Rivian R1T vs BMW i5
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Rivian R1T | BMW i5 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 600 | 601 | -0.2% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 813 | 820 | -0.9% |
| Energy use (kWh/100km) | 29.9 | 18.2 | +64.3% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (NHTSA) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Electric | Electric | — |
| Transmission | 1-Speed Automatic | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $73,000 | $107,460 | -32.1% |
- BMW i5 makes about 0% more power (601 vs 600 hp).
- BMW i5 is the more efficient EV, using 18.2 kWh/100km against 29.9.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (US and Germany); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: R1T or i5?
Rivian R1T advantages
- Affordability (+32%)
BMW i5 advantages
- Energy efficiency (+39%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Rivian R1T if you want the lower upfront cost.
- Choose the BMW i5 if you want the lowest charging costs per km.
Value for money
Rivian R1T delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Rivian R1T vs BMW i5: which should you choose?
Rivian R1T (2022 Adventure Dual-Motor) — electric pickup with 600 hp and 813 Nm, rated at 29.9 kWh/100km, 5-star NHTSA safety; priced near $73,000 in the US market.
BMW i5 (2024 M60 xDrive) — electric sedan with 601 hp and 820 Nm, rated at 18.2 kWh/100km, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $107,460 in the Germany market.
Rivian R1T vs BMW i5: BMW i5 is more powerful. BMW i5 makes about 0% more power (601 vs 600 hp). BMW i5 is the more efficient EV, using 18.2 kWh/100km against 29.9.
Performance
The BMW i5 is the more powerful, at 601 hp against 600 hp, with 820 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a automatic transmission.
Running costs
The BMW i5 is the more efficient EV, drawing 18.2 kWh/100km against 29.9 — lower charging costs and, on the same battery, more range.
Safety
Rivian R1T is rated 5 stars by NHTSA and BMW i5 5 stars by Euro NCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Rivian R1T lists lower at about $73,000 (USD-converted from the US market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Rivian R1T better than the BMW i5?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. BMW i5 makes about 0% more power (601 vs 600 hp).
What is the main difference between the Rivian R1T and the BMW i5?
BMW i5 makes about 0% more power (601 vs 600 hp). BMW i5 is the more efficient EV, using 18.2 kWh/100km against 29.9.
Which is better value?
Rivian R1T delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Rivian R1T if you want the lower upfront cost. Choose the BMW i5 if you want the lowest charging costs per km.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.