BMW i8: Specs, Features, Pricing, Performance, Interior, and More
Developed by BMW, the BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid sports car. This is part of BMW’s electrified fleet and was also marketed under BMW’s I sub-brand. The i8 surely looks amazing, and its minimal-drag shape works for efficiency and is wonderfully combined. This article will tell you about everything related to the BMW i8: power specifications, interior, features, and more.
The production version of this model was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2013 and was released in June 2014 in Germany. In August 2014, deliveries to retail customers in the US started. Also, in 2018, a roadster variant was launched. The production ended in June 2020.
What is a BMW i8?
With incredible hybrid power, the BMW i8 roadster and coupe were among the first to merge electric efficiency with high-performance dynamics. Also, this model has received a range of mid-life tweaks, and it remains the one and only car on sale that drives and looks like a supercar. Additionally, this car can cover 34 miles of electric power and has a fuel economy figure of 150 mpg.
Key Specifications of BMW i8 Coupe
| EPA Classification | Subcompact cars |
| Drivetrain | All wheel drive |
| Engine type and required fuel | Intercooled Turbo Gas/Electric I-3 |
| Displacement (liters/cubic inches) | 1.5 L/91 |
| Fuel System | Gasoline Direct Injection |
| Maximum Horsepower @ RPM | 369 @ 5800 |
| Maximum Torque @ RPM | 420 |
| Transmission Description | Automatic w/OD |
| Number of transmission speeds | 6 |
| Fuel capacity/Gas tank size | 11.1 |
| Passenger/seating capacity | 4 |
| Total Passenger Volume (cubic feet) | 81 |
| Trunk space (cubic feet) | 5.4 |
| Steering type | rack-pinion |
| Front-suspension type | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-link |
| Brake type | Four wheel disc |
| Base curb weight (pounds) | 3501 |
| Rear tire size | P245/40YR20 |
| Rear and front wheel material | Forged aluminium |
Key Specifications of BMW i8 Roadster
| Combined power | 369 hp |
| Combined torque | 420 lb-ft |
| Induction | Turbocharged |
| Fuel type | Premium |
| Engine | Electric |
| Engine transmission speed | 6 speed automatic |
| Battery type | Lithium-ion (Li-ion) |
| Cooling | Liquid |
| Vehicle type | Roadster |
| Category | Fascinating, hybrid/plug-in hybrid |
| Apple car play compatible | Available |
| Turning diameter | 12m (40’) |
| Front Suspension | Independent, short/long arm |
| Seat belts | 2 |
| Passengers | 2 |
| Trunk | 88L |
| Fuel Tank | 42 L (9 gal) |
| Top speed | 250 km/h (155 mph) (manufacturer) |
| Braking distance | 39 m |
| Premium audio system | Standard |
BMW i8 Performance Specifications
The BMW i8 goes from 0 to 60 in as short as 4.2 seconds. The i8 coupe earned that impressive time, but the i8 roadster is not far behind, with a time of just 4.4 seconds. The i8 0 to 60 times is the exact product of BMW’s innovative hybrid sports car all-wheel-drive system.
- Total Power Output: 420 lb-ft of torque and 369 horsepower
- Powertrain: eDrive Electric Motor + 1.5L BMW TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder engine
- eDrive Output: 184 lb-ft of torque and 141 hp
- Engine Output: 236 lb-ft of torque and 228 horsepower
Now let us look at the BMW i8 0 to 60 top speeds and times:
BMW i8 Top Speed
- Both coupe and roadster reach an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph
BMW i8 Acceleration
- Roadster BMW i8: From 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds
- BMW i8 Coupe: 0 to 60 in 4.2 seconds
How Much BMW i8 Cost?
The price of the BMW i8 starts at $148,495, and it goes up to $164,295, depending on the option and trim. The open-air driving is only available on the 2020 i8 roadster. Also,
every model has some attractive features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, Apple Carplay integration, a head-up display, and a Kardon/Harman sound system.
