Rivian R1S questions.

[SANZC02]

Sounds good. I thought about it just now for about two hours straight, I’m going to go with the Rivian, I booked yet another demo drive for tomorrow. I’d love the quad…but the only ones I see have 22s. I’d want the more efficient option since it will be my first EV, and I’d rather the All-Terrains, plus the DM with all terrain is closer to my budget of 90k vs the quad at about 97. Maybe in the future, quad .

The 22s are actually more efficient than the 20 all terrains. The most efficient setup are the 21 all seasons.

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[bmwlad24]

Sounds like you are better spending money on more range than the performance option.
The Rivian will be different than most Legacy brands in that the build quality is not nearly as good. Be prepared for squeaks and rattles. Otherwise I think you'll love the car. At 80mph+ be prepared for about 2mi/kwh efficiency on a dual motor with street tires. Drive 70mph and get about 2.25-2.5. It's solid at any speed, in the corners and off road.

It’s such a work of art for a 7700 pound suv to handle and drive so well…I guess I’ll suck up the rattles haha. If there was a DM performance on the list…I’d 100% get it over the DM, but I don’t see any in that spec that’s a DM performance, in white with ocean on the website.

 

[bmwlad24]

I think you are a prime-candidate for PHEV, to see if the whole EV thing makes sense. $90K is a lot to drop if you are, as iffy as you sound. Otherwise, I would pick up a 2023 R1S in the $78K range, especially if in GA you don't pay taxes on a private party sale......YMMV

That’s what I thought at first…why not have the best of both worlds, but I’ve realized, I already will have a gas car backup (21 Rogue), so i figure I’ll go all electric. $90k is indeed a lot…I may consider used, however, if new is what it will be, then I’m all for it…100k after taxes.

 

[HaveBlue]

It’s such a work of art for a 7700 pound suv to handle and drive so well…I guess I’ll suck up the rattles haha. If there was a DM performance on the list…I’d 100% get it over the DM, but I don’t see any in that spec that’s a DM performance, in white with ocean on the website.

Perf is just a software unlock and it only functions in sport mode. Usually just drive around in all purpose.

 

[bmwlad24]

The 22s are actually more efficient than the 20 all terrains. The most efficient setup are the 21 all seasons.

22 would definitely be my first pick…but I feel like the 20” AT just suit the look better. It looks perfect with them on in my opinion. And to see that it will still give 307 miles of range while with the AT is great. But, part of me wants the quad!!

 

[Redline]

22 would definitely be my first pick…but I feel like the 20” AT just suit the look better. It looks perfect with them on in my opinion. And to see that it will still give 307 miles of range while with the AT is great. But, part of me wants the quad!!

Get the 22s. I have them, and they’re worth it. The 21s are only slightly more efficient and they have less tire options.

 

[SANZC02]

22 would definitely be my first pick…but I feel like the 20” AT just suit the look better. It looks perfect with them on in my opinion. And to see that it will still give 307 miles of range while with the AT is great. But, part of me wants the quad!!

Just for your reference, I have 22s on my R1S, range estimate at 100% in conserve is 318, 287 in all purpose.

My over all average in 14k miles is around 2.25 miles per kWh

 

[Dave Cundiff]

90 mph commuting? Yikes. I don’t know of any roads I take where I could safely maintain that speed during rush hour traffic.

Whether an EV is for you, or in this case a Rivian, depends on your tolerance and availability of recharging infrastructure and your tolerance for inconvenience should something go wrong.

As for dual pane glass, I can’t say I’ve ever heard of any vehicles that have that. Weight, cost, and engineering to accommodate don’t line up with most use cases.

When I drive on the East Coast, I give thanks for the Washington State Patrol. I'm always happy to get home where speed limits are enforced!

I can handle traffic at whatever speed it goes -- I can hold my own in Los Angeles if I need to -- but wide car-to-car variations in speed, wherever speeding is tolerated, lead me to expect increased crash and death rates.

***

That being said, the R1S seems to be the best vehicle I've ever driven for AVOIDING crashes. Rivian's adaptive cruise is even more responsive to hazards than the 2023 Bolt's adaptive cruise. (Actually, it's oversensitive, sometimes slowing for opposing traffic on tight two-lane roads -- but I'd rather have that than the opposite.) Rivian's lane change warnings are also better.

