Get ready to rev up your electric dreams! Compare the Mercedes-Benz Electric G Wagon and Rivian’s electric SUV in our in-depth review, covering design, features, powertrain, off-road capabilities, and more.
Design and Features
When it comes to designing an electric vehicle, manufacturers have to balance style, functionality, and sustainability. In the case of the electric G-Wagen and Rivian, both vehicles boast impressive designs that set them apart from their gas-guzzling counterparts. So, what are the key differences in their exterior styling, interior space, and comfort, as well as infotainment and technology?
Exterior Styling Differences
The electric G-Wagen, being an offshoot of the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class, retains much of its rugged charm. However, its electrified variant features a more streamlined appearance, with a closed grille and sleeker lines that reduce aerodynamic drag. In contrast, the Rivian R1S boasts a more futuristic design, with a bold, angular front end and a sloping roofline that gives it a sporty, athletic appearance. While both vehicles exude a sense of luxury and sophistication, the Rivian’s more aggressive stance and chiseled lines make it look like it’s ready to tackle rough terrain at a moment’s notice.
Interior Space and Comfort
When it comes to interior space, both vehicles offer ample room for passengers and cargo. The electric G-Wagen’s cabin is opulently appointed, with premium materials, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof that lets in plenty of natural light. The Rivian R1S, meanwhile, offers a more modern, tech-centric interior, with a massive 15.6-inch touchscreen display, a head-up display, and heated and cooled seats. While both vehicles provide excellent comfort and amenities, the Rivian’s more modern design and advanced technology features make it feel more contemporary and cutting-edge.
Infotainment and Technology
The electric G-Wagen and Rivian R1S both feature advanced infotainment systems, but they differ in their approach and design. The G-Wagen’s system is more traditional, with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a separate instrument cluster. The Rivian, on the other hand, takes a more futuristic approach, with a massive, portrait-oriented touchscreen display that integrates both infotainment and vehicle functions. The Rivian’s system is also more customizable, with individual profiles and a more comprehensive range of features and settings. Ultimately, the choice between these two systems will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Do you prefer a more traditional, analog approach, or a more cutting-edge, tech-centric experience?
Electric Powertrain
The electric powertrain is the heart of any electric vehicle, and both the electric G-Wagon and Rivian have their own unique strengths and weaknesses in this department. In this section, we’ll dive deeper into the motor and battery specifications, range and charging capabilities, and performance and acceleration of these two electric powerhouses.
Motor and Battery Specifications
When it comes to motor and battery specifications, the electric G-Wagon and Rivian take different approaches. The electric G-Wagon is equipped with two electric motors, one for each axle, producing a combined output of 563 horsepower and 626 lb-ft of torque. The battery pack is a 107.8 kWh lithium-ion unit, which is impressive given the G-Wagon’s size and weight.
On the other hand, the Rivian R1S boasts a quad-motor setup, with each motor producing 161 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, for a total output of 754 horsepower and 829 lb-ft of torque. The battery pack is a massive 180 kWh unit, which is one of the largest in the industry.
Range and Charging Capabilities
Range anxiety is a common concern for electric vehicle owners, but both the electric G-Wagon and Rivian offer impressive ranges to alleviate those worries. The electric G-Wagon has a WLTP-rated range of up to 360 miles on a single charge, which is respectable given its size and performance capabilities.
The Rivian R1S, on the other hand, has a WLTP-rated range of up to 410 miles on a single charge, making it one of the longest-range electric SUVs on the market. When it comes to charging, the Rivian R1S can charge at up to 160 kW, which can refill the battery from 0-80% in just 50 minutes. The electric G-Wagon can charge at up to 110 kW, which can refill the battery from 0-80% in around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Performance and Acceleration
When it comes to performance and acceleration, both the electric G-Wagon and Rivian are incredibly impressive. The electric G-Wagon can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, which is blisteringly fast for a vehicle of its size and weight.
The Rivian R1S, on the other hand, can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, making it one of the fastest electric SUVs on the market. The Rivian’s quad-motor setup and advanced torque vectoring system allow it to not only accelerate quickly but also corner and brake with incredible precision and control.
