Riviera 645 SUV Review (2024 Edition) by NautiStyles

On Deck

The Riviera 645 SUV is the flagship of the SUV range, scaling up the layout of the 585 to deliver even more open-air living. Boarding is typically via the wide hydraulic swim platform, which supports a tender and doubles as a serious watersports zone. It’s fitted with removable staples, tender chocks, and generous built-in storage compartments for fuel shut-offs, hoses, and tackle. There's a bait tank and optional fold-down bench, plus fender cleats integrated into the coaming. Pop-up cleats are provided for fender lines but not for mooring.

Dual transom doors give access to the vast cockpit, home to joystick docking stations, an electric barbecue, bait prep station, chartplotter, and deep fridge/freezer units. LED-lit lids and purpose-built storage for fishing gear and tackle boxes hint at serious angling credentials. Beneath-deck fish lockers and wet stowage compartments with drains flank the cockpit sole.

The upper cockpit features Riviera’s clear roll-down enclosure system and is fully air-conditioned. It offers a convertible sunpad, oversized dining table with integrated cup and bottle holders, and access to the interior through a sliding door. There’s also an ice maker, bin stowage, cool box control panels, breaker switches, and stereo access.

Side decks with non-slip surfaces lead to the foredeck, which includes robust guard rails and generous exterior storage. Fuel fills are placed conveniently with digital gauges beside them, helping to avoid spills from high-flow diesel nozzles. At the bow, there’s a vast U-shaped seating area with a pair of adjustable-height scissor tables and optional sunshades. The anchor is housed in a recessed tray with salt and freshwater washdown, and dedicated fender and dock line lockers on both sides provide deep, protected stowage without needing to deflate anything.

Inside, the saloon is designed around sociable, single-level living. A glossy wood galley aft includes a central island, double sink, trash compactor, fridge/freezer drawers, dishwasher, microwave, and a three-burner induction cooktop. A bar zone forward adds bottle storage, extra refrigeration, and elegant glassware cabinets.

A standout feature is the adjustable dining setup. A concealed table folds down into the cabinetry, with ottomans stowed nearby for relaxed TV viewing. The retractable popper window enhances connection with the cockpit, and the entire saloon benefits from full-height windows, letting light flood in.

Storage is tucked into every corner, including upper lockers, bar cabinetry, and galley drawers. Interior styling is available in Classic or Newport Editions, and the attention to detail, from the timberwork to the layout logic, is consistent throughout.

Owner's Cabin

The full-beam master suite sits midships and is huge. A king-size bed faces a built-in TV with sound bar, and the port side hosts a dedicated settee ideal for lounging or remote work. Enormous hull windows with opening portholes and safety sensors bring in natural light and fresh air.

For storage there are nine drawers, overhead lockers, and double hanging wardrobes with an integrated safe. The design feels calm, timeless, and liveable - ready to age gracefully over years of use.

The ensuite features a large vanity with medicine cabinets, drawers, and under-sink storage. A two-person shower includes both handheld and overhead rain fixtures, with a built-in bench and safety rails.  

Guest Accommodation

The 645 SUV is available in three or four-cabin layouts. In the four-cabin version shown, the forward VIP has a queen bed, hanging lockers on both sides, a Fusion stereo, TV, and drawers under the berth. It has a private ensuite with generous floor space and a large shower.

The portside twin cabin includes slideable single beds that convert into a double, with a shared ensuite that also functions as the day head. It features an openable porthole and sizable shower. The fourth cabin is a cozy bunk room - perfect for kids or an extra adult - with deep berths, step access, and additional storage.

Crew Accommodation

Aft of the master ensuite lies a versatile utility space. Fitted with a washer, dryer, storage, and even a wet head with toilet, rain shower, and openable window, this area can be used as a laundry room, crew cabin, or overflow guest space. Some owners repurpose it as a grandkids’ den or a space for a weekend captain. The entire zone sits forward of the engine room and features access to the yacht’s breaker panels, CZone management system, and shore/ship power systems.

Accessed via a full door from the aft utility space, the stand-up engine room is impressive for a yacht in this class. The Riviera 645 SUV can be equipped with either twin MAN V8 engines (1,300hp each) or upgraded to the more powerful MAN V12 engines (1,550hp each). With the V12s, she reaches a top speed of 35 knots and cruises comfortably at 23 knots. At 6.7 knots, she achieves a maximum range of 2,200 nautical miles.

The setup features a V-drive configuration with high-spec Seatorque shafts - rare on production yachts - which improve vibration damping. Two generators are installed, one optimized for night operation. Hydraulic bow and stern thrusters are powered via engine-driven pumps and connected to joystick controls. A Seakeeper gyro provides stabilization, and a Blue Water watermaker supports long stays at sea.

Additional highlights include dual chillers, fuel tanks outboard, sea strainers, watermaker membranes, dual cable reels, and a clear viewing window in the engine room door for safety checks before entry.

The Riviera 645 SUV scales up all the features that made the 585 a standout, delivering a yacht that’s rugged, luxurious, and thoroughly thought through. From its very practical cockpit setup to the big galley and master cabin, the layout encourages active ownership, long-range cruising, and entertaining in comfort. A genuine all-rounder, the 645 balances go-anywhere ability with refined interior living - all in a shaft-drive package that runs fast, smooth, and quiet. For those debating between the 585 and 645, this larger sister makes a strong case on every front.