R2 Launch Watch

[J Alynn]

I have never purchased one for any of my EVs. In my experience, major EV components fail early or last a very long time. Things will wear out (like suspension bushings and such) but those earn't typically covered by extended warranties since they are wear and tear. I think we will know before the end of the standard warranty if an extended warranty is needed. The wildcard for me will be the ebeam axle as I believe that is a new product from the manufacturer. Also the infotainment stuff. Early on Tesla had issues with their screens yellowing due to heat. No one had ever put a 17" touchscreen in a car before so there was some challenges to overcome. I would hope that those kinds of issues are sorted now.

Here's the main thing for me. Aside from the solid axle, nothing in the BEV Scout is pushing technological boundaries. The Harvester is to some degree but it's really just a series hybrid with a big battery. It could depend on how complicated they get with the cooling system, that could break new ground. So I am confident that as long as Scout does their homework and learns from the work of others, the vehicles should be robust. Software is a whole other thing but that's on Scout to maintain regardless.

I think cost of extended warranty will play a factor. We bought one for the Bronco and glad we did as it was problem after problem and it was a non-ford warranty so we were able to get refunded on a bunch of it but had we kept Bronco I would have been grateful to have had it

 

[robothero]

The only extended warranty that I've found useful was AudiCare, paid for itself with some of the later service visits.

 

[cyure]

So this begs the question. Are people not converting? Options for the lower cost trims that aren’t available yet? The factory is running smoother than they thought?

 

[chucchinchilla]

So this begs the question. Are people not converting? Options for the lower cost trims that aren’t available yet? The factory is running smoother than they thought?

View attachment 16934

Yup but it should be expected. Not everyone can time their next car purchase to Rivian's schedule. People are already in leases, maybe they already made a recent purchase while waiting for R2, etc. Remember this is a reservation list of people like me who have been waiting for 2+ years for this car and a lot can happen in that time. Doesn't mean they won't be R2 customers eventually, but maybe not in this first batch. Honestly same goes for all of us and Scout....we may love the car, we may even want to make a purchase/lease, but their launch timing might not line up with our own.

 

[speedrye]

I'd venture it's more about cost. If you're wanting an SUV in the $45k-$50k range, you're not buying the $60k version.

Likewise, if I'm looking at a Scout in the $60k-$70k range, I won't be buying an $85k launch edition.

 

[cyure]

I'd venture it's more about cost. If you're wanting an SUV in the $45k-$50k range, you're not buying the $60k version.

Likewise, if I'm looking at a Scout in the $60k-$70k range, I won't be buying an $85k launch edition.

But do we know that the launch edition will even cost that much? I sure hope not. I don’t expect the base trim to be the launch edition, but I’m hoping it’s more midrange.

 

[J Alynn]

So this begs the question. Are people not converting? Options for the lower cost trims that aren’t available yet? The factory is running smoother than they thought?

View attachment 16934

I suspect people are holding for the cheaper versions and perhaps the line is also moving better as they reported so the builds are off the line faster

 

[J Alynn]

But do we know that the launch edition will even cost that much? I sure hope not. I don’t expect the base trim to be the launch edition, but I’m hoping it’s more midrange.

I’m still thinking a launch edition will be $80-$85K. Just hope there is something unique enough to justify it but I’ve never had an opportunity to purchase a launch version vehicle so hoping I’ve saved enough above and beyond what my wife has budgeted to allow a launch version

 

[Logan]

I’m still thinking a launch edition will be $80-$85K. Just hope there is something unique enough to justify it but I’ve never had an opportunity to purchase a launch version vehicle so hoping I’ve saved enough above and beyond what my wife has budgeted to allow a launch version

Yeah.

Unless they somehow subsidize things a lot for the early reservation holders (unlikely), I'm thinking $80-90k.

What I do hope, is at least for people on the forum here, if there is any special discount/features available in the launch edition, and we are unable to purchase (because, uh, I signed up for a $50-60k vehicle, not a $80-90k one), that somehow we'd be able to apply that in the future when the trims that we can afford are released.

But if not, I get it, there is no obligation here. Just... wishful thinking .

 

[J Alynn]

Yeah.

Unless they somehow subsidize things a lot for the early reservation holders (unlikely), I'm thinking $80-90k.

What I do hope, is at least for people on the forum here, if there is any special discount/features available in the launch edition, and we are unable to purchase (because, uh, I signed up for a $50-60k vehicle, not a $80-90k one), that somehow we'd be able to apply that in the future when the trims that we can afford are released.

