The i8 has a top speed of 155 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in under 4.4 seconds. As a result, its straight-line performance is comparable to that of a genuine BMW M vehicle.
The i8’s engine, which BMW expertly designed, is responsible for the power. Unbelievably, the 1.5-liter, three-cylinder MINI Cooper served as the engine’s source. However, it has been altered to provide more naughtiness, producing 231 horsepower while receiving an additional 143 horsepower from an electric motor. The i8 is by no means slow thanks to the innovative hybrid configuration.
As a result, the i8 not only has a sharp appearance but also has the ability to move quickly when necessary, and since it is a BMW, the driving experience is also rather good.
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HIGH SPEED
A BMW i8’s top speed. In comparison to the Mercedes and Audi, the i8’s 6-speed automatic transmission allows the premium coupe to go from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.4 seconds. Additionally, the peak speed of the BMW i8 is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), which is considerably slower than the top speeds of other supercars, which can reach more than 190 mph (300 km/h). However, this opulent and elegant vehicle was not designed to be a racer.
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The i8 is seen in the video accelerating to 155 mph from a complete stop on a famous German roadway. BMW claims the i8 can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 kph) in 4.2 seconds, which is quick given the hybrid powertrain of the vehicle. The i8 is powered by an 11.6 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and a turbocharged 1.3-liter inline-three engine. 369 horsepower (275 kilowatts) and 420 pound-feet (569 Newton-meters) of torque are produced collectively. An eight-speed automatic transmission distributes power to all four wheels.
Even though hybrid powertrains are far more widespread now, the BMW i8 still seems like a car from a future we have yet to realize as 2019 comes to a close. Sadly, the BMW i8 won’t be around much longer. There won’t be a “direct replacement for the i8,” according to BMW Director of Development Klaus Frolich, earlier this year. Later, BMW stated earlier this month that it would stop producing the i8 in April 2020. The BMW i8 didn’t sell in large quantities—this month saw the production of the 20,000th i8—but it helped popularize hybrid vehicles in a similar way to how Tesla did with electric vehicles.
The I8’s efficiency
A 98kw electric motor installed by BMW in the I8 only produced 131 horsepower on its own. The little 1.5L inline 3-cylinder engine used in some slower Mini Cooper automobiles didn’t seem to impress many people, either. The 3-cylinder engine only generated 228 horsepower, which is not particularly spectacular for what many people would consider a contemporary supercar.
Up to the 2018 model year, the engine and electric motor worked together to produce 357 horsepower. Power was then slightly increased to 369 horsepower. No of the year, you can anticipate receiving a startling 420 lb-ft of torque.
But just how quick was the BMW I8? Although many drivers are aware that performance is more than simply power and that there are certain fairly common comparison tests, we can get a broad notion of how the automobile will perform when we talk about horsepower. The I8 typically finished the quarter-mile race in 12.1 seconds and at a speed of 116 mph. Its electronically controlled top speed is 155 mph. Our final test is the 0 to 60 mph test, which naturally takes the longest and results in an amazing 3.6 seconds.
Although it lacks the absurd horsepower of the new 3-cylinder hybrid that the new Koenigsegg Gemera boasts, drivers note that the I8 handles remarkably well and that the given torque allows it an amazing launch from a complete stop. When in sports mode, the supercar offers a thrilling but comfortable ride; when in eco mode, the car entirely transforms and offers a tranquil and relaxing experience.
0-100 km/h BMW i8
BMW’s i8 may have a state-of-the-art hybrid powertrain and outrageous style that would lead you to believe it is a supercar-slaying monster, but in reality, it is far more subdued than its appearance would lead you to believe.
The i8 appears set to destroy the traditional supercar big players like Ferrari and Lamborghini with its low-slung profile and the theatrical (and impractical) butterfly doors on the coupe, but in reality, BMW has prioritized efficiency over performance.
A 96kW/250Nm electric motor powers the front wheels, giving the BMW i8 all-wheel-drive traction. A 1.5-liter turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine with 170kW/320Nm of torque is mounted right behind the driver and passenger.
However, the BMW i8’s combined output is listed at 266kW/570Nm, making it comparable in power to the Nissan 370Z Nismo or Audi S5, but outperforming the Mercedes-AMG C43 and Lexus LC500 in terms of torque.
The BMW i8 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds with a six-speed automatic transmission in tow, which is substantially slower than its rivals in the same price range as the Audi R8 and Mercedes-AMG GT.
