New flagship
Leading Australian luxury motor yacht builder Riviera has revealed an imposing new flagship for their SUV range, the 645 SUV.
01 February 2021
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Versatile, rugged and sophisticated, the SUV (or sports utility vessel) has proved a major hit since its introduction back in 2012.
The company’s pioneering design has combined the best elements of the flybridge and sports yacht models with the undeniable attraction of single-level living and entertaining.
The 445 SUV was the first of the new breed, which has since expanded to a six-model collection ranging from 39–64 feet.
Now the covers have come off the 645 SUV, which will replace the 575 as the flagship of Riviera’s SUV line.
The obvious advantages of the 645’s enhanced dimensions in every space support an owner’s desire for extended cruising in luxury and a large variety of shorter getaways.
A teaser video released at the weekend revealed a number of highly desirable features, including a huge bow lounging area with adjustable sun-pad, beautifully crafted table lounge and expansive U-shaped lounge.
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Add to that a choice of sumptuous interior design styles and the potential for customised accommodations, and there is certain to be substantial interest at the 645’s glitz world premiere in April 2021.
As well as Riviera’s bluewater pedigree, the yacht’s luxurious appointments reflect its premium character, enhancing the superb indoor/outdoor lifestyle features that make the SUV models so practical and popular.
The Riviera design team collaborated with 4D Designs to create a design that offers the choice of three or four staterooms, three bathrooms and a utility room, crew or additional accommodation aft. In addition, there is a superb alfresco deck, dining and gourmet galley with island bench, a side saloon door leading to generous walk-around side decks, and a foredeck that is a separate, lavish entertainment hub.
Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst says the decision to introduce the 645 SUV came after requests from current Riviera owners and the global dealer network, resulting in a number of off-the-plan orders being received.
“Our SUV collection has been extremely popular, with people embracing the unique concept of a versatile large open cockpit space combined with a grand alfresco deck and single-level entertaining and living,” Longhurst says.
“The tremendous versatility of the SUV design lends itself perfectly to a larger yacht, and the 645 will certainly take our SUV to a new level with even more space, performance, cruising range, accommodation and luxury.
“We’ve incorporated many innovative design features and already our latest SUV expression has been very well received.”
Hull #1 of the 645 SUV will be built for repeat Riviera clients Ray and Jenny Haddrell, proud 575 SUV owners from Melbourne, Australia.
Plans for their new 645 yacht, once launched in April this year, include exploring the Kimberley Region in Western Australia, via northern Australia. The 645’s fuel capacity (6,500 litres) and exceptional efficiency at displacement speeds will ensure ample range.
A choice of Twin MAN V8 1300 or MAN V12 1550 diesels has been selected by the Riviera engineers for the 645 SUV power options that offer exceptional power-to-weight performance. With the 1550s, cruise speed will be around 30 knots and wide-open throttle around 34 knots.
Ray has opted for the MAN V8 1300 package and has specified the EJS joystick system that seamlessly marries the hydraulic bow and stern thrusters with Twin Disc gearboxes.
The layout for the 645 SUV’s cockpit includes an optional three-seater transom lounge or live bait well and optional euro awning extending from the sleek hardtop aft.
The foredeck transforms into a highly enticing entertaining/dining space, complete with seating for 8–10 people, an insulated ice bin, stereo and locations for fenders and ropes.
Just up from the cockpit is the 645 SUV’s entertainment and living epicentre – a semi-enclosed alfresco deck, offering a plush lounge to port that converts to a double daybed.
Alfresco living and dining are enjoyed in the L-shaped settee to starboard, which includes a generous drop-leaf teak table.
The 645 SUV’s interior can be personalised with an array of interior packages and two design styles, the more traditional Classic Edition or the avant-garde Newport Edition.
The SUV’s gourmet galley is longitudinal and positioned to port, complemented by a generous island bench.
The helm station places the helm on the centreline and offers the option of two or three forward-facing luxurious leather helm seats.
Hull number 1 of the 645 SUV features a full-beam master stateroom with large hull windows with integrated portholes. Headroom is a generous 1.95 metres. It features a central queen-size bed, chaise longue, large robe and an ensuite akin to a luxury apartment bathroom.
A remarkably versatile space aft of the master stateroom can be personalised to suit an owner’s specific needs from a walk-in laundry to a utility room, crew cabin or even additional accommodation.
The second guest stateroom to port has two single berths that slide together to form a double berth and has ensuite access to the day head. Directly opposite is a fourth stateroom with twin crossover berths. Alternatively, this area can be optioned as an atrium lounge.
Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst agrees, saying the new 645 SUV – among its many attributes – will be a grand tourer in every sense.
“She offers a soft-riding, dry and seaworthy hull, breathtaking performance and handling from the MAN diesels, and a free-flowing, easy-living saloon and wonderful alfresco deck.
“With the legendary structural strength and refined luxury that Riviera is acclaimed for, we can’t wait to share the new 645 SUV with the world in April.”
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