2021 Riviera 645 SUV revealed

Stretching 21.2 metres from the bow with its integrated anchor to the hydraulic swim platform, the new model introduces the largest fishing and watersports-friendly cockpit of the now six-model strong range.

The Riviera 645 SUV was designed in collaboration with Gold Coast marine architects 4D Designs headed by Steve Ford, a former Riviera concept design chief and Belize chief designer.

“The [Riviera] 645 [SUV] has the largest watersports and fishing cockpit of all the models in our SUV collection,” Riviera said in a statement announcing the new model.

“When the alfresco deck opens up to our most spacious SUV saloon and galley, the single-level living plan is spectacular,”

Accommodations, too, are a step above everything else in the SUV range, with the Riviera 645 SUV featuring a full-beam master stateroom featuring handcrafted timber highlights and the choice of either a three- or four-stateroom layout – with an optional lounge and crew cabin that can swap out for more guest accommodation.

For the first time, new owners can choose between two interior layouts – a traditional-look “Classic Edition” with softer edges and more timber highlights or a more avantgarde “Newport Edition” with lighter, more angular features at eye level, and darker timber highlights above it.

A big feature of the Riviera 645 SUV’s stunning design is the helm station.

Driving will be a big part of this adventure cruiser, so the 645 features a three-seat helm station to port with the pilot’s seat sitting amidships, and access to the other two seats via a central companionway.

The extra access is needed because in what is a new look for the SUV series, a centre console now divides the pilot and co-pilot seats.

The helm station features three large colour touchscreens arranged across a deep, wide dash running the full width of the station.

The saloon space is huge, and features a pantograph door on the port side providing quick and easy access to the foredeck.

Aft is a gourmet galley featuring an island bench, premium appliances integrated into handcrafted cabinetry, solid surface benchtops and extensive storage.

The saloon’s living space includes a leather lounge with ottoman with built-in storage, and a foldaway dining table. The space includes a surround sound entertainment system and 50 -inch LED TV.

A glass bulkhead and a large awning window divide the indoor space from an alfresco dining space leading into the largest cockpit to yet feature on an SUV model.

The Riviera 645 SUV’s alfresco lounge features a wet bar to port with a top-loading refrigerator/freezer and cool box.

Opposite it to starboard is a barbecue area featuring a recessed sink and storage space with moulded lids and integrated handrails.

Aft of this is the cockpit backing onto the Riviera 645 SUV’s transom. More storage space is built in under these seats, and a removable cover is available.

Owners who value their fishing can opt to have the full transom lounge replaced with a centrally mounted plumbed live bait tank, including a viewing window, lighting and pump facilities, and a club lounge.

The standard hydraulic swim deck, accessed via two transom doors, includes the option of a removable fence.

Forward, the foredeck is accessed via wide side decks with raised deck caomings, and framed in stainless steel handrails. They’re also lit using soft blue LED courtesy lights.

The foredeck can come with either a central sunbed and aft lounge, fixed teak table, audio system and complemented by teak flooring, or a U-shaped lounge with removable table that greatly increases the amount of open space.

The foredeck also has optional sunshades and storage lockers available.

The accommodations are dominated by the amidships master retreat detailed in handcrafted timber cabinetry and with a large walkaround queen berth with in-built storage. To port is an elegant chaise.

Riviera said the Riviera 645 SUV’s stateroom could also include an entertainment system and safe for valuables.

Forward is a VIP guest stateroom with walkaround queen bed, a private ensuite and its own entertainment system.

There is also a guest stateroom to port with a two-way door to a third bathroom, and a fourth starboard stateroom with Pullman-style bunks.

The three-stateroom version converts the Pullman bunk space into a downstairs lounge space.

A space behind the master suite can be commissioned as either extra accommodation or a utility room with washer and dryer and storage space including a large benchtop.

As a crew cabin it features an adult-size bed with its own day head, and separate external access.

Riviera said the Riviera 645 SUV delivers “a smooth, soft, dry ride in Australia’s often challenging offshore conditions”, with the hull “incorporating new lightweight, immensely strong construction materials to minimise overall weight and deliver exhilarating performance”.

Adding to that performance are the standard twin MAN V8 engines, with the option of twin MAN V12s available for an even higher level of cruising ability.

The Riviera 645 SUV will include joystick control to help with low-speed maneuvering, as well as a CZone system for balancing the motor yacht’s changing electrical needs at the simple press of a button.

Riviera said the “gleaming white” engine room includes acoustic and thermal insulation, LED lighting, a mist-eliminating fan system, double-hose clamped ball valves for all through-hull fittings, and “independent compartments throughout that are foam filled for added strength and noise dampening”.

Servicing is via a large entry hatch in the alfresco floor.

The Riviera 645 SUV also features lithium-ion house, auxiliary and starting batteries that are much lighter than conventional ones, and with a faster recharging time.

The Riviera 645 SUV will have its first official outing in April, ahead of May’s scheduling of the 2021 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.