First 40 miles of R1S ownership compared to BMW IX50 and Tesla Model Y Performance

[beyondgravity]

Disagree on interior quality comparing to Q5 and X3. Way more plastic and rubber materials in those. Except the steering wheel, the vegan leather and materials on Dash and Doors outshines all BMWs that don’t have the Full Merino option. Speaking from 30 years of BMWs. I’d be tempted to say that the steering wheel leather in the Rivian will also hold up better than that soft-touch M wheel leather. Where the cheap BMWs score is fit & finish of interior versus Rivian.

iX has one of BMWs high end interiors so not surprised it would be slightly ahead of the Rivian.

I so agree with you on Q5. For me Rivian is way... better than Q5 I had.

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[mikehmb]

Hey @mikehmb , mind sharing what you did at Hollister SVRA? This whole world of off-roading is new to me and I may be down that way soon. What trails were you on? Reservation needed? Time commitment? Love to hear more if you're willing to share. TIA

For one, I put the underbody shield to the test and it passed. lol

There‘s SO much there to play on. Many of the man-made features are things I don’t feel comfortable bashing my Rivian on, but a built Jeep - totally.

There are also a ton of just fun steep fire roads, lots of artificial washes, less catastrophe-inducing obstacles, etc. It was pretty quiet when we were there so we got to drive all the way around the park without getting in anyone’s way.

Entry fee: $5 - no reservation required.

Time to visit the entire park: as long as you want! We’re usually done after a couple of hours, but I could see spending a day there if we had friends along in their trucks.

 

[Rivian Head]

Posting day 1 impressions of Rivian R1S. Own an IX50 and X5 m50i. Previously owned a 2021 Tesla Model Y performance.

• Smooth delivery but had a paint defect. Never ordered a vehicle before from BMW, Mercedes, Lexus that would have passed QC with this defect. My specific Model Y Performance did not have any paint defects. Guide says mobility service can fix it and so accepted delivery but detailer I took it to is skeptical this can really be fixed (especially in mobile service setting).
• Interior quality is more comparable to base configured lower-end products from the European “luxury” guys. Think X3, Q5, glc. Nice enough if you check your expectations and better than Tesla Y and arguably X/S. But doesn’t have sense of occasion.
• Driving is “fine“ and inline with my expectations given truck roots. I think the IX and X5 m50I handle better on the twisties. Maybe it was the weather but traction on launches were a little squirrelly. Rivian has off-road capabilities while the IX does not but I don’t anticipate going off-road much if at all. Leaving it in sport mode helped a little with body roll (is there any impact to tire wear like eco mode??? pointers would be appreciated).
• Air suspension is ok in default setting. IX air suspension is more refined with less bounce while handling potholes, rough roads with ease.
• Interior cabin is quiet enough but IX is much quieter on highway driving. Motor whine was considerably louder and not in a good way on R1S. IX is nearly silent except at very slow speeds. I think Tesla Model Y had less motor whine. Hopefully Enduro motors are quieter.
• Infotainment seems well laid out and snappier than IX. More comparable to Tesla. Assume it won’t be as customizable in terms of look (like the Tesla GUI) while IX does have some stylish graphics.
• Just preference but wish R1S steering wheel was beefier.
• Wish there was a way to adjust side bolsters on seating but otherwise comfortable.
• Had low expectations on sound. Exceeded my expectations. Not the best but nowhere near the worst I’ve heard At this price point.
• I can understand now why there are aftermarket running board options.
• Love the amount of the storage capacity and 3rd row legroom.

Only 40 miles in and it’s now at the PPF installer. At the pre-March 2022 price of ~$80k, it has met my expectations other than the paint defect (wonder if that “binding contract” I signed will still make me eligible for the $7500 pre IRA tax credit). I don’t think I would be happy at the current $96k pricing and would instead go with the Enduro option. It’s an impressive first showing from Rivian but I still think today I prefer the IX more. May just let the wife have the Rivian.