Independent testing revealed that the BMW i8’s quarter-mile (0-402 m) time fell between 12.1 and 12.3 seconds.
The BMW i8’s highest speed was also restricted to 250 km/h, which is significantly less than the supercars’ typical top speeds of 300 km/h or more at the time.
It’s difficult to predict how fast the BMW i8 will go without the limitation, but then again, that’s not what it was built for.
The i8 makes up for its lack of straight-line speed with its incredibly efficient fuel efficiency rating of just 2.1 liters per 100 km, partly because of its plug-in hybrid powertrain, which allows for about 40 km of all-electric driving range.
Yes, the BMW i8 is a plug-in as well. In fact, with more than 20,000 sales, it is the world’s best-selling plug-in sports car.
The batteries in the cars from 2015 to 2017 were 7.1 kWh, but starting in 2018, they were expanded to 11.6 kWh for an extended all-electric driving range of 55 km.
With the update, the electric motor was also increased to produce 105kW, giving the 2018 model a new combined total of 275kW/570Nm. However, the BMW i8’s acceleration stayed constant at 4.4 seconds for the 0-100km/h run.
Nevertheless, a convertible version of the vehicle without the two back seats and with a cloth top managed to record a verified 0-60mph (97km/h) pace of 4.1 seconds during testing.
Video: BMW i8 Coupe performs a top-speed run that seems nostalgic
Sometimes it’s simple to overlook how ancient the BMW i8 and i3 actually are. For instance, it’s difficult to believe that the 2013 introduction of the i8 because it still has a very futuristic appearance. Yet it is approaching seven years old and has been around for more than six. However, the futuristic plug-in hybrid still stands out from the crowd, which is why it’s so well-liked today. It wasn’t intended to be a supercar in the first place, regardless of performance.
I concur with others who feel it’s unfortunate BMW didn’t choose a more daring powerplant for the i8. Although I can see why the i8 was introduced with a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine under the hood, I believe a more daring strategy would have also been successful. The i8 set out to demonstrate that you could enjoy driving while still helping the environment, and I believe it succeeded in doing so.
Last year, the plug-in hybrid underwent a makeover that added a little bit more power. The car in the video below is the latest variant, and according to BMW, it should be a little bit faster. It has 374 HP and 570 Nm of torque. The reported time for the 0-62 mph sprint is 4.4 seconds, but the video made by the folks at AutoTopNL shows 4.3 seconds. If you ask me, things are more than decent after that.
In just under 11 seconds, the i8 accelerates from 62 mph to 124 mph (100 km/h to 200 km/h), which is not bad at all. In fact, the i8 can be shown accelerating from 0 to 124 mph (0 to 200 km/h) in just 15.38 seconds and hitting its electronically regulated top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h) in just under 34 seconds during the final run in the video. Not bad for a car that is six years old and has a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engine.
How quick is the BMW i8 when the restriction is off?
The M5 is undoubtedly the best, but there are other quick BMW alternatives available. Speed is provided by the 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine used in the X5 M and X6 M. Both vehicles can reach 60 mph in less than 4.0 seconds. Although you wouldn’t anticipate a large SUV to have much power, BMW has succeeded in doing so. These two have a 155 mph limited top speed, but without the limiter, it would probably be much faster.
The i8 offers a somewhat speedier option; with this car, it takes 3.9 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. Two electric motors and a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine are available. However, the vehicle’s small weight helps it reach a top restricted speed of 155 mph.
The M6 Gran Coupe must be mentioned when talking about quick BMW vehicles. When the competition package is selected, the horsepower increases from 560 to 600, adding significant power that allows it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.8 seconds. However, the electronically restricted speed stays the same at 155 mph.
Another very quick choice is the M4 GTS. This vehicle has a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged I6 engine that produces 493 horsepower and can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.4 seconds. But it needs to be coupled with the DCT gearbox in order to reach that speed. It offers speed for an affordable price, starting at $64,200.
But the M3 is no slouch either. While the CRT has a top speed of 180 mph, the M3 GTS has a top speed of 190 mph.
Despite its weight, the M760Li, a Series 7 model, deserves to be on the list. A 6.6 liter twin-turbocharged engine with 600 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque powers the vehicle. In 3.6 seconds, it can accelerate to 60 mph.
This brand is known for being quick, but if you’re seeking for the fastest BMW currently on the market, one of these is probably your best bet.