Off-Road Capabilities
When it comes to venturing off the beaten path, both the electric G-Wagen and Rivian are designed to take on challenging terrain with ease. But how do they stack up against each other in terms of suspension, 4-wheel drive capabilities, and approach/departure angles?
Suspension and Ground Clearance
One of the key factors that determine a vehicle’s off-road prowess is its suspension system. Both the electric G-Wagen and Rivian feature advanced suspension systems that are designed to absorb shocks and provide a smooth ride even on rough terrain. The electric G-Wagen boasts a fully independent suspension system, which allows each wheel to react independently to bumps and obstacles. This provides a more comfortable ride and better traction on uneven terrain. On the other hand, the Rivian features a five-link suspension system that provides excellent stability and control. In terms of ground clearance, the electric G-Wagen has a slightly higher ground clearance of around 11.3 inches compared to the Rivian’s 10.4 inches. This may give the electric G-Wagen a slight advantage when navigating rocky or steep terrain.
4-Wheel Drive and Traction Systems
Both vehicles feature advanced 4-wheel drive systems that are designed to provide maximum traction and stability in low-traction conditions. The electric G-Wagen features a permanent all-wheel-drive system that continuously monitors the road conditions and adjusts power distribution between the front and rear wheels accordingly. The Rivian, on the other hand, features a two-speed transfer case that provides a 4:1 low-range gear ratio for rock-crawling and extreme off-road use. Additionally, the Rivian’s advanced traction control system can send up to 100% of available torque to any individual wheel, providing unparalleled traction and stability in low-traction conditions.
Approach and Departure Angles
When navigating steep inclines or declines, the approach and departure angles of a vehicle become critical. The electric G-Wagen boasts an impressive approach angle of around 29.3 degrees and a departure angle of around 24.8 degrees, making it well-suited for navigating steep inclines and declines. The Rivian, on the other hand, features an approach angle of around 34 degrees and a departure angle of around 29.3 degrees, making it even more capable in extreme off-road conditions. These impressive angles allow the Rivian to climb steeper grades and traverse deeper ruts with ease.
Safety Features
When it comes to safety, both the electric G-Wagen and Rivian R1S electric SUVs boast an impressive array of features designed to protect you and your loved ones on the road. But how do they stack up against each other?
Airbags and Crash Testing
Both vehicles have taken the necessary precautions to ensure that their occupants are well-protected in the event of a crash. The electric G-Wagen, for instance, features a total of nine airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, as well as a driver’s knee airbag. Similarly, the Rivian R1S has a total of eight airbags, including dual front, front side, and side curtain airbags.
In terms of crash testing, both vehicles have received top-notch ratings from reputable organizations. The electric G-Wagen, for example, has received a perfect 5-star rating from the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), while the Rivian R1S has earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). But what sets these vehicles apart from others in their class is their advanced safety features, which we’ll explore next.
Active Safety Features and Driver Assists
Both the electric G-Wagen and Rivian R1S come equipped with an array of active safety features designed to prevent accidents from occurring in the first place. The electric G-Wagen, for instance, features a robust suite of advanced safety features, including Active Distance Assist, which helps maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead; Active Brake Assist, which can automatically apply the brakes in emergency situations; and Lane Change Assist, which alerts the driver of potential collisions when changing lanes.
Meanwhile, the Rivian R1S boasts a similarly impressive array of active safety features, including Adaptive Cruise Control, which helps maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead; Lane Departure Warning, which alerts the driver if they drift out of their lane; and Blind Spot Monitoring, which we’ll explore in more detail below.
Blind Spot Monitoring and Lane Change
One of the most critical safety features in any vehicle is Blind Spot Monitoring, which alerts the driver of vehicles lurking in their blind spot. Both the electric G-Wagen and Rivian R1S come equipped with advanced Blind Spot Monitoring systems, which use radar sensors to detect vehicles in the blind spot and alert the driver via visual and auditory cues.