And, while I never forget the harm the Rivian's weight and height could do to others, there's comfort in knowing that my wife and I aren't likely to get badly injured if we, or the deer, or the elk, misjudge distances and speed and get into a wildlife-vs-vehicle crash.

So, if I have to drive in an 80-90 mph environment, I want to do it in a Rivian. Good luck on your choice, @bmwlad24!

 

[bmwlad24]

When I drive on the East Coast, I give thanks for the Washington State Patrol. I'm always happy to get home where speed limits are enforced!

I can handle traffic at whatever speed it goes -- I can hold my own in Los Angeles if I need to -- but wide car-to-car variations in speed, wherever speeding is tolerated, lead me to expect increased crash and death rates.

***

That being said, the R1S seems to be the best vehicle I've ever driven for AVOIDING crashes. Rivian's adaptive cruise is even more responsive to hazards than the 2023 Bolt's adaptive cruise. (Actually, it's oversensitive, sometimes slowing for opposing traffic on tight two-lane roads -- but I'd rather have that than the opposite.) Rivian's lane change warnings are also better.

And, while I never forget the harm the Rivian's weight and height could do to others, there's comfort in knowing that my wife and I aren't likely to get badly injured if we, or the deer, or the elk, misjudge distances and speed and get into a wildlife-vs-vehicle crash.

So, if I have to drive in an 80-90 mph environment, I want to do it in a Rivian. Good luck on your choice, @bmwlad24!

Thanks a lot Dave!

 

[bmwlad24]

Just for your reference, I have 22s on my R1S, range estimate at 100% in conserve is 318, 287 in all purpose.

My over all average in 14k miles is around 2.25 miles per kWh

Nice to know.

 

[bmwlad24]

Get the 22s. I have them, and they’re worth it. The 21s are only slightly more efficient and they have less tire options.

I think I’m going with the 22s with quad motor….the fact that the quad exists makes me want it. The more power = more happy. However, will report after drive tomorrow, depending on weather.

 

[bmwlad24]

Perf is just a software unlock and it only functions in sport mode. Usually just drive around in all purpose.

Didn’t know that! Thanks for the info.

 

[Gen(R3)Xer]

Hello Everyone, I am new to this forum, and to EVs! I’ve seen lots of Rivians, as well as test driven them, and compared it to Model X, and Mercedes GLE450e(PHEV). However, I have questions. First off, would you recommend me to get an EV? Second, how is reliability? I plan to keep this for at least 7 years, and I commute 70 miles x 5 days a week. How’s the range when driving about 80-90mph? How’s the wind noise compared to say a Mercedes, does it have dual pane glass? Would you recommend Dual Motor or Performance Dual Motor? I am so torn on whether I want a PHEV or an EV. Mercedes and Rivian are my top choices. Please help me out here. This is the one I plan to get, https://rivian.com/configurations/checkout
It’s the white one for $92,350.

EV reliability varies across brands, models, and features. Some have better fit and finish, some have better charging capabilities.

Do you have your own garage? Is there a 220V outlet nearby or would you be willing to get a NEMA 14-50 outlet installed? Having a home charger makes all the difference in the world. It’s slower, but way cheaper than DC fast charging. Most EVs have a range of over 200 miles per charge, but you’ll have to charge up every few days.

Driving faster will use up more battery, just like driving faster uses up more gasoline.

I’d recommend leasing an EV. That way it’s like a long-term rental with the option to buyout the lease, unless it’s a Tesla. Try owning an EV for 2 or 3 years before fully committing. This also gives EVs a chance to advance their battery tech and stabilize their prices.

 

[MtnRiv]

Hello Everyone, I am new to this forum, and to EVs! I’ve seen lots of Rivians, as well as test driven them, and compared it to Model X, and Mercedes GLE450e(PHEV). However, I have questions. First off, would you recommend me to get an EV? Second, how is reliability? I plan to keep this for at least 7 years, and I commute 70 miles x 5 days a week. How’s the range when driving about 80-90mph? How’s the wind noise compared to say a Mercedes, does it have dual pane glass? Would you recommend Dual Motor or Performance Dual Motor? I am so torn on whether I want a PHEV or an EV. Mercedes and Rivian are my top choices. Please help me out here. This is the one I plan to get, https://rivian.com/configurations/checkout
It’s the white one for $92,350.

