R1S test drive - My honest opinion

[seanocono]

Is your ‘22 Model S a Plaid? Because your senses have probably been recalibrated, if so. The S Plaid is just stupid fast, and really distorts your perspective. It feels “spooky” in a good way. “Hair-raising,” you know? I haven’t been able to replicate that same feeling in a R1T or R1S, but they are still very fast vehicles (and so much fun to drive).

I have a X Plaid and it is noticeably quicker than the Rivian. The throttle mapping on the Rivian is quite a bit different, as well. You really have to punch it.

The difference between all the fast SUVs you mentioned (and my X) and the Rivians is obviously the off-road capability. The fast SUV competition aren’t really capable of true off-road driving.

You should try a TRX and Raptor R, and see how the Rivian’s driving dynamics compare. And after that driving comparison, take a look at the efficiency numbers.

I have my complaints about the Rivian, but the driving dynamics and speed aren’t one of them. When I take delivery, I will just leave it in Sport whenever the wheels are on pavement.

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[Guy]

Coming out of Hellcat Durango into the R1T, it's anything but slow. Now, the S Plaid is insanely quick and I would be a little terrified in a pickup doing 1.99 0-60 but there is nothing in the truck/suv segment that can compare with quickness of the R1T. The R1S claims to have the same specs. Overall speed is a little disappointing but it's not a race car. I was in a customers Urus the other day and wanted my Rivian back....

Well the 1.99 is a bit of a typical Tesla exaggeration and needs time to set up and condition the car, while also not being very repeatable from reviews.

 

[rivianguy]

I was lucky enough to be invited to an R1S test drive last week at my local Costa Mesa, California center. I typically never test drive any vehicles I'm interested in since I research specs, "quirks and features", and other things quite extensively. The quality of the ride itself never matter to me since I'm used to sports cars. I typically prefer a harder/harsher ride vs. a floaty/comfy one. But hey, I had some time, so why not try out the Rivian. Plus I have limited experience with EVs (my first EV is a 2022 Tesla Model S which I received only a few weeks ago). I do have a couple of friends who work at Rivian and I've been driven around in a couple of R1Ts (but never drove myself).

Outside of the Venice, CA hub invite to check out the R1S several months ago and a few sightings around my area, this is my only experience with the R1S.

I'm an enthusiast, in my 40s, and owned multiple types of fun vehicles over the years. I recently sold my BMW X5M which I would say *should* be the closest competitor I've owned to the R1S (with the exception of its non-existing offroad capability). It was fast (~570hp, twin turbo V8, etc). Despite its heavy weight, it handled like a sports car if you were willing to bring it to its limits. Other ones I've experienced (but not owned) are Audi RSQ5, multiple variants AMG SUVs, and the Range Rover SVR. They all have similar driving dynamics...but far different than the Rivian as you'll read below.

My main reason for interest in the Rivian is I want an SUV (room for family/dog/storage) and I want power. For the first time, the option for off-road is possible whereas it was never possible in the past for high horsepower luxury/sport SUVs. Their large brakes do not allow for beefy tires.

Picture first. Nothing too exciting at this point since they are showing up on public roads now. We've all seen these before. Launch green with 22" black wheels.

Short summary: I was not impressed with the driving dynamics, but great tech, looks great, and use of space is amazing.

Long summary...

With the Rivian's 4 motors, ~835hp, and an advertised 3 second 0-60mph sprint, I was expecting the driving dynamics to be similar to a performance SUV, or dare I say it, a heavy sports sedan/wagon (think M5, E63 S Wagon, etc). Getting in, the guide had me in All Purpose Mode, which significantly toned down the throttle response and suspension. Okay, I get it, it isn't Sport mode. The Rivian was VERY floaty in the up/down direction but surprisingly flat on turns. Staying flat from side to side for such a heavy vehicle was great, but the up/down movement was pretty crazy. It was almost as "bad" as a Jeep Wrangler. Power wise in All Purpose Mode was very smooth, but in no way felt very quick and definitely did not feel like 835hp. Granted it is ~7200lbs but my X5M was 5400lbs and ~570hp and it felt significantly faster and more violent while the pure numbers should make it slower than the Rivian.

