You’ve probably seen the photos. A boxy, futuristic SUV draped in that distinct, matte-ish Launch Green, perched on a rocky ledge like it’s posing for a Patagonia catalog. It looks cool. It looks capable. But after the initial hype of the 2023 Rivian R1S Launch Edition has settled into the reality of daily driving, there’s a lot more to the story than just "it's a fast electric SUV."
Honestly, calling it just an SUV feels like a bit of an understatement. It's a 7,000-pound contradiction. It can outrun a Ferrari to 60 mph but also crawl over boulders that would rip the oil pan out of a Jeep.
But is it actually the "perfect" EV everyone says it is?
The Badge and the Bragging Rights
Basically, the Launch Edition was the "thank you" to the early adopters who put down deposits years before the factory in Normal, Illinois, was even fully functional. If you’re looking at a used one now, you’re basically looking at a fully loaded Adventure trim with a few specific cherries on top.
The big one is the badge. Inside, on the passenger side of the dashboard, it literally says Launch Edition. It’s subtle, but in the world of EV enthusiasts, it’s a flex. You also got the option for that exclusive Launch Green paint, which you can't get on the newer models.
Then there are the "freebies" that weren't actually free—they were just bundled. Launch Edition owners got their choice of 20-inch or 22-inch wheel upgrades at no extra cost. They also got the Launch Edition wristband key. It’s a waterproof silicone bracelet that lets you unlock the car without a phone or a fob. Kinda handy if you’re surfing or hiking, though some owners complain the sensor is a bit finicky and requires a specific "dance" against the door pillar to work.
Physics-Defying Performance
Let’s talk numbers, because they’re honestly ridiculous. The 2023 Launch Edition comes standard with the Quad-Motor powertrain. That means one motor for every single wheel.
- Horsepower: 835 hp
- Torque: 908 lb-ft
- 0–60 mph: Roughly 3.0 seconds
For context, that is faster than a 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera. In a vehicle that seats seven people and has a frunk big enough to hold a week's worth of groceries. When you floor it, the front end lifts like a speedboat. It’s violent. It’s addictive. But it’s also a lot of mass to move around.
The battery is the "Large Pack," a 135 kWh beast. The EPA says you’ll get 316 miles of range. In the real world? It depends entirely on your shoes. If you’ve got the 20-inch All-Terrain tires, you’re looking at a penalty. Real-world tests, like those from Edmunds, actually saw the R1S beat its estimate, hitting 330 miles in ideal conditions. But if you’re cruising at 80 mph on a cold day? Expect that number to drop closer to 240 or 250 miles.
What It’s Actually Like to Live With
The interior is where the 2023 Rivian R1S Launch Edition tries to convince you it’s a luxury car. It uses a lot of "vegan leather" and actual reclaimed wood. It feels premium, but in a "high-end camping gear" way, not a "Mercedes S-Class" way.
The storage is everywhere. You have the frunk (front trunk), a massive center console, and even a hidden compartment under the rear cargo floor. Oh, and the flashlight hidden in the driver’s door—that’s a classic Rivian touch.
But it’s not all sunshine and trail drives.
The software is the brain of the car, and it’s a polarizing one. Rivian famously refuses to support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. They want you to use their proprietary system. It’s beautiful, fast, and high-res, but if you’re someone who lives and dies by Waze or Google Maps, the learning curve is annoying.
And then there’s the "everything is a screen" problem. You want to adjust your side mirrors? Use the screen. Want to move the air vents? Use the screen. It feels futuristic until you’re trying to nudge an air vent while bouncing down a dirt road. It’s... a choice.
The Elephant in the Room: Ride Quality
If there is one thing people get wrong—or at least don't expect—it’s the ride. Because it has an adjustable air suspension, you’d think it would ride like a cloud.
It doesn't.
Early 2023 models were known for being a bit "jiggly." On uneven pavement, the rear end can feel a little nervous, like it’s trying to decide how to handle the weight. Rivian has pushed out several Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates that have significantly improved the damping, but it’s still firmer than a Tesla Model X or a BMW iX. If you’re coming from a traditional luxury SUV, it might feel a bit stiff.
Is the Launch Edition Still Worth It?
Since Rivian has moved on to the "Gen 2" models and simplified their trim levels, the 2023 Rivian R1S Launch Edition has become a hot commodity on the used market.
Why? Because it’s the easiest way to get the Quad-Motor setup without paying the astronomical prices of the brand-new versions.
Here is the reality check:
📖 Related: Truth Social Explained: What Really Happened with Trump's Social Media platform
- Maintenance: Rivian’s service network is still growing. If you live 300 miles from a service center, getting a minor sensor issue fixed can be a logistical nightmare.
- The Sound System: Early Launch Editions had the Meridian Elevation system, which most audiophiles agree is superior to the "Rivian House Audio" they switched to later in the year.
- Towing: It’s rated for 7,700 pounds. It handles the weight easily, but your range will be cut in half. Literally. If you’re towing a heavy trailer, plan for a charging stop every 100–120 miles.
Moving Forward: Your Next Steps
If you are seriously considering hunting down a 2023 Rivian R1S Launch Edition, don't just look at the odometer.
Check the VIN and build date. Late 2023 builds often have slightly better fit and finish than the very early ones.
Ask about the 12V outlets. Rivian started removing the 12V outlet in the frunk mid-way through 2023. If you plan on running a portable fridge or camping gear off the front of the car, you'll want to verify if that specific unit has it.
Test the suspension settings. During your test drive, toggle between "Soft" and "Stiff" and "All-Purpose" vs "Sport." If the car hasn't been updated to the latest firmware, the ride might feel harsher than it needs to be. Ensure the previous owner kept the software current—it truly changes how the vehicle drives.
Verify the transfer of the Rivian Account. Unlike a traditional car, the R1S is tied heavily to a digital profile. Make sure the seller is ready to initiate the transfer through Rivian support, or you’ll be locked out of key features like the app-based "Phone as a Key."