quality and design features

[MannyMan]

Munro just posted a review of the new Gen2 R1S. They're comparing to the Gen1 R1T that they disassembled. Very interesting review.

Updated with ChatGPT summary of the video (posted by @Electric Rivilution)

Summary of video by ChatGPT in case anyone wants to get to the point:

Key Points:

• Initial Context: The video discusses the interior design of Rivian's second-generation R1S (2025 model) and highlights how Rivian has reduced production costs without sacrificing the quality and design features.
• Cost Overruns in the Past: The teardown of Rivian's earlier R1T model revealed excessive spending, especially on interior components. Rivian was giving customers too much value compared to the price.
  • 01:20
• Focus on SUV Utility: The R1S is an electric three-row SUV, a solution for customers who need more seating space, like families.
  • 02:10
• Interior Design Enhancements:
  • Rivian used layered, wrapped components for high-end aesthetics and tolerance flexibility in the manufacturing process.
  • Real wood inlays are backlit for a floating effect, giving the interior a premium feel.
  • 03:45
• Changes to Reduce Costs: In the new R1S, Rivian removed unnecessary painted parts (such as trim) that were previously adding to manufacturing costs.
  • 07:40
• Seat Structure: Rivian uses a metal seat structure made by Hyundai. Changes in cover materials between the R1T and R1S suggest possible cost savings.
  • 10:20
• Headrest Design Complexity: The intricate headrest design (with multiple components) remains in the R1S, but the presenter suggests it could be simplified to save costs further.
  • 12:10
• Final Thoughts: Despite minor cost-cutting changes, the R1S still offers excellent value and comfort for a $75,000 price tag. The presenter is impressed with Rivian’s efforts to balance cost-saving measures and high-end features.
  • 22:45

Conclusion:
The video praises Rivian's ability to maintain a luxurious and practical interior for the R1S, even while reducing unnecessary costs in its second generation.

Sponsored

 

[GogglesPisano]

Haven't watched this one yet but I didn't care for the one he did on the 1st gen. Munroe is pure engineering/cost over anything else, including design. Sometimes you just want something nice regardless of if you could have saved a penny or made it a bit easier to produce and I don't think he gets that.

 

[MannyMan]

Haven't watched this one yet but I didn't care for the one he did on the 1st gen. Munroe is pure engineering/cost over anything else, including design. Sometimes you just want something nice regardless of if you could have saved a penny or made it a bit easier to produce and I don't think he gets that.

Well, their main goal is to help manufacturers reduce costs. Rivian spent $120k to build a vehicle that they sell for $70k. They have to shave those pennies to become profitable. I think the main cost cutting is actually the casting of the frame, cradle etc’. Early-built R1 vehicles had an aluminum frame that was welded by hand.

 

[GogglesPisano]

Well, their main goal is to help manufacturers reduce costs. Rivian spent $120k to build a vehicle that they sell for $70k. They have to shave those pennies to become profitable. I think the main cost cutting is actually the casting of the frame, cradle etc’. Early-built R1 vehicles had an aluminum frame that was welded by hand.

The thing that irks me with these interior videos is that is where the customer spends 99% of their time when they're with their vehicle. He's pointed out maybe $2k worth of savings altogether. So, $2k worth of cost savings to give your $100k the look of a rental GM vehicle. The interior is not where you need to do a cost savings exercise when you're in this price bracket. I get it, pennies make dollars but you do this when you're designing an entry level base model. You cost save your premium vehicles in areas that are not perceptible to the customer.

 

[MannyMan]

The thing that irks me with these interior videos is that is where the customer spends 99% of their time when they're with their vehicle. He's pointed out maybe $2k worth of savings altogether. So, $2k worth of cost savings to give your $100k the look of a rental GM vehicle. The interior is not where you need to do a cost savings exercise when you're in this price bracket. I get it, pennies make dollars but you do this when you're designing an entry level base model. You cost save your premium vehicles in areas that are not perceptible to the customer.

Yes, they might be too extreme, but there are many ways to cut cost and still come up with the same design, or a very nice one to replace the hand-made design that they have now. Look at Cadillac, they’d never glue the back of the seats by hand. And they still look nice. It’s the stuff that you don’t see, that’s where they should save.

 

[GogglesPisano]

Yes, they might be too extreme, but there are many ways to cut cost and still come up with the same design, or a very nice one to replace the hand-made design that they have now. Look at Cadillac, they’d never glue the back of the seats by hand. And they still look nice. It’s the stuff that you don’t see, that’s where they should save.

