You want to ride in sustainable luxury. As an early adopter of electric vehicle (EV) technology, you love staying on the cutting edge of automotive innovation. SUVs have always struck your fancy too thanks to their impressive combination of passenger and cargo volume paired with all-weather capability. Now, imagine merging those priorities into one vehicle.
Enter a new class of machines vying for customers exactly like you – the luxury electric SUV. Two of the most enticing choices come from very different brands: the 2022 BMW iX bringing over a century of engineering prowess to its first dedicated EV crossover and the 2023 Rivian R1S pioneering a new adventure-minded aesthetic for sustainable utility vehicles.
Both boast legitimate luxury credentials starting under $100,000 before tax incentives, while promising 300+ miles of real-world range and an abundance of technology. On paper, the specifications seem similar. But peer underneath the sheet metal and a divergence appears between the philosophies of storied German luxury purveyor and Silicon Valley upstart EV maker.
This comprehensive head-to-head guide will analyze how the BMW iX and Rivian R1S compare across 10 categories, from efficiency to capability and beyond, to crown the superior luxury electric SUV. Let’s take a closer look at each vehicle and then tally the scores to pick the winner. Here we go!
Exterior Design: Auspicious Debut vs. Retro Modernism
Imagine it‘s 2007 and the BMW X6 "Sports Activity Coupe" debuts with a radically sloped roofline. Internet forums explode with complaints about the controversial design. Yet history vindicates BMW, with nearly half a million X6 models sold to date.
Why bring this up? Well, fast forward 15 years and it‘s déjà vu with the unveiling of the 2022 BMW iX. Love it or hate it, the exterior styling elicits strong reactions. Flared wheel arches, zig-zag front fascia and a closed-off grille dubbed "butterfly wings" give it a futuristic vibe. Squint just right and you might spot similarities to the BMW i3. Subtly evolved iX proportions reflect cutting aerodynamics, helping it achieve 300+ miles driving range.
The 2023 Rivian R1S goes the opposite direction, tapping retro charm with its flat surfaces and tall, boxy proportions. Like gazing fondly at a vintage Jeep Cherokee, you can’t help but grin at its simplicity. Short front and rear overhangs coupled with its wide stance communicate toughness. Compared to the sculpted creases of the BMW, Rivian keeps ornamentation to a minimum. Form follows function here, with trail-tackling clearances and storage solutions baked into the industrial design.
Some call the BMW’s kidney grilles garish and its hunched rear awkward. To others, the Rivian appears incomplete and unrefined, like a life-size Hot Wheels toy. But the outspoken reactions speak to the risk-taking nature of both manufacturers. When sales figures roll in, public perception may shift just as radically. Until a consensus emerges, we’ll call it a draw based on the subjective nature of style.
Exterior Design Winner: Tie
Interior Design: Avant Garde vs. Outdoorsy Aesthetics
If styling disputes polarize the BMW and Rivian exteriors, consensus gushes over the radically modern iX cabin. Entering the SUV felt to journalists like boarding a spaceship, with technology blending seamlessly into surroundings worthy of a design museum exhibition.
Curved displays float ethereally above the dashboard, operated by touch, gestures or voice commands. Faux leather upholstery cut from one piece appears tailored to the sculpted seats with precisely quilted stitching. Panels bathed in ambient lighting project a cool glow, illuminating sustainable details like floor mats woven from recycled fishing nets.
Climb into the Rivian cabin and soothing hues warmly greet you like arriving at a cozy ski lodge. Natural textures like wood accentuate the industrially constructed space where technology enhances adventures rather than defines them. Touches like the removable Bluetooth speaker and built-in flashlight speak the Rivian ethos of enjoying the outdoors responsibly.
It comes down to personality preferences. The Rivian celebrates humble elegance befitting mountain getaways while the BMW stimulates your inner technophile. If you seek next-gen extravagance, enter the iX bubble. Travel often off paved roads? The Rivian feels like home. Based purely on refinement though, the iX design wins out.
Interior Design Winner: BMW iX
Performance and Handling: Rocket Vs. Rally Racer
Make no mistake, these are big SUVs tipping the scales over 5,500 lbs. But clever engineering quells any concerns that bulk hinders speed. Stomp the throttle and advanced electronics channel power with breathtaking ferocity.
Let’s examine outputs. The BMW iX xDrive50 wields 516 horsepower and 564 lb-ft of torque from its two electric motors, numbers that outpace even high-performance gas BMWs. Hitting 60 mph happens in under 5 seconds in this 2.5-ton crossover – seriously impressive! The sophisticated all-wheel drive system maintains remarkable traction when accelerating hard into curves while computer-controlled air suspension, rear-wheel steering and active roll stabilization keep body motions tentative.
