Rival: 2026 BMW iX3 reviews are impressive... R2 has its work cut out

[Apprunner]

I like performance as much as the next person but it is only one aspect of the vehicle and if range, charging speed, additional color choices (interior and exterior), servicing availability and probably quality matter to you more than zero to sixty then I can see why people could migrate over to the iX3

I agree but if they don't want performance, most likely will be comparing a $48-50k version of the R2 vs. the $65k version of the BMW. If I want the crazy performance, I'll look at a R2 at ~$60-80k vs. ~$100k iX3M version probably. That is all i'm saying...BMW will always be more expensive because its a higher tier vehicle.

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[DuoRivian]

I agree but if they don't want performance, most likely will be comparing a $48-50k version of the R2 vs. the $65k version of the BMW. If I want the crazy performance, I'll look at a R2 at ~$60-80k vs. ~$100k iX3M version probably. That is all i'm saying...BMW will always be more expensive because its a higher tier vehicle.

I would compare the $54k R2 Premium with the iX3. There are also smaller battery models coming out so the price goes into the 50s.
I would expect BMW to cost more as it is a true premium brand.

The EX60 will be the true competitor since it is cheaper and it will offer an equivalent model to the Performance with the P12. Their configurator is rumored to be out before the end of May, ahead of Rivian. Will be interesting to see.

 

[mkg3]

I agree but if they don't want performance, most likely will be comparing a $48-50k version of the R2 vs. the $65k version of the BMW. If I want the crazy performance, I'll look at a R2 at ~$60-80k vs. ~$100k iX3M version probably. That is all i'm saying...BMW will always be more expensive because its a higher tier vehicle.

These are sort of notional.

Maybe I missed it but has someone configured iX3 closest to R2 LE? I notice there was one comparison with panoramic roof and seat massager at $72K. R2 does not have a seat massager and don't know what other options were selected for the iX3.

Dual motor with the largest battery pack, similar interior appointments and then compare the warrantee duration, milage and if any annual maintenance is included or not.

 

[VandalSibs]

I just put my $1k down. Unless the Rivian comes in way cheaper we will get the iX3. The wife and kid likes the BMW more, so you know how these things go




Yeah or never bought a vehicle directly from the manufacturer before or is unfamiliar with the Rivian process. Which there are probably a lot of unfamiliar people with the process as there are about to be a lot of new Rivian owners

Documentation and/or Destination fees happen on all new car sales, not just those directly purchased from a manufacturer. It's on the Monroney sticker/page for every new vehicle.

 

[mellowthecat]

This is exactly where I am. I am so incredibly disappointed that Rivian decided to embrace ten-year-old powertrain architecture. Everyone in the world are leaning forward into 800V+ (heck the Chinese are leaning into megawatt charging in the entry models) and Rivian decided to bet the entire company's future on leaning backwards to 2018 Tesla. I genuinely like so much about the R2, but I cannot deal with that combination of range and charging. Maybe if they offered a slow charging max pack like our R1S I might rethink, or a fast charging medium range pack like Hyundai might even get me to rethink (and I would happily pay an extra $10k for an 800V 110kwh real competitor!) but sadly I am not buying something in 2027 that has less real range and charging speed than the 2019 model Y.

hear hear

 

[manitou202]

Just made a reservation. Assuming I'll be contact by our dealership shortly. Went with Eucalyptus Green, with the reddish brown interior, and all options except the driving assist package. It's my wife's spec and would replace her R1S.

We will see what the R2 details look like in a month.

https://www.bmwusa.com/build-your-own.html#/studio/fvn0ya9p/summary

 

[Sportstick]

@manitou202: I just did the same for an MSport Pro. 434 miles of range for the U.S. I've been away from this forum for a while after canceling my R2 reservation. I came back to see what was happening and saw how this thread had grown. I also realized I would have eventually canceled R2 anyway after learning that the interiors are either black or white. I would not accept either. I also gave up on waiting for Volvo EX60 to even announce timing for US orders while telling Europeans that the wait is now 12+ months. CATL has a new NMC battery standard (NP 3.0) for BMW production after July that now satisfies those concerns I have. Anyway, the iX3 should arrive by Thanksgiving to New Year. Best wishes to all who continue with R2!