As I have owned R1S, R1T, model X, and test drove IX and EQS suv, I would agree with you. It’s ride quality (NVH) is a bit below its other EVs in its price range. I purchased both R1T and R1S with pre March price hike, so I am happy with both. But with price increase, there are other compelling choices. I just purchased a new model X at under 80K, and I think it is the best bang for the buck in high end EV segment for most consumers who simple drives around and shuttling kids. Compared to R1S, new model X gives more car-like refined ride. You know you are riding a truck chasis when you ride R1 platform albeit very refined.
KIA 9 comes available at 70K, and new Volvo EX90 starts under 80K. But None can match versatility of R1S. But if all you want is Luxurious transportation, occasionally up to seven people in safety, then there already exist better choices. Then there are Lucid Gravity, Genesis GV90 and Hyundai Ioniq 7 slated for 2024-2025, there will be more competition which I think is great for Consumers.

 

[jermwarfare]

Tired of hearing the Rivian interior doesn’t have a “sense of occasion”. The vehicle and its capabilities is an occasion compared to all those others. And am I the only one who thinks it is too nice inside and wish it was more focused on durability?

 

[LeftMySoulinNM]

Posting day 1 impressions of Rivian R1S. Own an IX50 and X5 m50i. Previously owned a 2021 Tesla Model Y performance.

• Smooth delivery but had a paint defect. Never ordered a vehicle before from BMW, Mercedes, Lexus that would have passed QC with this defect. My specific Model Y Performance did not have any paint defects. Guide says mobility service can fix it and so accepted delivery but detailer I took it to is skeptical this can really be fixed (especially in mobile service setting).
• Interior quality is more comparable to base configured lower-end products from the European “luxury” guys. Think X3, Q5, glc. Nice enough if you check your expectations and better than Tesla Y and arguably X/S. But doesn’t have sense of occasion.
• Driving is “fine“ and inline with my expectations given truck roots. I think the IX and X5 m50I handle better on the twisties. Maybe it was the weather but traction on launches were a little squirrelly. Rivian has off-road capabilities while the IX does not but I don’t anticipate going off-road much if at all. Leaving it in sport mode helped a little with body roll (is there any impact to tire wear like eco mode??? pointers would be appreciated).
• Air suspension is ok in default setting. IX air suspension is more refined with less bounce while handling potholes, rough roads with ease.
• Interior cabin is quiet enough but IX is much quieter on highway driving. Motor whine was considerably louder and not in a good way on R1S. IX is nearly silent except at very slow speeds. I think Tesla Model Y had less motor whine. Hopefully Enduro motors are quieter.
• Infotainment seems well laid out and snappier than IX. More comparable to Tesla. Assume it won’t be as customizable in terms of look (like the Tesla GUI) while IX does have some stylish graphics.
• Just preference but wish R1S steering wheel was beefier.
• Wish there was a way to adjust side bolsters on seating but otherwise comfortable.
• Had low expectations on sound. Exceeded my expectations. Not the best but nowhere near the worst I’ve heard At this price point.
• I can understand now why there are aftermarket running board options.
• Love the amount of the storage capacity and 3rd row legroom.

Only 40 miles in and it’s now at the PPF installer. At the pre-March 2022 price of ~$80k, it has met my expectations other than the paint defect (wonder if that “binding contract” I signed will still make me eligible for the $7500 pre IRA tax credit). I don’t think I would be happy at the current $96k pricing and would instead go with the Enduro option. It’s an impressive first showing from Rivian but I still think today I prefer the IX more. May just let the wife have the Rivian.

You should be fine for your $7500 tax credit. You won’t need to do anything with the binding purchase agreement to get it, just need to have on file - I amended my 2022 returns and got refund in like 2 weeks. Price was a steal for the vehicle (pre-hike + tax credit) IMO. Very happy with ours.

 

[Npa201]

Tired of hearing the Rivian interior doesn’t have a “sense of occasion”. The vehicle and its capabilities is an occasion compared to all those others. And am I the only one who thinks it is too nice inside and wish it was more focused on durability?

So even though I posted this thread, I actually agree with you (and think I’ve said it elsewhere on this thread). Part of the reason this was purchased was to have a vehicle where I don’t need to be precious with how we treat the vehicle as compared to my other vehicles that have upgraded merino leather packages (not just base leather or vinyl). It’s also the reason I chose the black interior vs the ocean coast and to be fair when we did see that in the show rooms, those interiors did have that wow factor. But as much as I wanted that interior, it was the light colored headliner that worried me even more than the light grey vinyl seats for more active usage. So the practical choice won and I’m still happy about that decision for our needs. Hopefully the vehicle’s other capabilities create that emotional bond in time for me. But for other vehicles that I’ve had that had arguably had more practical interiors, I’ve just found myself parting ways with those vehicles faster than other vehicles for me for whatever reason.