That sounds great until the Rivian enters the chat. Bristling with quad motors – one powering each wheel – the startup EV generates a staggering 835 horsepower and 908 lb-ft torque. These figures translate straight to performance with the R1S sprinting to 60 mph in a physics-defying 3 seconds flat. Electric motors independently drive each wheel in reverse for nimble low-speed maneuvers. Exploring off-pavement, the intelligent drivetrain adapts torque output and suspension height to maintain tenacious grip.
So who’s faster? Unequivocally the Rivian in acceleration and off-road prowess. But on pavement, the iX handles circles around its gargantuan rival with confident dynamics in the turns. Different performance objectives but the Rivian clearly achieves its intended capabilities.
Performance and Handling Winner: Rivian R1S
Driving Range and Charging: BMW’s Efficiency Advantage
Range anxiety haunts many prospective EV buyers. but both BMW and Rivian ease worries with batteries delivering over 300 miles of everyday usability. Officially, the EPA rates the BMW iX xDrive50 at 324 miles on a full charge with consumption as low as 33 kWh/100mi thanks to clever heat pump climate control and slippery aerodynamics. Owners routinely exceed that figure by driving gently.
Juice flows from its ample 111.5 kWh battery (106.3 kWh usable) packed with latest-gen NCX cylindrical cells co-developed with CATL. Using 200+ kW DC fast chargers, the iX battery can be replenished from 10 to 80% capacity in just 31 minutes. Lower 50 kW stations require 73 minutes in comparison to fully charge. Both enable long distance road trips with only brief pit stops to plug in. At home, full recharges using the 11 kW onboard charger take approximately 11 hours.
Rivian hasn’t disclosed EPA range estimates but projects over 300 miles from its larger 135 kWh battery. Early owners report around 260 miles is reasonable for mixed usage. DC fast charging at rates up to 200 kW through Rivian’s Adventure Network adds 140 miles range in just 20 minutes, while a full recharge takes 13 hours on 240-volt Level 2 home equipment. Unfortunately, public charging infrastructure is sparse currently with expansion focused on routes between cities in nature-rich regions. Urban apartment dwellers could find access frustrating.
Throw in the assured real-world driving range from the benchmarked BMW versus the guesswork surrounding Rivian’s projections compounded by limited charging availability outside western states for now. The win goes to the iX for letting owners confidently venture farther from home electric power.
Driving Range and Charging: BMW iX
Self-Driving and Safety Technology: Legacy Brand ≠ Legacy Tech
Safety sits proudly atop BMW’s engineering principles, persistently evolving passive protection and active accident avoidance systems since the brand’s founding in 1916. Reinforcing the passenger capsule with front/side impact zones compliments sophisticated traction/stability controls and interventions from driving assistance systems when needed. The suite of electronic guardian angels minimizes mundane driving stresses too.
Rivian rightfully prioritizes safety as well in the R1S structure and technology. But limited experience launching production vehicles means protection relies more heavily upon airbags and legacy components sourced from existing industry suppliers. Still, the inclusion of driver monitoring to gauge alertness and features like automated emergency braking push boundaries further than some luxury makes.
Drilling deeper into standard driving aids:
| System | BMW iX | Rivian R1S |
|---|---|---|
| Pedestrian Detection | Standard | Standard |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | Standard | Standard |
| Lane Keep Assist | Standard | Standard |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
| Traffic Jam Assist | Available | Not Available |
| Parking Assistant Plus | Standard | Not Available |
Impressive standard safety tech in both, but the sophisticated iX holds the advantage for now based on deep R&D into accident avoidance from real-world data collection and partnerships with leading researchers and institutions. If Rivian continues up the learning curve at its recent rate though, leadership here could alternate in a few years.
Self-Driving and Safety Technology Winner: BMW iX
Interior Features and Amenities: Adventure Perks vs High Tech Luxury
Rivian configures the R1S intentionally for adventurers carrying gear to the slopes, trails, campsites and boat launches. That mission infuses the SUV with brilliant functionality like the stowable kitchen and innovative roof rack accessories. Clever camping-centric touches prove usefulness too, evidenced by the built-in flashlight, Bluetooth speaker and air compressor.
Except for the front trunk, aka “frunk”, repurposing space for storage seems secondary in the iX. Why? Because BMW banks on captivating owners with theWow! Factor inside by merging sustainable materials, dimensional sound and an avant-garde take on “luxury” highlighted by curving screens spanning the entire dash.
