Compare the2023 BMW X5 xDrive45eVS 2023 Rivian R1S

The X5 xDrive45e’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The R1S doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The X5 xDrive45e has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The R1S doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The X5 xDrive45e has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The R1S doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The X5 xDrive45e offers an optional Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The R1S doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

Both the X5 xDrive45e and the R1S have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its available headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the X5 xDrive45e the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2022, a rating granted to only 175 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The R1S has not been tested, yet.

The X5 xDrive45e’s corrosion warranty is 4 years longer than the R1S’ (12 vs. 8 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X5 xDrive45e for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Rivian doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the R1S.

The X5 xDrive45e’s maximum EPA estimated range on a full tank and a full charge is 431 miles, after which it can be refueled at any gas station in minutes. The R1S’ range is only 260 to 321 miles, after which the minimum time to recharge is 41 minutes for only an 80% charge at a specially configured quick charge station not available in most areas. A full recharge at a professionally installed 220-volt charging station can take up to 11 hours and 44 minutes.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the X5 xDrive45e can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The R1S doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

For better maneuverability, the X5 xDrive45e’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the R1S’ (41.3 feet vs. 43.3 feet).

The BMW X5 xDrive45e may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1350 pounds less than the Rivian R1S.

The X5 xDrive45e is 6.5 inches shorter than the R1S, making the X5 xDrive45e easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The X5 xDrive45e is 8.7 inches shorter in height than the R1S, making the X5 xDrive45e much easier to wash and garage and drive (lower center of gravity).

For excellent aerodynamics, the X5 xDrive45e has standard flush composite headlights. The R1S has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The X5 xDrive45e has a much larger cargo volume than the R1S 4dr Sport Utility with its rear seat up (33.1 vs. 17.6 cubic feet).

Both the X5 xDrive45e and the R1S have standard second row automatic folding seats. The X5 xDrive45e’s optional third row seats also fold down at the press of a button. The R1S doesn’t offer automatic folding third row seats.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the X5 xDrive45e. The R1S doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the X5 xDrive45e’s tailgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The R1S doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its tailgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

The X5 xDrive45e offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The R1S doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the X5 xDrive45e to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The R1S doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the X5 xDrive45e has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The R1S doesn’t offer cornering lights. The X5 xDrive45e also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The X5 xDrive45e’s standard side window demisters help clear frost or condensation from the side windows in the winter. The R1S doesn’t even offer side window demisters, so the driver may have to wipe the windows from the outside to gain side vision.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the X5 xDrive45e to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The R1S doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

When the X5 xDrive45e is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The R1S’ mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The X5 xDrive45e offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the R1S.

The X5 xDrive45e’s optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The R1S doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The BMW X5 outsold the Rivian R1S by almost 103 to one during 2022.