I Sold My Tesla for a BMW i4, But the Tech Disappointed Me, and I’m Holding Out for the Rivian R3X

This evening, while strolling through the "RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion" on Facebook, I came across a post by Derek Seaman. Derek recently sold his Tesla Model 3 and signed a 36-month lease on a BMW i4 eDrive40. While he acknowledges that the i4 is a better car overall, he finds its technology severely lacking compared to Tesla. He’s now holding out for the Rivian R3X but wonders if the R1 or R2 offer the Tesla-like conveniences he loved.

Derek writes, "I'm holding out for an R3X, but I sold my Tesla Model 3 yesterday and signed a 36-month lease on a BMW i4 eDrive40. While the i4 is a better car, its technology is severely lacking. The R3X isn't out yet, but I’m wondering if the R1 or R2 have any of the tech features I loved in my Tesla, such as GPS-based automatic garage door control, hands-free phone/watch walk-up and walk-away unlocking (Bluetooth or UWB), and the ability to use an iPhone or Apple Watch as a car key without needing to place it on an NFC pad like in the BMW. I also miss not having an unnecessary start/stop button to drive, proper iOS shortcut support for climate control (rather than just manual controls in the app), an official Apple Watch app from the manufacturer, and Home Assistant integration via a cloud API for home automation."

Derek’s post sparked a discussion in the Rivian community, with owners and enthusiasts weighing in on whether Rivian vehicles could match the seamless tech experience Tesla offers.

What Rivian Owners Are Saying

Santiago Gomez chimed in with a practical suggestion: "Best advice I can give is for you to demo drive an R1S/T. You can see the tech yourself and ask the sales advisor all your questions. They’re usually super knowledgeable & no pressure since you won’t buy through them anyway."

Scott Odle provided some direct answers regarding Tesla-like features: "Yes to the second and third features, and partially to the first, the garage button will appear when you're close, but it won’t open automatically (which I prefer). No to the rest, but to me, too much tech can be a drawback, though everyone has their own preferences. Coming from Tesla, you'll find the technology lacking, but as someone who came from a Lexus GX460, I find it amazing."

Mark Haelcher compared his BMW i4 M50 and his R1S, noting: "With the i4, you get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which you'll miss when switching to a Rivian. I have an i4 M50 and an R1S, and while I prefer the R1S overall, it still doesn't come close to the refinement of the BMW."

Rivian’s Tech Compared to Tesla and BMW

Rivian’s R1 lineup is packed with impressive features, but it still doesn’t fully match Tesla’s tech ecosystem. Tesla’s hallmark conveniences, like GPS-based automatic garage door control, hands-free unlocking via Bluetooth or UWB, and seamless Apple integration, are standout features that set it apart. While Rivian offers a well-executed digital experience, some gaps remain, particularly in Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support and broader smart home integrations.

Tesla's dominance in software-driven experiences makes it hard for other automakers to catch up. Features such as Tesla's GPS-based automation and climate control via iOS Shortcuts are part of what keeps Tesla loyalists hesitant to switch. For those considering a move from Tesla to Rivian, it may be worth reading about an 800-mile comparison between a Tesla Model X Plaid Dual Motor and a Rivian R1S.

Will the R3X Solve These Issues?

The upcoming Rivian R3X is generating buzz as a potential game-changer, but will it fully address Tesla owners' concerns about tech features? If Rivian aims to compete directly with Tesla, refining its software capabilities will be crucial. While Rivian has already ranked highly in a new owner experience study that placed the R1T and R1S above most competitors, there is still room for improvement in user-friendly automation and mobile integration.

Tesla's ability to integrate deeply with Apple devices and its seamless hands-free experience make it a tough act to follow. Some Rivian owners argue that Rivian’s emphasis on adventure, off-road capabilities, and premium materials outweighs the need for more tech-heavy features. However, for tech-focused drivers like Derek, these missing conveniences can be a dealbreaker.

Lessons From the Discussion

Derek's experience highlights an important takeaway: No EV brand is perfect, and each comes with trade-offs. While Tesla excels in tech, Rivian offers a rugged, adventure-ready alternative that some find more appealing. However, BMW's refinement, driving dynamics, and inclusion of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto make it an attractive middle ground.

Before making the leap from one EV brand to another, it’s essential to prioritize what matters most to you. If seamless smartphone integration and automation are critical, Tesla remains the leader. If you prioritize adventure capabilities and a more premium, traditional driving experience, Rivian may be the better choice. To see how Rivian stacks up in real-world scenarios, check out one owner's experience trading a Rivian R1T for a Chevy Silverado EV and why they don't regret it.

Final Thoughts: What Do You Value Most in an EV?

The EV market is evolving rapidly, and each manufacturer brings something unique to the table. Rivian’s upcoming models, including the highly anticipated R3X, may bridge the gap between cutting-edge tech and adventure-ready design. In the meantime, current R1 and R2 models offer a compelling mix of rugged capability and digital sophistication, but they may not satisfy former Tesla owners seeking a tech-first experience.

What about you? Have you switched from Tesla to another EV brand? If so, what features do you miss the most? And for those considering a Rivian, what would be your deal-breaking tech feature? Please let us know in the comments.

Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.