Occupants in both vehicles enjoy generous leg and headroom with seating options for five to seven passengers. But beyond the basics, each automaker advertises its ethos through unique details:
BMW iX Interior Highlights
- Stunning 31-inch Hyperscreen with responsive haptic feedback
- Soothing interior ambient lighting in shimmering tones
- Vegan leather upholstery and microfiber headliner
- 5G connectivity and integrated personal eSIM
- Harman Kardon surround sound system
- Panoramic glass roof with electrochromic shade
Rivian R1S Interior Highlights
- Removable Bluetooth speaker for portable jams
- Built-in flashlight keeping camps well-lit
- Modular gear racks and crossbars supporting adventure accessories
- Camp Kitchen with induction burner and sink
- Air compressor for quickly inflating bike tires or floaties
- Vegan leather seats colored with natural dyes
For those sold on the great outdoors appeal, Rivian ekes out the win. Tech-savvy urbanites will delight in the iX’s gadgetry though. Different strokes for different folks here!
Interior Features and Amenities Winner: Tie
Cost Comparison: Six Figures but Only One Reaching Stratosphere
Sticker shock goes hand in hand with luxury vehicles, sending buyers not sweating the financials toward the options list to inflate the bottom line even further. But at least base MSRPs for the iX and R1S start somewhat grounded – relatively speaking.
MSRP Pricing
| Model | Base Price | Tax Credit | Effective Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW iX xDrive50 | $97,300 | $7,500 | $89,800 |
| Rivian R1S Explore | $78,000 | $7,500 | $70,500 |
Tally federal and state incentives where applicable against the MSRP and the Rivian secures an impactful $19,300 advantage before discussing build quality or features. Note the R1S Explore trim lacks certain performance upgrades and luxury finishing available on xDrive50, somewhat equalizing standard equipment. But option identical models and the pricing gap only widens further in Rivian’s favor.
If you seek prestige without a bottomless trust fund, the six-figure iX demands significant budgetary gymnastics to fit the monthly nut. Meanwhile the R1S presents affordability almost reminiscent of a mainstream brand… once you move past the reality of paying $78,000+ for a vehicle! Opting for either secures access into an exclusive club. But value goes to Rivian unless money is truly no object.
Cost Comparison Winner: Rivian R1S
Aesthetic Customization: Individual Expression vs. Standout Persona
BMW traditionally emphasizes performance luxury and technology innovation over customization. Yet recently expanded coloring, wheels, trim and options provide limited avenues for personal expression. Beyond the six standard iX xDrive50 paints, BMW Individual opens 90+ additional exclusive hues through its custom shop for around $5,500 added cost. Choice of three interior color schemes and three trim finishes dial up the luxury. Wheels selections range from 20 inches to massive 22-inchers.
Rivian plans to offer an abundance of accessories for custom camping and gear hauling configurations down the road. Even now at launch, owners can tailor looks from a palette of nine unique R1S exterior paint options with cool nature-inspired names like Glacier White and Canyon Red. The Rivian configurator permits mixing and matching various wheels, badging and exterior accents for further distinction. Four interior décor packages feature real wood inlays in unique stains.
While BMW provides classic premium finishes well, the unique Rivian aesthetic begs embellishment to match owner personalities. Accessorize it like your dream overland adventure rig! Thus, the win here for more diverse styling possibilities.
Aesthetic Customization Winner: Rivian R1S
Verdict: Reason and Passion Both Satisfied
Analyzing luxury electric SUV newcomers meant weighing emotion versus pragmatism. The 2022 BMW iX appealed through elegance, efficiency and elevated interior sanctimony. Meanwhile, the 2023 Rivian R1S tugged heartstrings by promising freedom to wander off-grid augmented by revolutionary functionality.
If my wallet matched the vehicles’ six-figure price tags, selecting the right EV comes down to personal preference. The sensible yang to BMW’s precise technological execution meets its stylistic opposite in the Rivian’s romantic embrace of rugged individualism. Fortunately no bad choices exist when choosing between these stellar entrants advancing electric luxury travel.
Tallying the scores:
| Comparison Criteria | Winner |
|---|---|
| Exterior Design | Tie |
| Interior Design | BMW iX |
| Performance and Handling | Rivian R1S |
| Driving Range and Charging | BMW iX |
| Safety and Self-driving Technology | BMW iX |
| Interior Features and Amenities | Tie |
| Cost Comparison | Rivian R1S |
| Aesthetic Customization | Rivian R1S |
| Final Score | Tie |
Like any great rivalry where combatants shine for contradictory reasons, I declare this EV face-off a decisive tie. The 2022 BMW iX earns kudos for progressing the luxury SUV experience through avant garde aesthetics and technology. Meanwhile the revolutionary 2023 Rivian R1S spearheads a new sustainable adventure movement filled with potential. Different personalities, similar excellence.
For those seeking luxury and innovation from an established marque, the iX confidently rewards. Explorers desiring off-grid enablement benefit most from the R1S functionality. But no matter your preference for these impressive electric SUVs, the future looks bright!