I mentioned this to the guide and he moved me to Sport and the throttle immediately got more sensitive and the up/down movement toned down a lot (but it was still noticeably present). It accelerated marginally faster, but for some reason felt very slow. This was while merging onto freeways relative to other vehicles. For someone who drives all his vehicles in "sport mode" 24/7, I'm concerned my real world usage is the 220mile range (assuming you charge to ~75%). As soon as the guide moved me to Sport, the range number dropped ~35 miles that I saw. My Model S Long Range gets me ~365miles charged to 85% which is significantly more (and I'm set to "Insane" acceleration mode 24/7). Yeah yeah its all about efficiency, but this is the metric I'm using now and its been accurate. Will 220ish miles be enough on a day to day basis? Sure but a full day from my place to Los Angeles, exploring, then back home, might use it all up. That happens once every couple of weeks.

So I guess I was disappointed it wasn't as fast as I expected. It SHOULD be faster than my X5M on paper, but is it really? It doesn't seem so accelerating next to other vehicles on the road. Speed/power is on the top of my list, which is probably different than other peoples' priority. I understand larger/heavier vehicles may not feel fast when they actually are. But with my years of experience on track, sports cars/SUVs, I'd say I'm a pretty good judge of performance.

I still love the look and the tech. The use of space and available storage is amazing. I could sit in the 3rd row (I'm 5'9"ish) and have plenty of room. For the price I would pay (~$80K) I think it is still a great deal. I don't know about current pricing. Will I take delivery? Most likely. Will I keep it and sell the Tesla? I don't know. Will I keep both? I don't know. I'd like to keep both (if my wife will allow it ), I just don't know if I'm willing yet to have the R1S as my only daily driver/family hauler. We have a company Hyundai Accent which my wife drives to work (I work for them in the Cybsersecurity space) and a weekend sports car that only gets driven ~2K miles a year.

Doug Demuro rated it as one of the best vehicles to date and I agree. I guess I place too much emphasis on power/speed even if it isn't the purpose of the vehicle. It is more about being a versatile EV. But with 4 motors and over 800hp, is it wrong of me to expect more?

Maybe a ME problem.

Anyway, wanted to present my thoughts to the forum. I'm ready for the backlash.

Interesting. The BMW X5M appears to be rated almost a full second slower 0-60 than the R1S. (3.7 seconds I believe) still a potent vehicle but I would imagine to someone with as much performance driving experience as you say you have it would have been a noticeable improvement in the R1S. No idea what the issue might have been.

 

[shamoo]

Is your ‘22 Model S a Plaid? Because your senses have probably been recalibrated, if so. The S Plaid is just stupid fast, and really distorts your perspective. It feels “spooky” in a good way. “Hair-raising,” you know? I haven’t been able to replicate that same feeling in a R1T or R1S, but they are still very fast vehicles (and so much fun to drive).

I have a X Plaid and it is noticeably quicker than the Rivian. The throttle mapping on the Rivian is quite a bit different, as well. You really have to punch it.

The difference between all the fast SUVs you mentioned (and my X) and the Rivians is obviously the off-road capability. The fast SUV competition aren’t really capable of true off-road driving.

You should try a TRX and Raptor R, and see how the Rivian’s driving dynamics compare. And after that driving comparison, take a look at the efficiency numbers.

I have my complaints about the Rivian, but the driving dynamics and speed aren’t one of them. When I take delivery, I will just leave it in Sport whenever the wheels are on pavement.

Nope, not a Plaid but the Long Range. Still a 3 second 0-60mph sprint and significantly faster above 60mph than prior models.

Even though not a Plaid, yes very different vehicles. A bit muted, as with most EVs, but I expected the general dynamics to be similar to the Rivian.

As stated above, I admit I did not floor the gas pedal so maybe that's why. Everyone is saying Sport + WOT is the way to go to really feel it.

I know the TRX and Raptor aren't actually *that* fast compared to performance SUVs or even Rivians so I hesitate to try to compare.

Now it is time to see if I can get some more seat time, but this time floor it.

 

[BoltAction]

Well, with a guide sitting there next to you who didn't really seem like the "performance enthusiast" type, it is going to be a little difficult.

