BMW i4 vs Rivian R1T: which is better in September 2026
In our current electric vehicles rankings, the BMW i4 ranks higher at #7 (score 8.6) compared to the Rivian R1T at #9 (score 8.6), a difference of 0.0 points. The most significant spec difference is Range: the BMW i4 offers 307 mi versus 420 mi on the Rivian R1T.
Rank #7 BMW i4
The sports sedan driver's electric car, retaining genuine Bavarian steering precision, hatchback Gran Coupe utility, and up to 307 miles of range.
Rank #9 Rivian R1T
Adventure-ready electric pickup delivering supercar acceleration, up to 420 miles of range with the Max Pack, and innovative storage like the transverse Gear Tunnel.
Side-by-Side Specifications
| Attribute | BMW i4 | Rivian R1T |
|---|---|---|
| Gear Scout Rank | #7 | #9 |
| Overall Score | 8.6 / 10 | 8.6 / 10 |
| Range (mi) | 307 mi | 420 mi |
| Peak charge (kW) | 205 kW | 220 kW |
| Price | $50k–70k | $70k+ |
| Body | Sedan | Truck |
| Drive | RWD | AWD |
Buying Recommendations
Choose the BMW i4 if:
- You prioritize BMW sports sedan driving enthusiasts.
- You prioritize Liftback hatchback trunk cargo space.
- You prioritize Refined interior luxury and acoustics.
- You want to avoid Rivian R1T's drawback: Budget-focused buyers ($75k+).
- You want to avoid Rivian R1T's drawback: Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Choose the Rivian R1T if:
- You prioritize Extreme off-roading and crawling.
- You prioritize 0-60 in under 3.0 seconds.
- You prioritize Enclosed Gear Tunnel storage.
- You want to avoid BMW i4's drawback: Flat rear floor (transmission hump).
- You want to avoid BMW i4's drawback: Ultra-spacious rear passenger legroom.
In-Depth Model Overviews
BMW i4 Overview
The BMW i4 demonstrates that transitioning to electric propulsion does not require sacrificing sports sedan steering purity. Based on BMW’s flexible 4 Series Gran Coupe architecture, the rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 produces 335 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 307 miles of range. Peak DC fast charging hits 205 kW, taking the 81.2 kWh battery from 10 to 80 percent in roughly 30 minutes. Its rear liftback tailgate opens to reveal 10 cubic feet of cargo room that expands to 45 cubic feet with seats folded, making it vastly more versatile than a conventional trunk. The curved dual-display dashboard runs BMW iDrive 8.5 with crisp wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. For drivers who prioritize driver engagement and tactile build quality above all else, the i4 is unmatched.
Rivian R1T Overview
The Rivian R1T redefined what an outdoor adventure vehicle could be. Whether configured with dual or quad motors, its independent air suspension, active hydraulic roll control, and up to 14.9 inches of ground clearance let it scramble over rocky mountain trails and then cruise with sports-car composure on the highway. With the massive Max Pack battery, it attains an EPA range of 420 miles. Unique features abound, including the 11-cubic-foot Gear Tunnel spanning the truck's width between the cab and bed, an integrated air compressor, and camping gear power. Peak charging speed reaches 220 kW, with native access to Tesla Superchargers via Rivian adapters. Despite a steep price tag and the lack of smartphone mirroring, the R1T is an engineering triumph.