Vehicle Overview
What it is: The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid sports car that’s designed for both performance and efficiency. It features an electric drivetrain that provides up to 15 miles of all-electric range as well as a turbocharged three-cylinder gas engine that works with the electric motor to accelerate the i8 from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, according to BMW. All-wheel drive is standard and the gas engine powers the rear wheels while the electric motor drives the front wheels. Total system output is 357 horsepower and 420 pounds-feet of torque.
Like the BMW i3 city car, the i8 features a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic body atop an aluminum chassis for the drivetrain. The car’s 2+2 arrangement provides seating for four, but the rear seats are designed for small children.
New for 2017
The i8 is available in a Protonic Red Edition that includes red paint with gray metallic accents, black and gray wheels, sport seats with red highlights, and black and red interior trim.
Significant Standard Features
- 129-hp electric motor drives the front wheels
- Lithium-ion battery pack
- 228-hp, turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder gas engine drives the rear wheels
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- Adaptive suspension system
- Swing-wing doors
- LED headlights
- 20-inch light-alloy wheels
- Navigation system
- Head-up display
- Surround view camera system
- Forward collision warning with pedestrian recognition and braking function
- Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
Significant Available Features
- Laser high-beam headlights
- Perforated leather upholstery
