Yahoo Autos I drove luxury SUVs from Rivian and Mercedes — here's why I'd go with the startup over the competition
I drove two awesome new electric SUVs: the Rivian R1S and the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV.
They're both stunning in different ways, but I'd pick the Rivian if given the choice.
The R1S is rugged and loaded with cutting-edge features, while the EQS SUV delivers old-school luxury and total comfort.
On the face of it, the Rivian R1S and Mercedes-Benz EQS may seem pretty similar.
They're large, new, battery-powered SUVs with up to seven seats and steep price tags.
But under the surface, these two green family-haulers couldn't be more different.
I came away impressed after driving both, but found that their different strengths make them perfect for vastly different buyers.
Let's start with the highlights of the R1S, the California startup's hotly anticipated second model that came out last year.
Rivian's whole brand revolves around getting outdoors — kind of like the Patagonia of the auto biz — and the R1S fits right in with that theme.
It's aimed at folks who love skiing, camping, biking, and the like — or at least those who aspire to.
On an off-road drive, the $90,000 R1S Launch Edition I tested scrambled over boulders, across streams, and up steep, slippery hills without any fuss.
That's thanks to a whopping 835 horsepower, 908 pound-feet of torque, plus a sophisticated all-wheel-drive setup underpinned by four motors — one driving each wheel independently.
A whole slew of off-road drive modes can raise the SUV and change its accelerator's feel to match various terrains.
Plus, cameras pointing in every direction outside the vehicle help you place your wheels precisely and see what obstacles lie ahead.
After an off-road jaunt, you can use the SUV's built-in air compressor to air up the tires to roadgoing pressures. Owners can also use it for bike tires, inflatable kayaks, and more.
That brings us to the other big thing I want to highlight about the R1S: It feels like a cutting-edge vehicle from a startup.
From a forward-looking design to fanciful features, Rivian pulled out all the stops to make its first SUV feel different and special.
Apart from the air compressor, other unusual features include a flashlight that slots into the driver's door …
… and a wireless speaker/lantern combo that neatly stows away between the front seats.
The R1S's cavernous cargo area can fit a twin-sized air bed — and a Camp Mode can level the vehicle on uneven surfaces.
You can unlock and drive the R1S in four different ways, but don't expect a regular old key.
Instead, Rivian offers a waterproof wristband (for taking along on outdoor activities), a carabiner, a key card, and a smartphone app.
Inside, you get a minimalist interior that feels more like a light, airy Apple store than a conventional car.
