With the headquarters 45 minutes from my house in Southern California, I see my fair share of Rivian vehicles, and they always catch my eye. The Irvine-based marque isn’t the only company with a manufacturing facility and headquarters in the Golden State but has quickly established itself as a major player in the luxury electric SUV and pickup truck segments with its R1S and R1T, respectively.
Now, Rivian shows its love for its home state with special desert-inspired California Dune Editions of its two flagship vehicles.
A Powerful EV
Based on the 2025 second-gen models of the R1S sports utility vehicle and R1T pickup truck, the California Dune Editions get the Ascend Tri Max trim level of those models as well. That means a tri-motor electric powertrain (one in the front and two in the rear) that delivers 850hp and 1,103lb.ft of torque with all-wheel drive, along with a 2.9-second 0-to-60 time. While power is certainly staggering here, the range is also quite impressive with an EPA-estimated 329 miles.
For off-roading, the All-Terrain Package includes a reinforced underbody shield, a revised powered tonneau, and off-road recovery gear. You’ll also get dark MAXTRAX recovery boards with mounts, dark crossbars, and a spare tire. There’s also a “Soft Sand” driving mode that’s perfect for desert driving. Pretty cool!
It’s What’s On the Outside That Counts
As Rivian’s first-ever bespoke limited-edition version of the R1 range, the main draw with these new special editions is the desert theming, both inside and out. Designed to evoke the “mesmerizing landscapes of California’s desert dunes,” the exterior paint is named, aptly, California Dune and is a beige, sandy color.
This is paired with an exterior Darkout Package to highlight the tan hues via contrast. This extends to badging and accents but also the wheels, if you wish. The all-terrain tires are paired with brand-new 20-inch wheels that come in two options. There’s a California Dune-finished option to match the tan bodywork but you can also opt for a dark option to match the black contrast accents.
Blending Form and Function
The California Dune colorway isn’t just limited to the exterior. Inside, you’ll see a two-tone design that pairs Sandstone color on the seats and panels with the darker Black Mountain on the “top half,” which includes the steering wheel, dashboard, etc. Blending the desert theming with actual function, the durable new Sandstone Chilewich mats floor mats have also been designed to shake off sand much easier when cleaning your car.
Spec Sheet
Model Name: R1T and R1S California Dune Edition
Model Year: 2025
Engine: Tri-motor electric
Power: 850hp and 1,103lb.ft of torque
0-to-60: 2.9 seconds
Estimated Range: 329 miles
Limited Edition?: Yes, unspecified
Pricing & Availability
Limited to an unspecified edition size, the R1T and R1S California Dune Editions will have a price of $99,900 and $105,900, respectively, and are available now. However, Rivian says delivery estimates range from 1 to 6 weeks. Head over to the company’s website to learn more.
Recap
2025 Rivian R1S & R1T California Dune Editions
Rivian debuts its first-ever bespoke limited editions of the R1 series with the California Dune Editions, featuring plenty of tan paint and some off-roading features.
