This 2 Car Alternative is More Practical and Fun than a BMW i7 for the Same Price
BMW’s all-electric i7 sedan is the pinnacle of BMW luxury. But with a price tag that ranges well into six figures, it’s also a hefty price to pay for a four-door sedan. Which begs the question: which two-car alternative solution is the best blend of EV luxury and BMW performance for the same price? Why, the Rivian R1T and BMW M240i, of course.
What makes the BMW i7 special?
Let’s not mince words here: The BMW i7 is a remarkable vehicle. The xDrive60 variant offers a dynamic all-wheel drive setup that offers both confidence and surprising handling with torque vectoring. With a pair of electric motors churning out 536 horsepower, the BMW i7 xDrive60 hits 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds in Car and Driver testing.
The i7 also features adaptive suspension that makes for a buttery smooth ride and sharper handling than a car of this size should ever have. But that doesn’t mean that the i7 is sporty. At over 6,000 pounds, it’s a land yacht for the modern era. And furthermore, it’s got a big trunk – but you’ll still need to hire a rental truck to bring home anything bigger than a pair of suitcases. It’s scarcely one cube bigger than the current Honda Accord, after all.
| BMW i7 xDrive60 | Rivian R1T | BMW M240i | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $124,250 | $73,000 | $48,000 |
| Horsepower | 536 | 600 | 382 |
| Torque (lb.ft.) | 549 | 600 | 369 |
| 0-60 | 4.5 sec | 4.5 sec | 4.5 sec |
| Weight | 5,917 lbs | 8,532 lbs | 3,748 lbs |
| Cargo | 18 cu. ft. trunk | 11 cu. ft. front trunk + 11.7 cu. ft. cargo tunnel + open cargo bed | 13.8 cu. ft. |
| EV Range | 318 miles | 400 miles | N/A |
Part 1: The practical alternative – Rivian R1T
Electric trucks are picking up steam, and one of the more engaging options is the Rivian R1T. Without a doubt, the 8,000-pound electric pickup is a beast, but torque vectoring helps it stay lighter on its feet than its curb weight implies. Sporty? No. But it sits in the same realm as the BMW i7 for performance, range, and cabin comforts.
At a tick over $75,000, it’s a full 50 grand less than the i7 as well. And with 600 horsepower in it’s stock form, it’s quicker than the BMW i7 in a straight line. And did we mention it’s a truck? Rather than the scant 18 cubic feet of cargo space in the BMW, the Rivian R1T has a truck bed capable of hauling up to 1,760 pounds. That, plus its 11,000-pound towing capacity make it a practical and luxurious EV in a way that the pricey Bimmer can’t touch.
Part 2: The fun side of luxury – BMW M240i
While the BMW M240i isn’t a true M car, it’s true enough to be an enjoyable daily driver. Firstly, it’s got the B58 turbocharged inline 6 of the M2, making 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Plus, BMW allows drivers to option the M240i as a rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The ZF eight-speed transmission is snappy and smooth enough for both track time and daily cruising. Plus, adaptive M Sport suspension allows for sharper handling on command, and a smoother ride for more leisurely cruises.
Finally, a base price of $48,000 means it fits neatly in the window between the Rivian R1T and the BMW i7.
This 2-car alternative leaves the BMW i7 in the dust
Sometimes, one car is enough to do everything. But for the high price tag of the BMW i7, a combination of Rivian R1T electric versatility and BMW M240i excitement provide more for the same amount of cash. The only difference is you’ll have an extra set of keys.
