Why The Boxy Rivian R1S Makes More Sense Than The 300-Mile BMW iX

Are you a fan of SUVs? Do you like driving electric cars? With the electric car market gaining popularity, the EV sector is one that is dominated by a particular set of automotive brands, including the mighty BMW. For instance, BMW’s iX lacks stiff competition.

The Tesla Model X and Audi e-Tron Sportback fall short of the iX’s level of luxury. While the Rivian R1T is a pickup truck, which takes it out of the equation, that is different for the Rivian R1S. The Rivian R1S is an SUV that is considerably larger than its supposed rival, the BMW iX, and has an even greater range, and significantly more power.

To be honest, there aren’t many reasons to prefer the BMW over the Rivian when comparing the two cars on paper. It’s quite a hectic battle, especially if you are looking for that perfect do-all car that also embraces the bold new world of electrification.

However, if you’re struggling to decide between the BMW iX and the Rivian R1S, here’s everything you should know about why the boxy Rivian R1S makes more sense than the 300-mile BMW iX.

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Rivian R1S Outmatches BMW iX In Performance

People usually buy cars based on their performance, which isn’t different from these two electric cars. The BMW iX comes in two models – BMW iX M60 and the BMW iX xDrive50. These offer different horsepower and speeds despite sharing the same engine name and type (Motors, Dual Electric).

With the M60, you can reach a top speed of 155 mph while accelerating from 0 to 60 mph within 3.6 seconds. The maximum speed for this model is 130 mph. However, the xDrive50 performs less as it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds while producing a top speed of 124 mph.

Nevertheless, the Rivian R1S wins over both iX models in terms of acceleration. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph within 3 seconds, which is beyond expectations considering BMW is one of the leading car manufacturers in the world. Besides this, the Rivian R1S can generate a maximum speed of 124.8 mph, which is marginally better than the BMW iX xDrive50.

Looking at the torque and horsepower, the R1S is far ahead of both BMW models. For instance, the xDrive50 produces a horsepower of 516, whereas the M60 generates 610 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, you can compete with the best of performers effortlessly with the firepower of 835 horsepower and 908 lb-ft torque that the Rivian R1S offers.

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Rivian R1S Vs BMW iX: Interior Technology

The interior of the Rivian R1S is stylish, cutting-edge, and fashionable. Anyone who drives in it will have a positive impression because of the simple design’s atmosphere, which combines high-end materials with tons of technology. The R1S’s central display serves as the control panel, like most electric cars on the road today.

The screen allows drivers to select between driving modes, raise or lower the air suspension of the electric SUV, and activate Pet Comfort mode, in addition to showing the navigation system and operating the A/C, heated and ventilated seats, and other standard features. Additionally, there are six USB-C charging connections, inbuilt Wi-Fi, and even a wireless phone charger.

However, BMW kept the iDrive click wheel for its infotainment system when practically every other automaker switched to touchscreens. Physical controls made it easy to make modifications on the move. Two huge screens float above the dashboard in curved glass. The graphics are bright and elegant, loading times are fast, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are well integrated.

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Rivian R1S Is Unmistakably Unique

With its full-width light bar and extended vertical headlamp cluster, the R1S is unmistakably unique. The R1S also has a short wheelbase but still appears to have a long body. You can see the inscription “RIVIAN” at the driver’s side door with the boxy Rivian R1S available in different colors, including yellow, blue, and silver.

The SUV stands out for having a body-colored C-Pillar, a contrasting roof, and a conspicuous chrome strip that extends from the windshield to the tailgate. Rim diameters range from 20 inches to 22 inches.

The BMW iX front design has been given a futuristic makeover. With the SAV’s smallest dual headlamps BMW has ever manufactured, the vertically oriented BMW kidney network notably draws attention to the vehicle’s progressive style.

Consciously drawing attention to the wheels are beautifully decorated rectangular outlines surrounding the wheel ridges. The frameless door, the flush door handles, and the stream-flow-shaped window outline that tapers toward the back are all seamlessly incorporated into the car aesthetic. Everything on the exterior speaks volumes about the BMW brand.

But the conclusion here is that the Boxy Rivian R1S betters the BMW iX based on every parameter, whether it’s performance, interior, and exterior design, or towing capability.

Sources: Rivian, BMW