Commute:

Any of the current options will give you plenty of range for your commute. Do you have charging options at work? Not that you would need it, but it would mean less range anxiety for you as a virgin EV owner?. DM vs DM performance is really a preference. Both are way faster than most cars on the road. If you are looking for 0-60 speed…then get a quad. Also, there will be an option to pay for a DM performance upgrade if you feel you need it. Maybe just get the DM and if you need a little extra Lightning McQueen, pay for the upgrade to the performance. If it was my commuter with that distance,I would go DM large or max. If you’re driving at 80, you’ll still have enough range. 90, probably not an issue either, but I would expect some decrease in range at that speed. Speed isn’t as big of a factor as the conditions. If you are running AC or heat at full blast the whole drive, you will lose more range than the speed variance, but honestly, if you have a 140 mile round trip and say charge to 85-90 percent, you shouldn’t have an issue. Now, if you are climbing Mt. Everest on your commute, sorry to say, you probably need an ICE.

Noise:

I haven’t driven the Mercedes, but it’s probably a little quieter. The real culprit with noise is going to be tires. If you go with the 20’s, it will be significantly louder than the 21 or 22’s. That’s normal in any car. Honestly, if you don’t need the AT’s and you commute a ton, I would go with the 21’s. You can always get AT tires later and your noise will be a lot less.

Reliability:

well for me it’s been amazing. My 2020 F250 has been in the shop for 7 months. No loaner, nothing. They can’t seem to fix anything for long enough to get it off the lot. EV’s have significantly less moving parts. Any car can have problems, but you’re less likely to have as many problems with an EV due to wear and tear. The warranty is way better that most companies and they really take care of you compared to most other brands. I can’t say for Mercedes. I’ve never owned one.

PHEV:

honestly, I’ve had both and a PHEV is really for people who don’t fully trust EV’s. They are fine, but I wouldn’t recommend for your commute. Most PHEV’s have small batteries, and when they run out, they are actually LESS efficient that their ICE counterparts. I would stick with a hybrid vs a PHEV for your commute. You will also have the same maintenance costs and issues of ICE engines. Actually, many times you will find PHEV’s cost more to maintain as they tend to constantly turn on and off in an instant on and go scenario, which can actually be bad for the ICE engine in the long run.

I am a first time “I would never buy an EV!” Convert and I absolutely love it. The best car and experience I’ve ever had. Will you have problems with something? Maybe. I have not had any unusual issues and the issues I had were easily remedied.

I have a 2023 R1S quad with the 20’s. I love it when I get to drive it. Range is not an issue like I thought it would be. We just got back from a 1,600 mile road trip. No issues. You will adapt to a new driving experience, but I can say, I like it better and I am from a family who hated EV’s and would roll coal when I passed a Prius when I was younger (sorry to those people…kinda?). Just buy the damn thing?.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

Hello Everyone, I am new to this forum, and to EVs! I’ve seen lots of Rivians, as well as test driven them, and compared it to Model X, and Mercedes GLE450e(PHEV). However, I have questions.

First off, would you recommend me to get an EV? I think this depends. If you can charge at home or at the office and don't mind a bit of extra time on road trips an EV is the way to go for sure

Second, how is reliability?
I would say it's fairly good especially for a new car maker. There still aren't many service centers and while Rivian has been good at prioritizing critical service issues, non critical service items can be subject to long wait times for service.



I plan to keep this for at least 7 years, and I commute 70 miles x 5 days a week. How’s the range when driving about 80-90mph?
Range is good. The large pack can go about 260mi at 80 mph 100-0% (less in frigid winter temps). I haven't tested at 90 but it will be significantly lower at that speed. Should be perfectly adequate range for your commute.


How’s the wind noise compared to say a Mercedes, does it have dual pane glass?
No dual pane glass and wind noise has been a common complaint. There are some things to mitigate it though and I wouldn't say it's terrible. These are more adventure vehicles than luxury. They will never be "bank vault silent". If this is a high priority Mercedes and BMW do a better job with NVH.

Would you recommend Dual Motor or Performance Dual Motor?
Again depends on what your priorities are and what you need from it. Performance will have 665 vs 533 HP and a couple extra drive modes but it's coming in at a higher price point too. 533 HP and 4.5 second 0-60 is still really quick for a 7,000 lb SUV


I am so torn on whether I want a PHEV or an EV. Mercedes and Rivian are my top choices. Please help me out here. This is the one I plan to get, https://rivian.com/configurations/checkout
It’s the white one for $92,350.

Responses in Bold.

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