Riviera has unveiled the 645 SUV Series II as a substantially revised version of one of its largest sub-24-metre adventure yachts. The original 645 SUV arrived in 2021, and the new generation keeps the model's combination of blue-water capability and single-level living while introducing a redesigned interior, updated technology and a wider range of owner choices.
Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst describes the Series II as the result of an extensive refinement programme rather than a simple cosmetic update. The Australian builder has used the opportunity to revisit accommodation, materials, entertainment spaces and onboard systems while retaining the SUV concept that combines elements from its Sports Motor Yacht and Sport Yacht families.
Two Riviera design philosophies meet in one yacht
The SUV range is intended to combine the large cockpit and offshore orientation of Riviera's Sports Motor Yachts with the single-level social layout associated with the Sport Yacht line. On the 645, that produces a yacht with a substantial watersports and fishing area aft while keeping the main saloon and galley connected to an all-weather alfresco deck.
That crossover is useful for owners who do not want to choose between a serious cruising platform and a yacht designed principally for entertaining. The cockpit can support active use during the day, while the protected living areas provide a separate environment for dining and relaxation when weather or temperature changes.
Series II focuses heavily on the interior
Riviera says the interior has been comprehensively redesigned to feel both contemporary and durable over time. Handcrafted cabinetry, premium appliances and revised lounge and dining areas are combined with large openings between the saloon and alfresco deck so the main level can operate as one social space.
The galley sits at the centre of that arrangement, positioned to serve both indoor and outdoor dining. This placement reflects a broader shift in owner-operated yachts, where the galley is increasingly treated as part of the social experience rather than hidden away as a service-only zone.
Accommodation can be tailored around owner priorities
Below deck, buyers can choose three- or four-stateroom arrangements with three bathrooms and a full-beam owner's suite. Alternative spaces can include a lower lounge, utility area, laundry or crew accommodation, allowing the same hull to support different patterns of family cruising and service.
The ability to trade a cabin for a lounge or working space is particularly relevant on yachts used for longer periods. Maximum berth count can look attractive on a specification sheet, but many private owners prefer fewer guests and more storage, laundry capacity or a quiet secondary saloon once they begin spending weeks rather than days aboard.
Technology supports operation and time at anchor
The 645 SUV Series II can be powered by twin MAN V8 diesels rated at 1,300 horsepower or MAN V12 engines producing 1,550 horsepower each. Riviera also offers a range of onboard technologies aimed at manoeuvring, monitoring and comfort, while the hydraulic swim platform supports tender handling and creates a broad water-access area at anchor.
These systems matter because a yacht of this scale is expected to transition easily between offshore running, marina manoeuvring and long stationary periods. Owners increasingly judge technology not by the number of screens installed but by whether it reduces workload, improves awareness and allows the boat to function quietly and reliably away from shore.
A mature model evolves instead of starting again
Riviera says it has built more than 6,300 motor yachts over more than 46 years, giving the company a large owner base from which to gather practical feedback. The Series II approach allows it to apply that experience to a proven model rather than replacing the 645 SUV with an unrelated design after only one generation.
For buyers, continuity can be valuable. The underlying concept and offshore reputation remain recognisable, while the areas that date most quickly—interior finishes, technology and layout details—receive the largest attention. The 645 SUV Series II therefore represents the type of measured evolution that can keep a production yacht competitive while preserving the identity that attracted owners to the original in the first place.
The model's position below 24 metres is also commercially significant. It gives owners a yacht with substantial accommodation and offshore capability while remaining within a size bracket that can be easier to berth, manage and operate than larger custom or semi-custom yachts. That helps explain why builders continue to invest heavily in maximising volume and functionality around the 60- to 70-foot range rather than assuming buyers will automatically move into larger vessels.