Riviera has announced a very versatile addition to its popular crossover collection of sporty and adventurous luxury motor yachts, one that further enhances the marque’s international appeal.
The new Riviera 575 SUV will be available with either pod or shaft drives to suit specific geographic and owner requirements – one of the first yachts in the world to offer such flexibility.
However, the unique and innovative features of this stunning new example of Riviera’s continual pursuit of excellence extend even further, with a clever alfresco cockpit and mezzanine design creating an entirely new indoor/outdoor living experience that is ideal for longer-range, live-aboard blue-water cruising.
Riviera chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst says the adventurous SUV collection is the perfect pairing of two legendary designs, each with its own formidable pedigree.
“The crossover SUV series combines the high-performance, blue-water cruising and luxury liveability attributes of the classic Riviera Flybridge collection, and the single-level, leisurely entertaining features of our luxurious Sport Yacht design,” he says.
“The entire SUV range has proven immensely popular since we launched the collection with the world premiere of our 5000th yacht – a 445 SUV – a little more than 18 months ago.
“We have now sold almost 87 yachts with Riviera’s SUV badge and we are extremely proud of the way this collection is being embraced by boating aficionados worldwide.”
A distinctively fresh approach
The three-stateroom/two bathroom Riviera 575 SUV – with full-beam master stateroom – is the embodiment of innovation, from her fresh-thinking design to her state-of-the-art navigation systems, and right through to her final fit-out and luxuriously polished finish.
“Everything about this stylish and sophisticated new SUV model is in consummate proportion … and it is when you step aboard that the full magnitude of the living and accommodation space reveals itself,” says Mr Longhurst.
“Riviera’s dedicated design team has also integrated the full suite of easy-to-use and dependable marine systems into the new 575 SUV, including the full features of the very latest intuitive marine navigation systems and digital switching systems.”
Luxury lifestyle
With her contemporary design and impeccable blue-water heritage, the robust Riviera 575 SUV exhibits powerful and noble lines with muscular sheer forward and deep topside dimensions, giving her a freeboard akin to a much larger yacht altogether.
Her hull lines run straight aft from the maximum mid-ship beam of 5.13m (16′ 10″) which, in turn, provides an extremely buoyant lift and an easy planing surface, while her keel delivers straight tracking and great stability, enhancing her penultimate blue-water performance.
“Owners can also opt for a traditional cockpit design if they desire or enjoy the Riviera 575 SUV’s clever new cockpit design which includes large transom and elevated mezzanine lounges with convertible table, wet bar, barbecue, fridge and ice-maker, as well as great volumes of storage and a covered cockpit docking station for the joystick or thruster control panel,” says Mr Longhurst.
“She further enhances the cockpit connectivity of which Riviera has made an art form, with an aft modern galley with high-end appliances and solid surface bench tops, as well as a beautifully crafted, marine-grade stainless steel rear bulkhead featuring sliding door and awning window – the window opening out and over the mezzanine to position the chef right in the centre of the social scene.”
The spacious and sumptuous saloon also features premium brand entertainment system and furnishings, including a capital L-shaped deluxe dinette and drop-down table that can easily wine and dine six. Opposite, to starboard, is a generous L-shaped settee that provides comfort for up to five additional people. From these seating positions there is a clear view not only of the almost 360-degree water-view vista but also the wide-screen 48” LED TV that rises electronically from the forward dash, creating a floating sports arena or movie theatre experience.
“Natural light and fresh air is introduced through opening tinted saloon side windows which, in tandem with the massive front windscreen and dual electric sunroofs, filter light below through the companionway and to the accommodation deck,” says Mr Longhurst.
“The master stateroom is located amidships in the most stable part of the yacht, and defies convention for a vessel of this size, luxuriating right across the full beam and featuring a king-sized bed and with contemporary headboard detailing.
“The forward guest stateroom mirrors the level of luxury in the master and positions a queen-size walk-around bed in pride of place, and also its own ensuite bathroom which, with twin entry, doubles as the day head.
“The starboard stateroom is also air-conditioned and has adult-sized upper and lower beds, also with innerspring mattresses and a deck hatch for ventilation, as well as reading and overhead lighting.”
Command in comfort
The new Riviera 575 SUV’s state-of-the-art, elevated and ergonomic forward helm is another complete revelation and further evidence that there’s absolutely no compromise in this new yacht.
“Skippers will really appreciate the excellent visibility, and up to four large low-back helm seats with arm and footrests, as well as the fact all essential navigational and systems controls are within easy reach,” says Mr Longhurst, whose passion for excellence underpins Riviera’s evolution on the world stage.
“The Riviera 575 SUV’s all-new dash design has enough room for three 15” multi-function display screens, as well as dedicated switches for the horn and two pantographic wipers with intermittent settings as well as the overhead and navigation lights.
“You will also find convenient drink-holders, a side console and a moulded recess forward for mobile phones, ensuring everything is right where it should be when you need it.”
Your choice of pod or shaft drives
And then there is perhaps the most heroic part of the Riviera 575 SUV – the engineering department that makes it possible for owners to select their personal preference of either pod or conventional shaft drive propulsion to suit specific geographic regions.
“There are three choices for a drive package for new the 575 SUV – a IPS2-950, IPS2-1200 or the conventional D13 shaft drive,” says Mr Longhurst.
The standard power installation is the very popular twin IPS2-950 (533kW / 725hp) pod configuration with D11 engines, which delivers Volvo’s impressive fuel efficiency, low noise levels, long cruising range and high top-end speed.
The IPS pod propulsion system already offers the joys of joystick maneuverability, Dynamic Positioning System for station-holding while preparing lines and fenders or while waiting off a fuel jetty, as well Anti-Corrosion Protection and Auto-Pilot, and optional auto-trimming features.
However, the Glass Cockpit takes the overview and control of engines and navigation, including optional charts, sonar and radar (even auto-pilot) to extraordinary new heights … and all in one place, and in the case of IPS, also extends to full slow-speed joystick steering, as well as the outstanding maneuverability of SportFish mode, and the clean presentation of bait using the bypass exhaust features of Clear Wake.
Of course the option is yours to upgrade to the new-generation IPS2-1200 (662kW / 900hp) system, with powerful D13 engines, or you can choose the innovative new Volvo Penta D13-Series (662kW / 900hp) shaft drive propulsion system.
The D13 shaft drive 575 SUV models – also with glass navigation features at the bridge – have twin controls operating bow and stern thrusters both at the helm and cockpit docking station, as well as Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) levers integrating with cruise control, low-speed mode and single-lever mode. Courtesy of the Quickshift gearboxes, owners of the 575 SUV shaft drive models also have the choice to incorporate Twin Disc’s Express Joystick System (EJS) which smoothly and simultaneously actuates and controls engines, transmissions, propellers and thrusters, enabling a skipper to easily, precisely and confidently manoeuvre the yacht in challenging docking situations.
Fingertip systems control
And with both pod and shaft drive models, the fully integrated CZone system enhances the ease of monitoring and operation of the Riviera 575 SUV’s onboard systems, extending centralised touch-screen control to lighting, pumps, batteries, entertainment systems and appliances.
Riviera has indeed put to purpose every piece of available space onboard the new 575 SUV, with cutting edge computer software allowing Riviera’s team of talented and passionate designers to maximise living and storage space while at the same time ensuring there is convenient access to key maintenance points, ensuring service costs are kept to a minimum.
“Of course, this thoughtful built-to-last consideration for our Riviera family of owners is a key part of our ethos of doing all we can to help our valued owners achieve … ‘the ultimate boating experience’,” says Mr Longhurst.