Power, Performance, and EV Motor
The BMW i8 offers a single powertrain. It mates a turbocharged 1.5-litre 3-cylinder gas engine with two electric motors and an 11.6-kWh battery pack. The trio of power sources merges for a total of 369 horsepower and also is capable of driving all 4-wheels. However, this is not the fastest supercar on the block. Also, the BMW i8 lacks the same light steering that has been criticized in the past.
Cargo, Comfort, and Interior
Despite the BMW i8’s focus on practicality versus design, front-seaters won’t feel cramped. Also, the Roadster has seating available for only two passengers, with the folding top occupying the area occupied by a pair of jump seats in the BMW coupe. Some standard interior features include touches of leather and heated power seats. Additionally, there are power-adjustable steering wheel-cooled seats, and passenger seat lumbar support is unavailable- even as an option. The BMW i8 has minimal room for luggage and negligible cubby space for the jewels of modern life. The BMW i8’s rear cargo area is shallow but long, and also it doesn’t have any storage in a front trunk. A single suitcase can be managed to fit in there.
Real-world MPGe and Fuel Economy
The BMW i8’s EPA fuel economy ratings are not that impressive among hybrids, but still better than most of the sports cars out there. In a 200-mile highway fuel test, the roadster delivered 35 MPGe and went up to 22 miles on electricity alone.
Connectivity And Infotainment
The BMW i8 has an infotainment system, which will surely be familiar to owners of less extravagant BMWs. atop the dashboard, it displays a sharp-looking 8.8-inch touchscreen, and the system is also intuitive. Android Auto is not offered on any BMW i8, but Apple CarPlay capability is standard.
Driver Assistance and Safety Features
The BMW i8 has not been crash-tested by the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) or NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). However, it has some standard driver-assistance technology, and many common assists, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, are absent. Some key features are:
- Front and rear parking sensors (Standard)
- Forward-collision warning (Standard)
- Standard automated emergency braking
Maintenance Coverage and Warranty
The standard set of warranties of a BMW is typical for a luxury automaker. Additionally, the BMW i8’s warranty typically covers hybrid powertrain components.
However, the complementary scheduled maintenance set the BMW i8 apart from its rivals.
- Hybrid components are covered for 1000,000 miles or eight years
- The limited warranty covers 50,000 miles or four years
- The powertrain warranty covers 50,000 miles or four years
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 36,000 miles or three years.
Driving Experience of BMW i8
The BMW i8 can drive up to thirty-four miles around town as an actual electric car with 0 tailpipe emissions. You can also choose the EV button to make sure the i8 does not fire up the petrol engine. Additionally, you can accelerate much harder in the BMW i8 in comparison to the other PHEV without the petrol engine cutting in. If you do not select the EV button, then the BMW i8 will be in hybrid mode. This also means that it will choose between using an electric motor, a battery, or a petrol engine.
A switch also offers two drive modes, Eco Pro and Comfort. Every day, normal driving will be fine in Comfort Mode. Also, if you want to maximize economy on a motorway in the long run, then Eco Pro will do that for you.
The BMW i8 can be driven economically or normally, on battery, petrol, or both.
The i8 is predictably near-silent on electric power, very refined, and has front-wheel drive. However, it remains very proper in hybrid and petrol modes.
Conclusion
The BMW i8 was a pioneering car when it was first launched in 2014 and is still pioneering today. There have also been comparisons in the media with the likes of the Porsche 911. However, the BMW i8 can’t be compared to other cars because no car can do what the i8 does. This model can deliver a highly rewarding driving experience on the correct roads. The design is amazing, and the interior of this car is perfectly designed and functional.
FAQs
The BMW i8 Roadster and BMW i8 Coupe are no longer available in production. It was discontinued due to the changing market demands, and the focus shifted to developing new hybrid and electric models.
The BMW i8 ex-showroom price (India) is Rs 2.62 crore and is available in a single variant.
The BMW i8’s top speed is restricted to 250 km/h (155 mph), which is typically less than the other notable supercars. However, this elegant and luxurious car was not meant to be a racing car.
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