But if not, I get it, there is no obligation here. Just... wishful thinking .

Fair to ask the question. At a minimum I’d hope they hold reservation position and you’d have first order rights once other trims open up

 

[Jasco]

I get launch edition pricing being elevated and there is certainly some value associated witht the added features, but advertising $60k and launching at $85k - 90k is a really bad look. The puiblic has seen this show before and people are upset almost everytime. The launch headline becomes Scout promises $60k and delivers an $80k vehicle. Promises unkept (50% price increase etc..). Rivian's launch edition is in and acceptable territory ($10k) given the perks that come with. A $25K - $30k gap is "false promises" territory; at least in terms of future headlines. Not to say there couldn't be value for certain configs, but I haven't seen the features that justify that price range shown yet. I too signed up for a roughly $60k - $70k vehicle and am happy to wait in hope they can deliver a compelling option in that price range. Hoping Scout doesn't go all Cybertruck on us with its launch pricing.

 

[SrfnFly227]

I get launch edition pricing being elevated and there is certainly some value associated witht the added features, but advertising $60k and launching at $85k - 90k is a really bad look. The puiblic has seen this show before and people are upset almost everytime. The launch headline becomes Scout promises $60k and delivers an $80k vehicle. Promises unkept (50% price increase etc..). Rivian's launch edition is in and acceptable territory ($10k) given the perks that come with. A $25K - $30k gap is "false promises" territory; at least in terms of future headlines. Not to say there couldn't be value for certain configs, but I haven't seen the features that justify that price range shown yet. I too signed up for a roughly $60k - $70k vehicle and am happy to wait in hope they can deliver a compelling option in that price range. Hoping Scout doesn't go all Cybertruck on us with its launch pricing.

I may be off a little on my Rivian numbers as it's been a while since I've paid attention to the exact prices, but I believe I remember a $45k vehicle having a launch edition around $60k. That's a 33% premium. If Scout follows the same percentage, the $60k vehicle launches at $80k.

I have a feeling that a lot of reservation holders are expecting the Scouts they see online to be sold at $60k. That simply isn't going to happen. From the custom paint processes to obtain the colors shown, the interior materials shown, the integrated winch bumper and side rails, to the 35 (or 37) inch tires, those things will all cost extra. A lot of people will be sorely disappointed.

The interesting thing to watch is going to be what percentage of BEV reservation holders convert vs EREV holders. I'd be willing to bet that BEV conversions are higher simply because EV drivers are used to vehicles being more expensive. I hope that doesn't translate to Scout being way off in their projections of what will need. to be built.

Now I say all that I really hope I'm wrong. I've accepted that the Traveler I want will likely be $80-85k. I expect that to be the number. I don't know yet whether I will buy at that price. I have a really hard time thinking that I will as it's double the price of the Grand Cherokee that it's replacing and low 40s seemed crazy when my wife and I bought that. But there is simply nothing that I like as much as the Scout. I may be willing to do it if I feel like I'm getting good value for the price when comparing to the direct competition. Time will tell.

 

[maynard]

I may be off a little on my Rivian numbers as it's been a while since I've paid attention to the exact prices, but I believe I remember a $45k vehicle having a launch edition around $60k. That's a 33% premium. If Scout follows the same percentage, the $60k vehicle launches at $80k.

I have a feeling that a lot of reservation holders are expecting the Scouts they see online to be sold at $60k. That simply isn't going to happen. From the custom paint processes to obtain the colors shown, the interior materials shown, the integrated winch bumper and side rails, to the 35 (or 37) inch tires, those things will all cost extra. A lot of people will be sorely disappointed.

The interesting thing to watch is going to be what percentage of BEV reservation holders convert vs EREV holders. I'd be willing to bet that BEV conversions are higher simply because EV drivers are used to vehicles being more expensive. I hope that doesn't translate to Scout being way off in their projections of what will need. to be built.

Now I say all that I really hope I'm wrong. I've accepted that the Traveler I want will likely be $80-85k. I expect that to be the number. I don't know yet whether I will buy at that price. I have a really hard time thinking that I will as it's double the price of the Grand Cherokee that it's replacing and low 40s seemed crazy when my wife and I bought that. But there is simply nothing that I like as much as the Scout. I may be willing to do it if I feel like I'm getting good value for the price when comparing to the direct competition. Time will tell.

