BMW iX vs Rivian R1S: Specs Compared

Also searched as Rivian R1S vs BMW iX specs — both orientations show this same side-by-side comparison.

The BMW iX is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 97 mpg combined versus 85 mpg for the Rivian R1S, a 12 mpg advantage and costs about $100 less per year to fuel.

Across 4 measured categories, the BMW iX leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2022–2026

BMW iX

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 35 configurations

97mpg combined (best)
All BMW iX specs

2022–2027

Rivian R1S

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 94 configurations

85mpg combined (best)
All Rivian R1S specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricBMW iXRivian R1S
Best combined MPG97 mpg ✓85 mpg
Best city MPG99 mpg ✓94 mpg
Best highway MPG94 mpg ✓77 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$800 ✓$900
Lowest CO2 outputNot availableNot available
Engines offeredNot availableNot available
TransmissionsAutomatic (A1)Automatic (A1)
DrivetrainsAll-Wheel Drive4-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesElectricityElectricity
EPA classStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Years covered2022–20262022–2027
Configurations on record3594

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

BMW iX vs Rivian R1S dimensions and size

The Rivian R1S is 5.9 inches longer than the BMW iX on a wheelbase 3.2 inches longer, and 1,380.1 lbs heavier. At over 200 inches, the larger of the two is past the comfortable limit of a standard 192-inch single garage bay once you allow walking room.

BMW iX versus Rivian R1S exterior dimensions
DimensionBMW iX (2026)Rivian R1S (2026)Difference
Length194.9 in200.8 in5.9 in
Width (excl. mirrors)77.2 in79.1 in2 in
Height66.5 in77.2 in10.6 in
Wheelbase118.1 in121.3 in3.2 in
Curb weight5,688 lbs7,068 lbs1,380 lbs

Width excludes mirrors; add 8–12 inches for mirrors out. Figures are for the newest model year on record for each vehicle. See both drawn to scale.

BMW iX vs Rivian R1S: what the numbers mean

Running cost over five years: at the EPA's 15,000-mile-a-year assumption the BMW iX burns about $800 of fuel annually against $900 for the Rivian R1S. That $100 yearly gap compounds to roughly $500 over five years and $800 over eight — often more than the price difference between two trims of the same vehicle, and the single largest running-cost line item separating these two.

City and highway economy: the BMW iX leads in both cycles — 99 mpg city and 94 mpg highway against 94 and 77 mpg — so its fuel-efficiency advantage holds whether you commute in traffic or cover long highway miles.

Drivetrain and class: the BMW iX is offered with All-Wheel Drive, the Rivian R1S with 4-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive. All-wheel drive typically costs one to two mpg combined against the same vehicle in front- or rear-wheel drive, which is worth remembering when the gap between these two is small. The EPA classes them as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD and Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD respectively — the class drives the interior volume, cargo space and passenger space each one is measured against.

iX vs R1S: common questions

Which is better on gas, the BMW iX or the Rivian R1S?

The BMW iX is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 97 mpg combined versus 85 mpg for the Rivian R1S, a 12 mpg advantage and costs about $100 less per year to fuel.

Which costs less to run per year?

By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the BMW iX runs about $800 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $900 for the Rivian R1S — a difference of roughly $100 per year.

What engines do the iX and R1S offer?

BMW iX: no engine data on record. Rivian R1S: no engine data on record.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

Yes — the EPA classifies both the BMW iX and the Rivian R1S as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.

More iX comparisons

More R1S comparisons

Comparison id: bmw-ix-vs-rivian-r1s