LA LIVE: Rivian R1S electric SUV hits 60 mph in three seconds

The Model X rival is expected to land in 2020 with a $72,500 starting price.

Rivian has unveiled the R1S, an all-electric SUV that the company aims to sell alongside its R1T pickup.

Both vehicles are underpinned by a thin sled platform that contains the battery beneath the floor, following the same layout employed by Tesla and other upcoming EVs.

The R1S features four motors for a total output of 750 horsepower and more than 10,000 pound-feet of "total grounded torque," enabling the SUV to launch from zero to 60 mph in just three seconds. Range is claimed to reach up to 400 miles with the largest battery pack, while maximum towing capacity is listed at more than 7,500 pounds.

With a starting price of $72,500, the R1S is expected to begin production in 2020 and already available for pre-order with a $1,000 deposit.

The big question surrounding Rivian is whether the startup can follow in Tesla's footsteps and successfully manufacture cars in production volumes or perhaps burn a few hundred million investor dollars and implode like Faraday Future.

Live photos by Brian Williams.