Here’s to hoping that you are wrong…
I really want the Scout to come in less than 75…

 

[speedrye]

I get launch edition pricing being elevated and there is certainly some value associated witht the added features, but advertising $60k and launching at $85k - 90k is a really bad look. The puiblic has seen this show before and people are upset almost everytime. The launch headline becomes Scout promises $60k and delivers an $80k vehicle. Promises unkept (50% price increase etc..). Rivian's launch edition is in and acceptable territory ($10k) given the perks that come with. A $25K - $30k gap is "false promises" territory; at least in terms of future headlines. Not to say there couldn't be value for certain configs, but I haven't seen the features that justify that price range shown yet. I too signed up for a roughly $60k - $70k vehicle and am happy to wait in hope they can deliver a compelling option in that price range. Hoping Scout doesn't go all Cybertruck on us with its launch pricing.

Lots of recent vehicles come to mind. Ford Maverick & Bronco, Toyota LandCruiser, most all Teslas, Rivian, Lucid, etc. You're definitely right though, launching the expensive vehicles first pisses people off and in my eyes is no different than dealers slapping on "market adjustments".

15-20 years ago, when I bought the first vehicles of a new model/brand, I preordered what I want and got what I want (trim level, options, packages, etc), nothing more, nothing less, no markups. I don't know why this is so complicated. People say the DTC sales model is great, but this whole launch model/pricing reeks of scummy dealership tactics that you see with the aforementioned Fords and Toyota.

As far as pricing and Scout finishes, they've gotta be competitive to stay alive. If I can get a new 4WD 4Runner or Tundra for $43k, I expect a lot of value and features out of a $60k Traveler/Terra.

 

[cyure]

Here’s to hoping that you are wrong…
I really want the Scout to come in less than 75…

I’m hoping there’s a kid trim that’s $65 to $70 so I can be around $75. Regardless, my Traveler will be the most expensive car we have ever purchased.

 

[SrfnFly227]

Here’s to hoping that you are wrong…
I really want the Scout to come in less than 75…

There will be a Scout at that number. They may even manage to get all the way to $60k. I certainly hope they do. It just won't look like the vehicles currently displayed. Those are fully trimmed out top level vehicles.

 

[cyure]

There will be a Scout at that number. They may even manage to get all the way to $60k. I certainly hope they do. It just won't look like the vehicles currently displayed. Those are fully trimmed out top level vehicles.

I agree, but I really think it will be nicely appointed at $60. We are talking $60. Think of a $60 BMW or Audi. You get a lot. I still say the word base makes everyone think stripped down with cloth seats and minimal features. I keep trying to think of a different word for that base model that doesn’t have that same connotation. Level 1, I don’t know. Any ideas?

 

[SrfnFly227]

I agree, but I really think it will be nicely appointed at $60. We are talking $60. Think of a $60 BMW or Audi. You get a lot. I still say the word base makes everyone think stripped down with cloth seats and minimal features. I keep trying to think of a different word for that base model that doesn’t have that same connotation. Level 1, I don’t know. Any ideas?

Since you bring up BMW, the specs on the upcoming X5 are finally available. While the gas version starts at $71k, the EV will be $81k. Now the EV may be offered standard with some extras compared to ICE, but it will still be a starting price of $20k more than Scout is aiming for.

The 2027 BMW X5 Enters a Neue Era That Introduces a Never-Before-Available Powertrain with the iX5

The fifth-generation X5 adopts BMW's newest design language and is available as the iX5 EV for the first time.

www.caranddriver.com

Audi starts the Q6 e-tron at $64,500. That's a smaller vehicle than the Traveler.

 

[R1TVT]

Keep in mind that Scout needs to get the fly wheel spinning, and that they have thrown a pricing stake in the sand. Initial pricing is not set in stone, and will increase over time. That means that there could be good value for the first reservation holders when it comes to trim levels and what is included as Scout ramps.

For example, Rivian's Launch Edition pricing in 2022 was very different than current pricing for a 2026 truck with the same features. OEM's will increase their price points following launch, so it will be interesting to see what is included in the first trim packages and at what price point, and if there is special "launch-type pricing" as they go out.

 

[maynard]

I agree, but I really think it will be nicely appointed at $60. We are talking $60. Think of a $60 BMW or Audi. You get a lot. I still say the word base makes everyone think stripped down with cloth seats and minimal features. I keep trying to think of a different word for that base model that doesn’t have that same connotation. Level 1, I don’t know. Any ideas?

How about the entry level being "Trail Head" and the top of the line being "Summit"?