iansriv
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I just returned from a local R1S test drive and wanted to share my thoughts. If you don't want to read the extended version below, the synopsis is that it's a good SUV. Disclaimer-this is my first EV test drive. The following is the most unscientific assessment I can give. It is based on absolutely no knowledge or expertise whatsoever.
The experience was great as far as how the staff handled everything. Everyone was very pleasant and knowledgable. The whole experience took about 45 minutes. I got to look at a limestone/BM R1S. There were a few other colours (silver, white, granite) next to it and they all look great. The first few minutes was a walk about. The front storage area is very large. It will easily store our weekly grocery. I saw the 12v socket/outlet and was informed that it's a hit-and-miss whether you will get it or not. Not very important to me. One of my concerns was the way the front lights look. I know it's a minor thing but in pictures, it's a bit cartoonish but in the flesh-it's ok.
The door handle opening out is a cute touch. I was not expecting the doors to be this heavy and was pleasantly surprised when I had trouble closing them. Very G-wagonish. The back gates opened nice. Yes, the bottom part is manual but not an issue. It's small enough to not be a bother. I folded the 3rd row seats down from the back. You pull on a "shoulder" latch and give it a little push. The 2nd row folds down via two buttons near the air compressor. In order to get them back up you can access them via the back doors. Yes, they are manual but, does not require much effort at all. Once inside, the 2nd row is spacious and comfortable. The wood trim is nice. It's rough to the touch so it feels very natural. I prefer it to the latest option of "pleather" wrapping. The guide also said the same thing. The step up and into the S does not differ that much from most vehicles in the same class.
Now for the fun part. I had a good drive around Dallas roads. The conditions of the roads are so bad you really don't need to go off road to get a feel for the air suspension. Keep in mind I have never ever driven an EV. It took five minutes to get used to the regeneration style of driving. I did not get car sick nor did any passengers. The only recent car that I have driven, in this category I can compare this to is the Defender. I grew up around and in RRs and the defender was my favourite but (can't believe I am writing this) it drives like a school bus compared to the R1S. I need more seat-time but the different suspension settings were very subtle to me. Nothing was overly dramatic. For example, the "sport" setting was a little tighter but not harsh. The R1S is a great handling SUV. It however, does not handle like a Mclaren. I wan't expecting it to so I'm not disappointed. The indicator light is not that loud but neither is the "engine" or lack thereof. If you plan to listen to music or yell obscenities at other cars, you might not hear the indicator and it will just stay on. Moving to FL might solve that.
The glass roof, my biggest concern, was a non-issue. I sincerely apologise for my past comments about not being able to do certain things on top of the roof. I'm joking. The heat was not an issue. However, it's 84 in Dallas today. I touched the glass (egad) from the inside and it was warm to the touch. I do think it will cause a bit extra heat. Alas, I was not able to do anything on top of the roof so I cannot comment on the structural strength of the roof. My conclusion on the glass roof is that I don't have much of a choice and will have to see how it fares. I was also treated to another R1T on the lot with an ocean white interior, when I mentioned that's what I have on order. It's a very nice colour. It's got hints of grey and green. The dark wood dash and accent bits contrast very well with the Ocean.
I started this adventure with not expecting much. I was ready to cancel my order if I was disappointed today. I wasn't. In fact, I am excited about getting the R1S. Perhaps not as much as the nice gentleman that came running up to me while I was waiting for the test drive. He had received his R1S a month ago and was so excited that I was suspecting that Rivian had planted him there (j/k). It's nice to see people like that and I hope I can be a part of a great Rivian community. Cheers!
The experience was great as far as how the staff handled everything. Everyone was very pleasant and knowledgable. The whole experience took about 45 minutes. I got to look at a limestone/BM R1S. There were a few other colours (silver, white, granite) next to it and they all look great. The first few minutes was a walk about. The front storage area is very large. It will easily store our weekly grocery. I saw the 12v socket/outlet and was informed that it's a hit-and-miss whether you will get it or not. Not very important to me. One of my concerns was the way the front lights look. I know it's a minor thing but in pictures, it's a bit cartoonish but in the flesh-it's ok.
The door handle opening out is a cute touch. I was not expecting the doors to be this heavy and was pleasantly surprised when I had trouble closing them. Very G-wagonish. The back gates opened nice. Yes, the bottom part is manual but not an issue. It's small enough to not be a bother. I folded the 3rd row seats down from the back. You pull on a "shoulder" latch and give it a little push. The 2nd row folds down via two buttons near the air compressor. In order to get them back up you can access them via the back doors. Yes, they are manual but, does not require much effort at all. Once inside, the 2nd row is spacious and comfortable. The wood trim is nice. It's rough to the touch so it feels very natural. I prefer it to the latest option of "pleather" wrapping. The guide also said the same thing. The step up and into the S does not differ that much from most vehicles in the same class.
Now for the fun part. I had a good drive around Dallas roads. The conditions of the roads are so bad you really don't need to go off road to get a feel for the air suspension. Keep in mind I have never ever driven an EV. It took five minutes to get used to the regeneration style of driving. I did not get car sick nor did any passengers. The only recent car that I have driven, in this category I can compare this to is the Defender. I grew up around and in RRs and the defender was my favourite but (can't believe I am writing this) it drives like a school bus compared to the R1S. I need more seat-time but the different suspension settings were very subtle to me. Nothing was overly dramatic. For example, the "sport" setting was a little tighter but not harsh. The R1S is a great handling SUV. It however, does not handle like a Mclaren. I wan't expecting it to so I'm not disappointed. The indicator light is not that loud but neither is the "engine" or lack thereof. If you plan to listen to music or yell obscenities at other cars, you might not hear the indicator and it will just stay on. Moving to FL might solve that.
The glass roof, my biggest concern, was a non-issue. I sincerely apologise for my past comments about not being able to do certain things on top of the roof. I'm joking. The heat was not an issue. However, it's 84 in Dallas today. I touched the glass (egad) from the inside and it was warm to the touch. I do think it will cause a bit extra heat. Alas, I was not able to do anything on top of the roof so I cannot comment on the structural strength of the roof. My conclusion on the glass roof is that I don't have much of a choice and will have to see how it fares. I was also treated to another R1T on the lot with an ocean white interior, when I mentioned that's what I have on order. It's a very nice colour. It's got hints of grey and green. The dark wood dash and accent bits contrast very well with the Ocean.
I started this adventure with not expecting much. I was ready to cancel my order if I was disappointed today. I wasn't. In fact, I am excited about getting the R1S. Perhaps not as much as the nice gentleman that came running up to me while I was waiting for the test drive. He had received his R1S a month ago and was so excited that I was suspecting that Rivian had planted him there (j/k). It's nice to see people like that and I hope I can be a part of a great Rivian community. Cheers!
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