When you mention the San Francisco Bay Area, you immediately think of the beaches, the Golden Gate, and the traffic jams that turn you into an expert in reading road signs. In this iconic setting, I had the opportunity to spend a week aboard the Rivian R1S Quad Motor, an electric SUV that promises to combine adventure with modernity. But between the traffic and the winding roads, does this beast with 1,025 horsepower live up to its promises?
The hotspot for electric vehicles
The San Francisco Bay is a bit like the Silicon Valley of electric cars. Imagine a place where start-ups bloom like flowers in spring, between the caffeine of Top Dog in Berkeley and the majestic redwoods of Oakland. Among these innovative companies, Rivian stands out with its headquarters in Palo Alto. Initially known as Mainstream Motors in Florida, Rivian made a bold shift towards an electric future with its R1T and R1S models.
The R1S is not just an SUV; it’s a promise of adventure. With four trim levels, it caters to the needs of everyone, whether you are a seasoned explorer or a parent seeking comfort. During my test of the Quad Motor model priced at $121,990, I wanted to see if this investment was worth it when you spend more time battling traffic than exploring trails.
The Advanced Highway Driving Assist: a real game changer
Ah, traffic. That scourge that turns even the simplest journeys into marathons of patience. Thanks to Rivian’s highway driving assistance, I was able to escape this relentless stress. With a click on the steering wheel (if you can call it that), the blue icon appears and the R1S takes control. This allowed me to enjoy my snacks while being attentive to the kids’ screams in the back. It’s like having a nanny driving for you!
However, this system is not without its flaws. It tends to closely follow cars that slip in front of me, which made me a bit uneasy. The good news is that outside of traffic jams, this technology works remarkably well. Switching lanes? Easy. The R1S does it almost better than I do, allowing me to keep my kids calm while I worried less about the rest of the world.
Over 1,000 horsepower under the hood: smoothness or power?
The R1S Quad Motor hides its game well. With its 1,025 horsepower, it could easily boast of being more powerful than the famous Tesla Model S Plaid. Yet, Rivian opts for discretion with a “Gear Guard” badge and a subtle hue that only reveals its true nature to the initiated. At first glance, it looks like any other classic SUV… until you switch to Sport mode.
A simple press of the accelerator and you are propelled into another dimension! The sensation of acceleration is comparable to that of a roller coaster: your stomach ends up in your throat, and an uncontrollable smile spreads across your face. The kids love it too — they don’t yet know what “0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds” means, but they can recognize a good adrenaline rush! In Conserve mode, the R1S proves to be as gentle as a lamb, with a range of about 530 kilometers on a full charge.
A third row fit for a palace: comfort for the whole family
As a parent, I am particularly demanding about third-row seats. Many vehicles, like the Subaru Ascent or the Toyota Highlander, seem to have been designed for dwarfs rather than normal children. But here, Rivian clearly understands how to meet the needs of families. I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort of the R1S’s rear seats.
These seats not only offer generous space but also a pleasant atmosphere thanks to wide windows and a panoramic roof to let in light. They even come with their own air conditioning and USB-C ports to charge all the essential electronic devices for family trips. Although the space behind the third row is limited, there’s always the frunk to compensate. Get ready for serene road trips with happy kids!
Charging stations: a true shield in the Bay
If you live in California, owning an EV is almost an accessible luxury thanks to the abundance of charging stations. In my little bubble of the East Bay, there are more than a dozen Tesla Supercharger stations within a ten-kilometre radius. Every street corner seems to have a charger, even at Kohl’s! While I wouldn’t recommend relying solely on these stations in an emergency, they are reassuring when you’re stuck in traffic.
With the NACS equipment delivered as standard and two adapters, I felt prepared for any eventuality. However, I found that the regenerative braking was not as effective as that of other models I have tried.
An impressive in-house software: goodbye Android Auto
Rivian has invested in in-house software that turns out to be a real gem. No need for Android Auto here! Everything is intuitive and accessible, with apps like Google Maps and Spotify integrated directly. As a multitasking parent, I really appreciated this fluidity — especially when my kids repeatedly requested their favourite playlist.
The system works so well that I didn’t even notice I wasn’t using Android Auto. Everything was where I expected it to be, with no waiting time or latency, even in the chaos of traffic. However, beware: some features cannot be used while driving — so be prepared with games and songs to keep the little ones occupied during trips.
Final thoughts: 10/10, I would gladly hit the road again
Life in the San Francisco Bay is inseparable from the incessant traffic. The Rivian R1S Quad Motor not only makes these journeys easier; it makes every minute much more enjoyable! Even a simple trip to the dentist becomes an exciting adventure with this electric beast underfoot.
When I received a notification informing me that I had been removed from the status of R1S driver, I felt like I had been dumped via text. Without exaggeration, this 2026 model could be hard to surpass: fast, practical, and fun — it ticks all the boxes. I’m already dreaming of the day I might consider acquiring one… but those monthly payments might be a hurdle.
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