Rivian Mom
Active Wheeler
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2024
- Messages
- 271
- Reaction score
- 30
- Rivian
- R1S
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
