COMPARING BMW X7 AND RIVIAN R1S: THE SUPERIOR SUV

Morgan · 2024-12-22T17:10:59+00:00

Now that I've installed the SnapPlate front license plate holder, I finally filled out the EveryAmp review. Here it is. Hope it helps others: Shipped promptly, so the license plate holder arrived well before we picked up the car. Engineered and built VERY precisely to hold the plate very close to the front bumper without scraping. Installation instructions were clear, would have benefited from one more picture showing how to find the center slots in the grille. Grille Depth Adjustment instructions were also clear; with one half-turn adjustment of three screws, the license plate holder fit PERFECTLY in place. Check the EveryAmp web site for photographs of how much their product blocks the front camera image at every setting. After reviewing the photos, I chose the center setting. I find the camera interference at that setting is trivial for me. There's a lot of competition for the front-of-R1 real estate. My understanding is that Rivian's front plate holder requires drilling a hole in a perfectly good vehicle, and can also block a small part of the camera image. Tow hook mounts take a tow hook out of commission, and can block a sensor. EveryAmp's mount is designed to protect the grille by snapping off when attacked by a car-wash brush, so you have to dismount it (relatively easy to do) and remount it before washing. I'm still happy with the EveryAmp product, which we have installed in our R1S and now R1T. Very best wishes!

Rivian Mom

Member

Oct 31, 2024

So over the weekend I had the option to rent a BMW X7. This would be my first experience with the X7 (but not BMW), and below are some general thoughts:

insta-save.net_InstagramPost_bmw_myeongji_3347819064155082689.jpeg

insta-save.net_InstagramPost_carsandbids_2917913815678456176.jpeg

At first glance, the interior appears much more refined and luxurious. Materials feel a step up over Rivian. Ride quality at speed is more supple and smooth. Back seats have excellent room for passengers. Interior style is nice, but still lots of plastic that seems to be a BMW calling card.

insta-save.net_InstagramPost_bmw_myeongji_3347819064004007177.jpeg

Though the front seats look better, they are not as comfortable as the Rivian. My friend made a similar complaint after sitting in the seats for an hour. This was surprising because my friend has a 550 GT, which has the most comfortable seats ever. Cargo space is much better in Rivian, especially when you add in the trunk.

insta-save.net_InstagramPost_milesperhr_2973989101054212476.jpeg

Tech, this is where I miss my Rivian the most when traveling. BMW software is slow. UI is not intuitive. Too many buttons. And CarPlay is buggy and feels dated and slow to me. I’ve come to prefer navigation on Rivian over Waze.

Driving dynamics have the Rivian the clear winner. The X7 has plenty of power, but it still feels like a bus comparatively. Body roll is much more pronounced, steeling inputs seem empty, and throttle response is sluggish. A car does not feel composed in traffic or in brisk driving. It’s a firm reminder that Rivian really pulled off something remarkable with how they’ve managed to make a 7,000-pound family hauler so sporty.

Overall, the BMW X7 is a fine vehicle, and I would own one without much complaint. But for me, hands down, the Rivian is the better overall vehicle.