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AUTO AUTO
REVIEW REVIEW

As regular readers know, I array of terrains in virtually any weather conditions.
am an internal combustion You can’t say BEV without thinking range anxiety, and the Rivian
engine (ICE) enthusiast and R1S does better than any other direct competitor that doesn’t rhyme
battery electric vehicle (BEV) with Lesla. The base model can go 260mi on a charge, while adding
skeptic. Nevertheless, since I the $6000 Large Battery bumps that up to 352. The largest battery
can imagine a happy future pack called “Max” gets you 400mi of range on a charge, but that costs
with BEVs everywhere and no $16,000.
more new ICE cars for sale, My usual caveats about all-electric vehicles in 2024 apply to the Ri-
I’d rather be known as a BEV vian as much as they do for every other BEV. Range figures are for
“waiter” rather than skeptic. ideal conditions only, so cold or hot days will decrease how far you
As we continue into the can go, as will adding passengers and/or gear, driving fast or putting
electric era, Rivian has the AC on max. In addition, finding charging stations that work, are
emerged as an important con- conveniently located and aren’t being used can be difficult when you’re
2023 Rivian R1S ing R1T pickup truck and R1S large luxury SUV as their first traveling. For now, I tell people who ask me — and I get asked this a
tender with its groundbreak-
lot — that they will love their BEV most if they charge at home ex-
By Stephen Schutz, MD products. clusively, use it locally and keep an Escalade or Suburban for road trips.
And given the rapid technology advancements, leasing probably makes
The Rivian R1S SUV’s design is both uninteresting and interesting
at the same time. It’s a classic two box design from the side, which more sense than buying.
means that the R1S looks kind of like the box it came in, and yet it No review of the R1S would be complete without a mention of its
adds a very distinctive front end with unique lighting that blends that groundbreaking "Tank Turn" feature. By independently controlling
boxiness with other contemporary design elements. The rear light bar the power to each wheel, the vehicle can execute a full rotation in
that spans the width of the back end is also sleek and modern. Com- place. I guess if you’re parallel parked between two cars and can’t get
pared with competitors like the Mercedes GLS, Cadillac Escalade, out, this might be useful — I’m 60 and this has never happened to me
BMW X7 and Lexus LX 600, I’d say the Rivian wins just because it — but otherwise it’s good for cocktail conversation only.
looks upscale and different. The R1S is equipped with all of the driver-assistance and safety fea-
The interior of the Rivian R1S is spacious and luxurious. Premium tures that you’d expect in the large luxury SUV market segment, in-
leather upholstery, decent plastics, attractive wood accents and a mod- cluding adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and automatic
ern infotainment system let you know that this is a legitimate alterna- emergency braking.
tive to the usual luxury alternatives. Seating for seven passengers is It also costs as much as vehicles in that segment with a starting price
standard in all R1Ss. of just under $86,000, which can balloon up to over $100,000 if you
Surprisingly, neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto connectivity get too excited with the configurator.
are available in the R1S. For many buyers, this will be a problem. Driving the R1S reminded me most of the Mercedes GLS (in fact,
The R1S conspicuously incorporates recycled and eco-friendly ma- I suspect Rivian benchmarked that vehicle during the R1S’s develop-
terials throughout the cabin, reminding environmentally conscious ment). Steering is light but reassuring, and a relatively soft suspension
owners that buying or leasing a Rivian provides sustainability system keeps road feel at arm’s length. Having said that, there’s more
bonafides. wind noise at highway speeds than there is in the GLS.
As is the case with most BEVs, one of the standout features of the Rivian’s first SUV is proving to be quite popular, particularly with
Rivian R1S is its exceptional acceleration. The quad-motor setup in physicians, and now that I’ve experienced one, I can see why. If you’re
particular delivers the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just interested, call Phil Hornbeak and keep my caveats above in mind.
3.1 seconds, which is high-performance sports car territory. Obviously, As always, call Phil Hornbeak, the Auto Program Manager at
its 6986lbs curb weight means that this large SUV can’t handle any- BCMS (210-301-4367) for your best deal on any new car or truck
thing like a sports car, but you already knew that. brand. Phil can also connect you to preferred financing and lease rates.
The dual-motor powertrain, like the one in my test vehicle, provides
600HP, which I think is plenty. For those who want more than plenty, Stephen Schutz, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist
the quad-motor R1S pumps out 835HP. who lived in San Antonio in the 1990s when he was stationed
Standard all-wheel-drive ensures good traction, while 15 inches of here in the U.S. Air Force. He has been writing auto reviews
ground clearance make this luxury SUV suitable for traversing a wide for San Antonio Medicine magazine since 1995.

44 SAN ANTONIO MEDICINE • February 2024 Visit us at www.bcms.org 45