 

[HaveBlue]

The Forest Edge interior equals that of our Audi A7 I'd say. I'd expect this as it's ten years newer in design and fifteen years newer in design than our GX470. The three row is better thought out and more usable. The eight vs seven seat is not a very good trade off for how small the GX third row is. If the Rivian isn't a luxury car, I guess I'm pretty behind on stuff. Sure they didn't throw in every possible lux item but there's a line when you are creating the first EV offroad vehicle.

 

[runwithscissors]

My biggest issue is the ride quality on the R1S is trucky on bad pavement (which is everywhere). Hoping it will improve but I doubt it given the wheelbase. Getting in/out of it is a complaint from every single passenger that I've ever had in it. They need running boards from the factory with this because kneel mode just doesn't cut it. I don't mind hopping in it but people struggle with the handles and height.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

Disagree on interior quality comparing to Q5 and X3. Way more plastic and rubber materials in those. Except the steering wheel, the vegan leather and materials on Dash and Doors outshines all BMWs that don’t have the Full Merino option. Speaking from 30 years of BMWs. I’d be tempted to say that the steering wheel leather in the Rivian will also hold up better than that soft-touch M wheel leather. Where the cheap BMWs score is fit & finish of interior versus Rivian.

iX has one of BMWs high end interiors so not surprised it would be slightly ahead of the Rivian.

Agreed. I just got the i4 M50 with the full Merino option, and most of the other finishings besides the leather aren't as nice as the Rivian. The vinyl and wood veneer trim are significantly lower quality than what's offered in the Rivian. I give the edge to the R1 on interior finishings even with the lower quality vinyl seats than the BMW leather. The seats in the Rivian stand out less as cheap than the dash and inlays do in the BMW.

 

[MasterofWilford]

This is worrisome. I drive an iX x50 and it's whisper quite and the ride quality is amazing.

Can Rivian fix these issues by 2025? Considering going for the X7 (I need a 3 row).

 

[sphereobject]

I see the R1S as a very nice truck-like SUV. It is not in the luxury SUV category.

Rivian should make a soccer mom/dad R1S with no air suspension, RWD, and an actual luxury interior for $70k. The current R1S with its extreme off-roading capabilities is too niche to sell at volume.

Don't get me wrong, I love my clunky Quad R1S. But, I want Rivian to sell a lot of cars to stay in business.

 

[sphereobject]

As I have owned R1S, R1T, model X, and test drove IX and EQS suv, I would agree with you. It’s ride quality (NVH) is a bit below its other EVs in its price range. I purchased both R1T and R1S with pre March price hike, so I am happy with both. But with price increase, there are other compelling choices. I just purchased a new model X at under 80K, and I think it is the best bang for the buck in high end EV segment for most consumers who simple drives around and shuttling kids. Compared to R1S, new model X gives more car-like refined ride. You know you are riding a truck chasis when you ride R1 platform albeit very refined.
KIA 9 comes available at 70K, and new Volvo EX90 starts under 80K. But None can match versatility of R1S. But if all you want is Luxurious transportation, occasionally up to seven people in safety, then there already exist better choices. Then there are Lucid Gravity, Genesis GV90 and Hyundai Ioniq 7 slated for 2024-2025, there will be more competition which I think is great for Consumers.

I have the R1S and Model X Plaid. As long as you don't need to cargo space and the off-roading capability of the R1S, the MX Plaid is tough to beat. It just drives so well, the performance is mind boggling, the supercharger network (including Gen 1 & 2 that Rivian can't use) is amazing, and it's simply a second generation refined package (so long as you install the aftermarket adjustable camber arms).

 

[mkg3]

This is worrisome. I drive an iX x50 and it's whisper quite and the ride quality is amazing.

Can Rivian fix these issues by 2025? Considering going for the X7 (I need a 3 row).

If you are concerned, you should go test drive a R1S. Since this threat was started, Rvian has updated drive modes/suspension behavior twice.

That said, it is a truck based SUV, not unibody car-based SUV. While it will outlast and able to tow and perform more things than a unibody SUV, the ride quality won't be as good (subjective since people have different preferences). To me, it drives and rides like a truck. Others on this forum will passionately disagree, though...

