2011 BMW i8 Concept Frankfurt a.M. / Munich. The BMW Group showcases its visions of future mobility in the shape of the BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept studies. Unveiled for the first time, these concept vehicles provide a glimpse of the first electrically powered production cars from the...
BMW i8
2014 - 2020
The BMW i8 is more than just a car; it's a bold glimpse into the future of automotive design and technology. As BMW's flagship hybrid sports car, the i8 has redefined what it means to be a high-performance vehicle, blending cutting-edge technology with a commitment to sustainability. This blog post delves into the myriad aspects that make the BMW i8 an extraordinary icon of modern automotive engineering.
Overview
The BMW i8 isn't just a car – it's a statement. A declaration that sleek styling, thrilling performance, and environmental responsibility can coexist. This plug-in hybrid sports car shattered expectations when it debuted in 2014, and it continues to turn heads wherever it goes. Let's explore what makes the BMW i8 a true automotive icon.
The BMW i8 looks like a spaceship that's landed on Earth. From the moment you lay eyes on the i8, it's clear that this is no ordinary car. Its futuristic design is a visual metaphor for its advanced technology. The car's sleek, low profile is perfectly complemented by its scissor doors, which open upwards in a gesture that's as practical as it is theatrical. The i8's design isn't just about aesthetics; it's meticulously crafted for aerodynamic efficiency, maximizing its hybrid powertrain's potential.
Underneath its sculpted exterior, the BMW i8 harnesses the combined force of a turbocharged three-cylinder engine and a powerful electric motor. This setup delivers a total of 369 horsepower, propelling the i8 from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. Unlike traditional hybrids, the i8 delivers a truly sporty driving experience with exhilarating acceleration and precise handling.
The BMW i8 is a showcase of innovative technology. Its LifeDrive architecture, comprising a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic passenger cell and an aluminum chassis, is a testament to BMW's commitment to lightweight construction and safety. The interior is a tech-lover's paradise, featuring an intuitive infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, and heads-up display, all designed to enhance the driving experience without distraction.
The BMW i8 proves that environmentally friendly doesn't mean boring. With an all-electric range of up to 18 miles and impressive fuel economy, the i8 allows you to indulge your love of driving while minimizing your carbon footprint. It demonstrates that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand. Driving the i8 is an experience like no other. It masterfully blends the sportiness of a high-performance car with the efficiency of a hybrid. The intelligent energy management system ensures optimal balance between the combustion engine and the electric motor, providing power and efficiency where needed. Whether you're seeking the thrill of sporty driving or the tranquility of electric cruising, the i8 adapts seamlessly to your driving style.
Step inside the i8, and you're greeted by a cabin as innovative as its exterior. Sustainable materials, intuitive controls, and a driver-focused layout create a space that's both luxurious and high-tech. The i8 seamlessly blends comfort with an undeniable sense of the future. The BMW i8 challenges the notion that high-performance cars can't be eco-friendly. It stands as a powerful statement of BMW's commitment to sustainability, without compromising on luxury or driving pleasure. The use of recyclable materials, coupled with its efficient powertrain, underscores a forward-thinking approach to the environment and mobility.
Though production of the BMW i8 ended in 2020, its legacy lives on. It served as a bold experiment, proving that hybrids could be exciting and that sustainable transportation could be aspirational. The i8 paved the way for a new generation of electrified performance vehicles, forever changing our perception of what a green car can be.
BMW i8 Basics
Manufacturer: BMW
Production: Apr 2014–Jun 2020
Model years: 2014–2020
Production Qty: 20,465 units
Assembly: Germany
Tech Specs
Body: 2-doorr coupé & roadster
Layout: Mid-engine, AWD
Drivetrain: Plug-in hybrid
Engine: 1.5L turbo inline 3 engine
Electric motor: 98 kW (131 hp)
Power: 369 hp
Trans: Aisin F21-360 FT EOP
Battery (Pre '18): 7.1 kWh lithium-ion
Battery ('18-'20MY): 11.6 kWh lithium-ion
Wheelbase: 2,800 mm (110.2 in)
Length: 4,689 mm (184.6 in)
Width: 1,942 mm (76.5 in)
Height: 1,298 mm (51.1 in)
Curb weight: 3,394 lb (1,539 kg)
Did You Know
BMW engineers wanted the i8 to have a unique sonic signature. They worked with Hollywood sound designer Hans Zimmer to create an artificial engine soundtrack for a futuristic touch.
The BMW i8 was the first production car in the world to offer optional laser headlights. These provided an incredible beam of light that could reach almost double the distance of traditional LED headlights.
The i8's interior boasts fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles and trim partially crafted from renewable resources like eucalyptus wood.
"The i8 looks amazingly radical… the powertrain and structure are just as unorthodox and brave as the styling"
Top Gear
"A rolling piece of science fiction."
The Verge