Riviera 645 SUV

Released at the 2021 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in Australia, the 645 SUV is the largest, most sophisticated vessel in Riviera’s SUV line, which now includes six models. Riviera describes the SUV as a crossover between a flybridge cruiser and a sport yacht. These vessels provide all the attributes and amenities of a single-level yacht, enhanced by spacious indoor-outdoor spaces that enable an alfresco lifestyle.

Rayzaway was the first 645 SUV to hit the water, and it went to a long-time Riviera owner and SUV enthusiast. Having already owned six Rivieras, Ray and Jenny Haddrell from Melbourne, Australia, knew that they needed the 645 SUV as their next boat.

The Riviera 645 SUV is offered in two editions, the Classic and the Newport, and the Haddrells went with the elegant interior furnishings, versatile foredeck entertaining space and four staterooms found in the Classic. The Newport layout includes a tungsten-silver hardtop, a spacious foredeck sun pad and a three-cabin layout with lower-deck lounge area.

The 645 SUV has a very different layout than its next smallest sibling, the 575. The aft deck is the entertainment and living epicenter of the 645 SUV. The semi-enclosed space offers a lounge to port that converts to a double daybed, an L-shaped couch to starboard and a drop-leaf teak table.

A rise-and-fall hydraulic swim platform doubles as tender storage, and the layout includes an optional three-seater transom lounge or a livewell. The cockpit also comes with a fridge/freezer and stainless grill. When the deck is opened to the salon and galley, it creates a wide-open living space that lets you appreciate the view and breathe in the sea air.

Surrounded by high-profile windows, the salon is a warm and inviting space. The galley sits along the port side with a large island bench. A walnut dining table is concealed behind the lounge and can be deployed simply by moving four cushions and lifting the table up and out. The helm on center offers the option of two or three forward-facing leather helm seats and features three 24-inch MFDs and comprehensive system controls.

The forward starboard corner of the salon can be used as a lounge area, a workstation or a wet bar. A side door leads to walk-around side decks and the foredeck with additional seating for up to 12 people.

The 645 SUV offers the choice of three or four staterooms with three heads plus an optional lower lounge and crew cabin or utility room. The full-beam master is immersed in light and fresh air from large hull windows with integrated portholes. There is a central island berth with a lounge to port, and a storage unit and hanging locker to starboard. The aft en suite features a large shower, head and vanity. It also doubles as the entrance to a utility room which is personalized to suit the owner’s needs and includes a water-tight door to the engine room.

Forward is the VIP guest cabin, which includes a queen-size island berth with easy side access and an en suite. The second guest stateroom to port has two single berths that slide together to form a double, and it provides access to the day head. Directly opposite is a fourth stateroom with twin crossover berths. In the Newport edition, this is configured as an atrium lounge.

Power options include twin MAN V8 1300s or MAN V12 1550s. The 1,300-hp engines in Rayzaway delivered a cruise speed of 28 knots, and when I punched the throttles all the way, I registered 32 knots on the GPS. The optional 1550s provide a cruise speed of about 30 knots and a wide-open speed of 34 knots. If you like to cruise at 18 to 20 knots, the smaller engine option is an ideal choice with a range of more than 500 nm.

At 30 knots, I threw the 88,000-pound vessel into the most brutal turn I could. Two things happened. First, the boat stayed almost perfectly level with minimal heel and second, we only scrubbed off about 1 knot in speed.

With the Twin Disc Express Joystick System (EJS) seamlessly marrying with the hydraulic thrusters and Twin Disc gearboxes, control at the helm is effortless. Maneuvering the 645 SUV at low speed when coming into the fuel dock was a breeze.

While there is a meaty and solid feeling to the boat, it delivers a soft, smooth ride. The acceleration is exceptional, going from zero to 30 knots in 39 seconds. It is a true thoroughbred on the water. The 645 takes the SUV collection to a new level with more space, while still delivering on performance.

Riviera 645 SUV Specifications:

LOA: 69’8”
Beam: 19’1”
Draft: 5’4”
Displ.: 88,119 lbs.
Fuel: 1,717 gal.
Water: 198 gal.
Power: 2/1,300-hp MAN V8; 2/1,550-hp MAN V12
Price: $2.8 million (as tested)