Rivian has launched a new limited-time purple exterior paint option called “Borealis” for selected versions of its R1S SUV and R1T pickup, nearly a year after the colour was first spotted in public testing.
The U.S. electric vehicle maker described the shade as “a dynamic, deep velvety purple that shifts with the light and captures the essence of the aurora borealis.” Rivian said the colour was inspired by images shared by owners whose vehicles appeared to glow under a rare purple-tinted sky during a 2024 solar event.
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“The inspiration for Borealis came directly from our community… Borealis pays homage to the spirit of exploration that defines our owners and celebrates the unexpected beauty found in mother nature,” the company said during the reveal.
The Borealis paint is available immediately on Tri-Motor and Quad-Motor variants of the R1S and R1T, though Rivian said production will be limited. The colour is being offered alongside a new 20-inch All-Terrain Burnished Bronze wheel, which is exclusive to the latest Quad-Motor trims.
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The public debut of Borealis took place during Art Week Miami Beach, where Rivian is hosting a multi-sensory exhibition titled “Rewilding the Future.” The company is also showcasing the new colour at Collins Park and at its Aventura and Brickell Spaces in Miami.
As part of the exhibition, Rivian introduced its first public exploration into brand-specific scents designed to complement its vehicle design philosophy. Visitors can experience “The Scent of Terrain,” a curated blend inspired by environments ranging from alpine forests to canyon trails.
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“Scent is uniquely memorable and we want to get to a place where we have a scent that becomes synonymous with the Rivian brand, sparking that amazing recall that you almost don’t realize you have. We’re excited to see the response,” said Liz Guerrero, Senior Director of Marketing Experiences at Rivian. The company said the fragrance project remains in an exploratory phase, with no confirmation yet on whether it will be introduced into production vehicles.