 

[mellowthecat]

 

[Jeremy3292]

This is exactly where I am. I am so incredibly disappointed that Rivian decided to embrace ten-year-old powertrain architecture. Everyone in the world are leaning forward into 800V+ (heck the Chinese are leaning into megawatt charging in the entry models) and Rivian decided to bet the entire company's future on leaning backwards to 2018 Tesla. I genuinely like so much about the R2, but I cannot deal with that combination of range and charging. Maybe if they offered a slow charging max pack like our R1S I might rethink, or a fast charging medium range pack like Hyundai might even get me to rethink (and I would happily pay an extra $10k for an 800V 110kwh real competitor!) but sadly I am not buying something in 2027 that has less real range and charging speed than the 2019 model Y.

Serious question: why did you buy 2 R1 then? Worse than Tesla on charging. I mean really bad charging for a $100k vehicle lol.

 

[windblowlc]

@manitou202: I just did the same for an MSport Pro. 434 miles of range for the U.S. I've been away from this forum for a while after canceling my R2 reservation. I came back to see what was happening and saw how this thread had grown. I also realized I would have eventually canceled R2 anyway after learning that the interiors are either black or white. I would not accept either. I also gave up on waiting for Volvo EX60 to even announce timing for US orders while telling Europeans that the wait is now 12+ months. CATL has a new NMC battery standard (NP 3.0) for BMW production after July that now satisfies those concerns I have. Anyway, the iX3 should arrive by Thanksgiving to New Year. Best wishes to all who continue with R2!

I'd take the black and white interior with a straight screen over this interior and the crooked screen any day.

 

[rfkxyz]

BMW generally not my thing, but found offered colors and costs (especially for non-metallic white) to be interesting -

 

[DuoRivian]

I understand the focus on the iX3 since it has just launched the configurator. However the Volvo EX60 is likely the stronger competitor since brand image is similar to Rivian (environmental, white collar professional), pricing will be more comparable (rumored to start at $58k for the P10 vs R2 Premium - with same range and 0-60), has a very comparable specification as standard (glass roof, heated/cooled seats, a better stereo). Then adds the bonus of super fast L3 charging.

Configurator could be out on May 20th from report as well as driving impressions. Certainly good to have options.

 

[MrHockey17]

If Rivian introduces an 800V R2 / R1 soon, all I’m going to say is that a lot of 400V R2 / R1 owners are going to be upset or jealous.

I think there’s a lot of coping going on to try to say 400V is “fine”

Also, the R2 has a ~100kwh battery pack. Why do people say it’s a “small” pack? Maybe under 70kwh is, but 100kwh is larger than a dual standard R1 pack

You are right. My Bolt EUV has a 65kWh battery. Small.

 

[Jeremy3292]

I cannot imagine Rivian is going to 800v anytime soon. They purpose built R2 (and R3) from the ground up and the supply chain that goes along with it. Maybe they will one day but that day seems far off, like 2030 or so. Outside of slightly faster DC charging, which the battery cells still have to be able to accept, there is no benefit to the consumer for 800v architecture.

Rivian has to successfully ramp R2 to tens of thousands of vehicles a year, build a new factory in Georgia, build and ramp R3, and also send Uber 50,000 R2's as well. That is their focus.

 

[Great Gatsby]

I understand the focus on the iX3 since it has just launched the configurator. However the Volvo EX60 is likely the stronger competitor since brand image is similar to Rivian (environmental, white collar professional), pricing will be more comparable (rumored to start at $58k for the P10 vs R2 Premium - with same range and 0-60), has a very comparable specification as standard (glass roof, heated/cooled seats, a better stereo). Then adds the bonus of super fast L3 charging.

Configurator could be out on May 20th from report as well as driving impressions. Certainly good to have options.

Agreed. The Volvo is also a less divisive in the looks department. Inside and out.

Depending on how quickly we can get the P12 or Cross Country trim in the states, I might end up waiting. Out of everything coming out in the next few months, the EX60 is likely the closest competitor.

The iX3 is a spec monster but I'm finding myself trying to convince myself that I don't hate the looks more than anything. On paper it should be my next car but wow did they make far too many choices I do not agree with on the design front.

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