"look" nice. But you touch them and it feels like cheap plastic. Anything in the immediate field of touch should be a premium finish. Wrapping a back panel is common practice even for less expensive makes. GM took the cost cutting philosophy to the extreme back in the 2000's and it hurt them in the end. Top end Cadillacs were coming out with plastic door panels held together with plastic clips and chewing gum. The accountants nearly killed the brand to anybody aside from loyalists.

I know what you're saying though. Efficiencies and cost savings need to happen. This one just hits close to home as it's something I have to deal with constantly.

 

[Electric Rivilution]

Summary of video by ChatGPT in case anyone wants to get to the point:

Key Points:

• Initial Context: The video discusses the interior design of Rivian's second-generation R1S (2025 model) and highlights how Rivian has reduced production costs without sacrificing the quality and design features.
• Cost Overruns in the Past: The teardown of Rivian's earlier R1T model revealed excessive spending, especially on interior components. Rivian was giving customers too much value compared to the price.
  • 01:20
• Focus on SUV Utility: The R1S is an electric three-row SUV, a solution for customers who need more seating space, like families.
  • 02:10
• Interior Design Enhancements:
  • Rivian used layered, wrapped components for high-end aesthetics and tolerance flexibility in the manufacturing process.
  • Real wood inlays are backlit for a floating effect, giving the interior a premium feel.
  • 03:45
• Changes to Reduce Costs: In the new R1S, Rivian removed unnecessary painted parts (such as trim) that were previously adding to manufacturing costs.
  • 07:40
• Seat Structure: Rivian uses a metal seat structure made by Hyundai. Changes in cover materials between the R1T and R1S suggest possible cost savings.
  • 10:20
• Headrest Design Complexity: The intricate headrest design (with multiple components) remains in the R1S, but the presenter suggests it could be simplified to save costs further.
  • 12:10
• Final Thoughts: Despite minor cost-cutting changes, the R1S still offers excellent value and comfort for a $75,000 price tag. The presenter is impressed with Rivian’s efforts to balance cost-saving measures and high-end features.
  • 22:45

Conclusion:
The video praises Rivian's ability to maintain a luxurious and practical interior for the R1S, even while reducing unnecessary costs in its second generation.

 

[R1Tom]

I actually think the version I would love to see a Munro video on is the Accend. To my untrained eye...it seems most of the things they changed are actually probably the same cost to Rivian if not less. Yet they were able to convince everyone it is some massive improvement. Which is exactly what they should have been after. Just curious with a deep dive by an expert if I am correct.

 

[sg3707]

The interior of Gen 2 is less premium and in fact cheap in some areas like the interior door area. Big disappointment.

 

[Summi99]

The interior of Gen 2 is less premium and in fact cheap in some areas like the interior door area. Big disappointment.

Really? Didn’t expect that

 

[Kurt44]

Very informative, time well spent listening in

 

[Rividiculous]

The interior of Gen 2 is less premium and in fact cheap in some areas like the interior door area. Big disappointment.

Interesting take.

It’s very subjective but my experience is different. I have a Gen2 and it seems like an amazing interior to me. I test drove a Gen1 twice and sat in the Gen1 several times (during my long wait for delivery) and I never noticed anything different about the Gen2 interior–except the doors. I like the push button in the Gen2, perhaps just for the novelty of it all. That was a cool surprise. Nothing feels cheap to me.

A great benefit of any cost cutting Rivian achieves (especially if they maintain the quality level) is that the company will be more likely to survive and be there for all of us in the future.

 

[DuoRivians]

Interesting take.

It’s very subjective but my experience is different. I have a Gen2 and it seems like an amazing interior to me. I test drove a Gen1 twice and sat in the Gen1 several times (during my long wait for delivery) and I never noticed anything different about the Gen2 interior–except the doors. I like the push button in the Gen2, perhaps just for the novelty of it all. That was a cool surprise. Nothing feels cheap to me.

A great benefit of any cost cutting Rivian achieves (especially if they maintain the quality level) is that the company will be more likely to survive and be there for all of us in the future.

I don’t think it’s cheap either. Feels the same between both gens

 

[CrazyOne]

Just want to say that Munro is a big fan of massive castings which makes a fender bender into a total loss. Did I mention that my insurance went up by 90% in the last 2 years? No, I don't have any change in my driving record or address.

 

[DuoRivians]

Just want to say that Munro is a big fan of massive castings which makes a fender bender into a total loss. Did I mention that my insurance went up by 90% in the last 2 years? No, I don't have any change in my driving record or address.

Everyone’s insurance went up. It’s not a Rivian thing.

Sponsored