… looks very interesting. I would like to see @Mustangman’s comments on their suspension technology.
https://www.autoblog.com/news/rivian-r2-advanced-suspension
It looks like VW is very much impressed with Rivian’s technology:
https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a65012254/rivian-exec-claims-the-r2s-tech-will-underpin-all-future-vw-electric-vehicles/
Looks quite interesting. I too would like to hear @Mustangman 's take.
Fist a little suspension 101… To locate any individual wheel, front or rear, takes a total of 5 links. Each link would have a ball joint at its end or a rubber bushing. A double A-arm suspension is calculated as 2 links for each A-arm and one link for the steering arm for 5 links. The 1963 Corvette had a 5-link rear suspension so it is an old concept.
What IS modern, is the use of computers to position 5 links ANYwhere they might provide the best possible ride and handling. No parallel links, all splayed out. Hard to do without powerful computers. Mercedes did a similar rear suspension on the 90s E-class, I think. Let’s add a subframe to attach each of those 10 links to (5 each side). We can now build it pre-aligned on an assembly fixture and bolt it to the SUV… though rubber bushings! More isolation, smoother, quieter ride. Not revolutionary, just a good job of design.
Take a look at better pictures here
With the geometry designed FOR an SUV, I can see why VW would use that across their range as the design demands are pretty similar.
I do not see a spring nor is that shock shown an air-spring strut so I’d guess there will be an air spring mounted behind what you see in the pictures. Especially since, as the forum poster points out, there appears to be a ride-height sensor required for air-springs.
Independent rear suspensions have become a must-have in the expensive SUV world and are pretty common now.
That forged knuckle looks expensive. Has some features that make it look like a casting to me.
That being said, they need to fire the “blue” inspector 
Yes that knuckle looks expensive but the stamped steel control arms are not. Tradeoffs 
Missed retorquing the fastener in the lower right?
Why is that, I thought a 80% score was passing??.. 