But what if you need to change lanes quickly? That’s where Lane Change Assist comes in. This feature uses cameras and radar sensors to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes and alert the driver of potential collisions. In the electric G-Wagen, this feature is integrated with the vehicle’s Active Lane Change Assist system, which can even help steer the vehicle into the adjacent lane if necessary. In the Rivian R1S, this feature is part of the vehicle’s Lane Change Warning system, which alerts the driver of potential collisions via visual and auditory cues.
Pricing and Availability
When it comes to buying an electric vehicle, one of the most significant factors to consider is the pricing and availability. After all, you want to make sure you’re getting the best deal for your money, and that the vehicle is available when you need it. So, how do the electric G Wagon and Rivian stack up in this department?
Trim Levels and Options
Both the electric G Wagon and Rivian offer a range of trim levels and options to suit different budgets and preferences. The electric G Wagon, for example, comes in three trim levels: the base model, the Premium, and the high-end Launch Edition. Each trim level offers a range of features, such as different interior materials, exterior designs, and technology features. The Rivian, on the other hand, offers two trim levels: the Adventure and the Launch Edition. Again, each trim level offers a range of features, including different interior materials, exterior designs, and technology features.
One key difference between the two vehicles is the availability of options. The electric G Wagon offers a range of options, such as a panoramic sunroof, a Burmester surround sound system, and a range of wheels. The Rivian, on the other hand, offers fewer options, but still includes some key features, such as a panoramic sunroof and a premium audio system.
Warranty and Maintenance Costs
When it comes to warranty and maintenance costs, both vehicles offer competitive packages. The electric G Wagon comes with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, and a 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Rivian, on the other hand, offers a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. In terms of maintenance costs, both vehicles are similar, with the electric G Wagon estimated to cost around $1,500 per year, and the Rivian estimated to cost around $1,300 per year.
Resale Value and Depreciation
Finally, when it comes to resale value and depreciation, both vehicles are expected to hold their value well. The electric G Wagon, with its strong brand reputation and high-quality build, is expected to retain around 50% of its value after five years. The Rivian, with its innovative technology and strong performance, is expected to retain around 45% of its value after five years. In terms of depreciation, both vehicles are expected to depreciate at a similar rate, with the electric G Wagon estimated to lose around $15,000 in value in the first year, and the Rivian estimated to lose around $12,000 in value in the first year.
Performance and Handling
When it comes to performance and handling, the electric G-Wagen and Rivian R1S are two beasts that promise to deliver exceptional driving experiences. But how do they stack up against each other?
Acceleration and Top Speed
Imagine pressing the accelerator pedal, and in a blink, you’re hurtling towards the horizon. That’s what you can expect from these two electric giants. The electric G-Wagen boasts an impressive 0-60 mph time of just 4.4 seconds, while the Rivian R1S takes it up a notch with a mind-boggling 3.2 seconds. That’s faster than a cheetah on a hot summer day! As for top speed, the G-Wagen maxes out at 130 mph, while the R1S can reach a breathtaking 140 mph. But let’s be honest, who needs to go that fast on public roads, right?
Steering and Suspension Dynamics
Now, let’s talk about handling. The electric G-Wagen features a adaptive air suspension system that provides a comfortable ride and surprisingly agile handling. It’s like gliding over rough terrain on a magic carpet. The Rivian R1S, on the other hand, boasts an advanced suspension system with dynamic roll control, which allows for incredible body control and responsiveness. Think of it as a hot hatchback on steroids. Both vehicles offer exceptional steering dynamics, making them a joy to drive on twisty roads.
Braking Performance and Pedal Feel
Last but not least, let’s discuss braking. The electric G-Wagen features massive 15.6-inch brake rotors up front and 14.6-inch rotors at the rear, providing immense stopping power. The pedal feel is firm and progressive, giving you confidence when diving into corners or coming to a sudden stop. The Rivian R1S, on the other hand, features regenerative braking, which captures kinetic energy and converts it into electrical energy. This not only improves range but also provides a more seamless braking experience. The pedal feel is equally impressive, with a natural progression from gentle slows to aggressive stops.