Side to side movement was very floaty so I assumed cornering hard may not be that great. Is it categorized as a "performance vehicle"? I'm not sure that it is, other than it has the numbers of one.

Source: I've done years of track events (both motorcycle and car), and even taught track instruction for a few years. I have experience in high power cars and SUVs over the course of many years. I'd say I have a pretty good "eye" for how vehicles perform. Then again, there's only so much you can do on a 8 minute test drive with my mom in the backseat.

I'm relatively new to EVs and I'm willing to take the criticism.

I held back during my first mile with guide too so I didn't get to experience full throttle, so I definitely understand where you're coming from. Guides, if you're reading this you should encourage your customers to launch it! Looking forward to full send once my S arrives!

 

[domoplaytime]

Before you have time to register it, feel like you're in control, and look down, you're already at 60+.

Thank you for telling me in that other thread what streets you like to drive on. I feel safer with that information.

 

[shamoo]

Interesting. The BMW X5M appears to be rated almost a full second slower 0-60 than the R1S. (3.7 seconds I believe) still a potent vehicle but I would imagine to someone with as much performance driving experience as you say you have it would have been a noticeable improvement in the R1S. No idea what the issue might have been.

Consensus is that I didn't actually put the pedal to the floor in Sport mode. I generally don't have to in my experience to determine the general driving dynamics, but suppose the Rivian is different.

 

[seanocono]

Nope, not a Plaid but the Long Range. Still a 3 second 0-60mph sprint and significantly faster above 60mph than prior models.

Even though not a Plaid, yes very different vehicles. A bit muted, as with most EVs, but I expected the general dynamics to be similar to the Rivian.

As stated above, I admit I did not floor the gas pedal so maybe that's why. Everyone is saying Sport + WOT is the way to go to really feel it.

I know the TRX and Raptor aren't actually *that* fast compared to performance SUVs or even Rivians so I hesitate to try to compare.

Now it is time to see if I can get some more seat time, but this time floor it.

I totally understand. I didn’t absolutely rip it on my R1S First Mile either. In addition to the guide, I had my wife, toddler, and baby with me. But since you live in Orange County, you should look at Turo. I rented a R1T for a couple days last weekend, and am renting a R1S for two days this weekend. Two days of actual use is so much more informative than a test drive. I frankly find the whole test drive experience artificial and awkward. It’s better than nothing, but it’s not the same as living with the vehicle for a couple of days. And I’m saying that for all auto manufacturers, not just Rivian.

 

[staytuned]

Rivian sure seems to leave a lot of power at the bottom 10% or so of pedal travel.

 

[jebinc]

I'm sure your guide, and mom, appreciated you driving the way you did. I've read several complaints from others about giving their passengers motion sickness. I definitely believe it, and if you've ever been a passenger in a track car on the track, you'd understand that feeling too.

Nah, try driving a Tesla MS Plaid for true motion sickness at launch. I have one in bay 3.

 

[DJG]

I don’t think I’ve ever done that myself. ?

You should try, it's like taking the training wheels off.

 

[Inkedsphynx]

Thank you for telling me in that other thread what streets you like to drive on. I feel safer with that information.

I drive on every street. You're safe nowhere

 

[domoplaytime]

I drive on every street. You're safe nowhere

Oh yes, you made that clear and I shall be staying at home from now on. What's the term for a Garage Queen when you only have one vehicle? A Hermit Cab?

 

[kurtlikevonnegut]

To echo what others have said, don't make any judgement on whether it feels fast until you've done the full launch sequence from a stop (sport, Low/Lowest, foot on brake, foot on throttle, hold 3 seconds, drop the brake).

If you still feel that it's not fast after that, I don't know what to tell you because we have very different definitions of what "fast" is.

 

[3l3c7r1c]

I haven't got my R1S yet but test drove an R1T. I too got little disappointed when I floored the pedal - no violent picking up. But it did quickly accelerated to 80 afterwards. I think in some interview RJ actually explains the problems with instant torque and he said that the torque has to be regulated initially to avoid spinning wheels. Result? it does achieves the goal but more smoothly. I actually like that they do it because even my underpower car spins wheel in Seattle's wet road or gravel road when I forget where I am driving.

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