In terms of handling, it's probably the best of its kind (body-on-frame). I say that, even though it's near 7k lbs, it has the lowest cg and with low suspension and firm settings, it drives better than any other SUV we've owned or ever driven with minimal body roll. The directional change (i.e.,, left-right) is quick and accurate. I have 22" wheels/tire (OE).

Like all FWD/AWD vehicle there is a bit of understeer but not excessive and can lift and power through to neutral or onto oversteer. Probably can set the front suspension to a small negative camber should make it much more neutral. (its positive camber by default and I haven't look to see if camber adjustment exist but there should be a kit, if not)

Personally, I cannot get past the look of IX, so I never considered it since I cannot imagine driving one, let alone owning one. I cannot bring myself to buy a 911 either for the same reason.

We have a Tesla and Rivian and it's a good thing that R1S is my wife's daily.

 

[MasterofWilford]

If you are concerned, you should go test drive a R1S. Since this threat was started, Rvian has updated drive modes/suspension behavior twice.

That said, it is a truck based SUV, not unibody car-based SUV. While it will outlast and able to tow and perform more things than a unibody SUV, the ride quality won't be as good (subjective since people have different preferences). To me, it drives and rides like a truck. Others on this forum will passionately disagree, though...

In terms of handling, it's probably the best of its kind (body-on-frame). I say that, even though it's near 7k lbs, it has the lowest cg and with low suspension and firm settings, it drives better than any other SUV we've owned or ever driven with minimal body roll. The directional change (i.e.,, left-right) is quick and accurate. I have 22" wheels/tire (OE).

Like all FWD/AWD vehicle there is a bit of understeer but not excessive and can lift and power through to neutral or onto oversteer. Probably can set the front suspension to a small negative camber should make it much more neutral. (its positive camber by default and I haven't look to see if camber adjustment exist but there should be a kit, if not)

Personally, I cannot get past the look of IX, so I never considered it since I cannot imagine driving one, let alone owning one. I cannot bring myself to buy a 911 either for the same reason.

We have a Tesla and Rivian and it's a good thing that R1S is my wife's daily.

Appreciate the feedback. Will try to test drive. What is your opinion of the wind / rattle noise?

 

[Npa201]

Didn’t realize this thread is still active. As the OP here is an update at 3k miles on R1S:

1) Noises - I’ve gotten used to wind noise. It’s really fairly quiet on my vehicle at 75mph and under. At 80 it is quite noticeable vs my IX and x5 but have come to accept it. The internal noises for the most part are fine. I’ve gotten used to the whirring of the motors and have no real opinion either way. Just chalk it up to its quirks. Rattles in general have been fine. My dash started to rattle but mobile appt did a foam tape fix which has fixed it for now but they said I could bring it into service center for a new dash top if it continues. My largest rattle is the cup holder in the front but only if I have lighter bottles on the passenger side. But when closed or when a drink is on the driver side it’s fine.
2) driving impressions. Several of the updates on the suspension have improved things. Sport is softer and all purpose mode on moderate stiffness reduces a fair bit of the float. Still has understeer and it can’t overcome its weight and size and it’s not the most refined vehicle out there but again have gotten used to it.
3) any major issues? Oddly had to have door latch replaced on driver door as it wouldn’t close on one particular day. I also found out that two months into ownership this vehicle does have blind spot assist. Mine was just not working. Thus far no other major issues. Sometimes my rear trunk doesn’t want to open (I think I must be standing too close to it tho and it’s a sensor thing). Windows have also been fiddly with opening and closing but have been fine.
4) efficiency. Now that it’s warmed up it’s delivering as promised. There were a couple of good days where it did get fairly low but this morning on my 27 mile drive to work I averaged 2.8-2.9 miles per kWh.

overall I still think the IX is a more refined, luxurious experience. However if I had to get rid of one today, I would actually get rid of the IX. I can’t get over the utility of this vehicle. The third row, trunk and trunk have been very useful. We took a trip to VT from NJ in the winter and oddly worked better than my expectations. Wife and kids really like it. We are now contemplating can we go full EV and get rid of the X5 (as it has good residual value). At this point my largest concern is if Rivian makes it as a company but perhaps as a sign of my general positive view of the r1s I have a deposit on the r2 although more likely I want to get the r3x.

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