120 miles/day - Rivian R2 vs BMW i3X

[Donald Stanfield]

I think the OOS video with teh software designer is probably the more enlightening of the two. IMO very impressive and more than what I see on my R1 on numerous dimensions. BMW seems to be really upping their game.

I watched almost the whole first video. I'd have to say you have a strong argument that BMW's software is better than Rivian's.

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[Megaman0025]

It needs to be more reliable than my gen1 R1T that just died in my driveway yesterday.

That’s a bummer dude, what happened?

 

[NY_Rob]

As @Donald Stanfield asked above... how far are you from a Rivian Service Center? That's a huge factor, or rather it should be. Also, BMW pretty much always offers loaners any time you need to leave the vehicle.. they outright offer it vs. you sometimes having to plead your case for a loaner from Rivian. BMW service is (usually) run like a well oiled machine, and you can easily call your local BMW shop and speak directly with the Service Writer without going through time wasting stops interacting with goofy AI apps or a national Call Center first.

 

[carsly]

I own a 2023 BMW X5 M (definitely NOT electric) and have owned a few X3's and X5's in the past. For fit, finish, comfort, quiet and reliability in the first five years it's tough to beat BMW. But they don't age well. I've also owned some BMW's that were 10+ years old and BMW's use of plastic parts in the engine compartment means guaranteed expensive failures. There is a reason BMW sometimes stands for Break My Wallet. Oh, and it's had one OTA software update since it was new - 2023.50. So no updates in years. BMW tends NOT to regularly update vehicle software.

I also own a 2025 Rivian R1S. It's bigger outside, not that much bigger inside aside from the third row. The frunk is a nice plus. Range is pretty poor, in over a year I'm averaging 1.6 mi/kwh which, on my 109 kwh "Large" pack means real-world highway range is about 150-180 miles. That's with the more efficient 22" road tires mind you. In vehicle software is easy to use, better than BMW, but the app connectivity is pretty poor. Expect the red cloud and/or please try again when trying to precondition...in your driveway...when connected to WiFi. Scheduled pre-conditioning works. We've adjusted to not use the R1S for road trips despite that being the initial intent.

Honestly, for a five-seat cross/over EV/SUV you'd be hard pressed to beat the updated Model Y. I owned a 2023 Model Y Performance and own a 2024 Cybertruck AWD and FSD is a game-changer for road tripping. I did a 600 mile out and back to Boston a few weekends ago on FSD without touching the steering wheel or pedals, it even exited the highway and backed me into a charger. Tesla Superchargers are generally available and plug-and-play charging that always works is a massive plus. No thinking about mapping routes in advance or planning charging. Just go. Both are very quiet on highways (the Cybertruck more so now that active noise cancellation came via OTA) and the software just works, always. The app, same thing - just works. Phone as a Key is a little flaky in the Rivian but on the Teslas, also just works.

From an ownership perspective, for on-road travel and peace of mind and ease of use it's easy to see why the Model Y is/has been the best-selling vehicle in the world.

I like the potential of BMW iX3 and Rivian R2 - but keep in mind that's what it is today, potential. Model Y is a proven platform that's been iterated and refined over seven model years. Both R2 and iX3 are likely to have first year gremlins - it happens to every automaker. If you're set on one of these, I'd wait until the 2028 model year or even 2029 until the bugs get worked out. Otherwise expect frustration and extra service center visits.

 

[Zorg]

That’s a bummer dude, what happened?

Waiting for SC to tell me

 

[Zorg]

I

I also own a 2025 Rivian R1S. It's bigger outside, not that much bigger inside aside from the third row. The frunk is a nice plus. Range is pretty poor, in over a year I'm averaging 1.6 mi/kwh which, on my 109 kwh "Large" pack means real-world highway range is about 150-180 miles. That's with the more efficient 22" road tires mind you. In vehicle software is easy to use, better than BMW, but the app connectivity is pretty poor. Expect the red cloud and/or please try again when trying to precondition...in your driveway...when connected to WiFi. Scheduled pre-conditioning works. We've adjusted to not use the R1S for road trips despite that being the initial intent.

Our gen2 R1S got 2.2mpk over the last 10k miles and we live in the mountains.

 

[carsly]

Our gen2 R1S got 2.2mpk over the last 10k miles and we live in the mountains.

Trade? LOL

 

[rinconryder]

Go BMW. I just don't think Rivian is where it should be at the price point. I just took delivery of an R1T not too long ago and while it is great for my purposes there are things that are really annoying about it. Build quality is a bit marginal and the autonomy + is hot garbage. You could also get a Tesla model 3 or y if it is a pure commuter. The FSD on the Tesla is outstanding.

 

[loqueid]

Why does BMW have to have such ugly "fenders"? Would be a good option (yes, maybe a little ironic from me owning a hippo)

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