I’ve followed Rivian since watching Long Way Up back in 2020. I spent a year riding a motorcycle from Alaska to South America some years ahead of that and found it really impressive how they proved early R1T builds that capable! As a European, didn’t think I’d own one as they’re not available outside of US/CAN, settled with a Tesla M3 LR and fell in love with EVs, the tech and performance for the time I had it.

Fast forwards a few years and work brings me to the states. Cheap gas and big engines appealed to a young guy coming from a society with comprehensive vehicle tax policies, emission regulations and so on. Decided to try ICE vehicles again: During the last year alone, I’ve purchased multiple cars looking for "the perfect fit", started with a (cursed) 2017 Porsche Macan GTS to fully optioned 2019 Porsche Cayenne and lastly a phenomenal and highly optioned BMW X5 G05.

Casually scrolling a few weeks ago, RivianTrackr popped up in my feed reporting on huge R1 Dune discounts. Got in touch with a great guide, sealed the deal, gave my referral to RT and had the car delivered on my doorstep yesterday! Shoutout to SC Richmond, VA!

Process was simple, clear and overall VERY pleasant and similar to my Tesla buying experience in 2020. Some delivery delays but didn’t matter for me. Highly favor this streamlined approach opposed to any traditional dealer.

On delivery, I received all the Dune accessories in the car, some minor panel gaps to be fixed and extremely squeaky door handles. Disappointing but not enough to refuse delivery at least.

Besides that, I am really excited about the Dune and hope it will be the end of my car switching for a while, this seemingly checks most boxes! Can’t wait to bring the family around, haul the KTM on the hitch and go camping in the mountains! Very different from my previous cars but the adventure spirit and branding is really appealing and in my blood.

For those of us following Long Way Home on Apple TV, absolutely love seeing the R1’s drive around in Europe. Hoping to see R2/R3 on the continent soon and support the brand over there!

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For anyone considering and cross-shopping, initial comparison between my most recent cars in 2025: Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5 and Rivian R1S:

Acceleration: Rivian (by far)

Handling: Porsche (Sport+ and PASM)

Braking: Tie Rivian & Porsche with PCBS

Build and solid feel: BMW

Exterior lights: BMW (Laser headlights)

Cameras: Rivian by lightyears

Sound system: 1. BMWs Harman Kardon, 2. Rivian Premium. 3. Porsche’s BOSE is pure garbage.

Cabin quietness/insulation: BMW 

Infotainment/UI: Rivian (accepting delivery swipe and direct update on infotainment screen was 10/10).

Locking/unlocking: BMW key proximity sensor over phone key (waiting for Rivian fob)

Autonomous driver system/ACC/DAP: Rivian
Storage: Rivian

Practicality: Rivian

Ease-of-use: BMW (foot swipe tailgate action, softclose doors and much more)

Family/pet friendliness: Rivian (although BMW and Porsche had rear sunshades)

Safety: Rivian (Top Safety Pick, GearGuard and more)

Auto windshield wiper sensor: BMW

Passenger comfort: Rivian (more spacious, good comfort)

Fun-factor: Rivian

That said, Rivian has a lot of potential for improvement and growth to make it an obvious choice over traditional high-end automakers. Especially on the details and small features. 

Would I pick Rivian again over the Porsche and BMW? Yes.

Forgive the long post. Been following the brand and this Reddit thread for a very long time and excited to contribute.


DUNE Delivery! Bye German cars