As an experienced electric vehicle analyst, I‘m thrilled to see automakers embrace EVs like never before. The recently released BMW iX and Rivian R1S both demonstrate how incredible modern electric SUVs can be. But which of these shiny new battery-powered family haulers most deserves a spot in your garage?
I‘ve exhaustively crunched the numbers on these two leading luxury EVs. Read on as I explore all the key factors with obsessive attention to detail a tech professional demands…then reveal whether the 2023 BMW iX or Rivian R1S claims EV SUV supremacy!
Overview of Key Attributes
- The BMW iX brings avantgarde styling and leading-edge tech like the stunning Hyperscreen to the EV segment
- The Rivian R1S takes a more rugged, adventurous approach with features catering to outdoor pursuits
- Performance sees the R1S boast 835 horses for vicious acceleration while the iX promotes balance
- Interiors reflect the exterior personalities, the iX sleek and premium while the R1S feels functional
- Both deliver over 300 miles max range and charge at similar rates
- More advanced driver aids come standard on the iX but the R1S offers strong safety tech too
- BMW extends longer warranty coverage and maintenance perks compared to Rivian
Now let‘s scrutinize exactly how these electric SUV rivals measure up…
Design and Dimensional Comparison
| Specs | 2023 BMW iX | Rivian R1S |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.0 in | 217.1 in |
| Width | 77.4 in | 79.3 in |
| Height | 66.8 in | 71.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 118.1 in | 135.8 in |
| Ground Clearance | 7.9 in | 14.9 in |
| Cargo Capacity | 59.6 cu ft | Gear Tunnel: 11.6 cu ft, Frunk: 11.7 cu ft, Rear Cargo Area: 18.0 cu ft |
| Seating | 5 Seats | 5 or 7 Seats |
Clearly the R1S sits much taller with its elevated ride height…
Both electrics take different design routes…the spaceship iX with its concept car looks or the chunky, purposeful R1S. For audacious styling, BMW wins but the offroady Rivian is an aesthetic category of one…
Let‘s put pedal down now and see what these EV SUVs can do!
Performance and Powertrain Stats
| Specs | 2023 BMW iX xDrive50 | Rivian R1S |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 516 hp | 835 |
| Torque | 564 lb-ft | 908 |
| 0-60 mph | 4.6 s | 3.5 s |
| Top Speed | 124 mph | 125 mph |
| Motors | Dual | Quad |
| Battery Capacity | 111.5 kWh | 135 kWh |
| Regen Braking | One Pedal | One Pedal |
My my…those acceleration times reveal just how much of an asphalt blitzer the R1S is with its four motor muscle car impersonation! The xDrive50 is no slouch but nearly 900 pound-feet of instant EV torque clearly gives Rivian the straightline goods…
All that grunt comes with a 600 pound weight penalty over the iX however. So for winding backroad blasts, BMW‘s lower center of gravity provides nimbler reactions…
Now onto what‘s inside that matters too…
Interior Comparison
BMW deploys leather wrapped fanciness with crystal accented controls and 3D quilted seat stitching that looks otherworldly lush…the R1S goes for smart utility emphasizing onboard storage solutions and gear tie downs reflecting its intended outdoor lifestyle usage. I give the nod to the iX for sheer design panache but Rivian certainly enables adventure!
Occupants stay immersed in both models with BMW‘s showstopping Hyperscreen monitor vs Rivian‘s minimalist horizontal touch display. And when it comes to keeping devices charged, the iX again advances its case with wireless charging and superior smartphone integration functionality.
Let‘s get rolling to see how far these battery bruisers allow you to roam!
Range and Charging Evaluation
| Specs | BMW iX xDrive50 | Rivian R1S |
|---|---|---|
| EPA Range | 324 miles | 314 miles |
| Edmunds Real-World Range | 307 miles | 283 miles |
| EPA Charging Time (10%-80%) | 31 min (270 kW) | 28 min (250 kW) |
| Home Charging Time (240V) | 11 hours | 10 hours |
Under controlled lab evaluation, the EPA gives the range crown to BMW. But independent testers at Edmunds found both fell slightly short of 300 miles running real world errands. I‘d expect around 300 max from both with normal driving.
Charging times prove nearly identical too for both electric SUVs. Figure convenient 30 minute fast charge stopovers and overnight top offs…
Now for all those essential safety shields and driving assists!
Safety Tech and Features
The R1S provides all expected active safety items like collision warning, blind spot monitoring and the rest. But BMW pushes further with standard lane keeping assistant, automatic emergency stopping, junction warning system, and 3D surround cameras.
I appreciate both companies future-proofing these SUVs with hardware for eventual self-driving software upgrades. Yet the iX again moves the bar higher offering available supervised autonomous motorway driving up to 87 mph in Germany…
Finally onto the financial bottom line!
Pricing and Value
| Specs | BMW iX xDrive50 | Rivian R1S |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $97,300 | $78,000 |
| Tax Credit Eligibility | $7,500 | $7,500 |
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 3 years / 36,000 miles | None |
Obviously Rivian holds a strong price advantage especially factoring potential $7,500 credits on both. The extra year of coverage is nice too. However BMW pays for all factory scheduled maintenance for the first three years. And considering the superiority of BMW‘s dealer network, long term ownership value goes to BMW.
The Electric SUV Victor Is…
For performance, sticker price and gear-hauling utility, I award my Top Electric SUV prize to the Rivian R1S! Close behind though remains the even more radically styled BMW iX with its boundary pushing interior design and technology execution.
Honestly readers, either choice rewards with instant torque grins. But that gear tunnel for stashing dirty gear or gear after gear quarter mile runs gives Rivian the EV bragging rights in my garage! Agree or not, hopefully this comprehensive tech review helps determine the best electric SUV match for your needs. Let me know if you have any other questions before taking the battery-powered big step!
