Once, it was the future. Now, it appears as though the BMW i8 may be consigned to history books by its manufacturer, with monstrous SUVs offering higher profit margins than grippy sports sedans. BMW’s i8, a dedicated sports car with its most advanced construction technology, dramatic styling, and a genuinely appealing, if unusual, driving experience, may not exactly represent the direction the automotive industry is headed, but the i8’s introduction was a sign that BMW had committed to taking plug-in cars seriously.
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SERPRESULT
There are 261 pre-owned BMW i8 cars in your area with an average price of $86,393.
A single trim level of the 2020 BMW i8 is offered as a coupe or a soft-top convertible.
Engineering and Design
Let’s start with the design, which hasn’t altered but probably didn’t need to because the i8 is still startlingly stunning when it’s stopped and even more impressive when the dihedral doors are opened upward.
Although the i8 blends this interior design with the typical levels of BMW functionality, the cabin also offers a sense of the future. It even includes two tiny rear seats for kids since it is a 2+2. In addition, there is a luggage compartment located behind the engine, however it is somewhat small due to the storage of two charging wires.
The outside is stunning, and the interior is also really remarkable. However, the really intriguing technology is hidden behind the skin.
A plug-in hybrid is the i8. This implies that it has a gasoline engine that is linked to a six-speed Steptronic transmission and an electric motor that is driven by a lithium-ion battery and has a two-speed automatic gearbox. The lithium-ion battery’s energy capacity has increased from 20Ah to 34Ah in the most recent model of the i8, and the electric motor’s maximum power has improved by 12hp to 143hp.
You could assume that the ‘traditional portion’ of the i8’s powertrain is similar to a BMW 6-cylinder, 3-liter gasoline engine based on the vehicle’s appearance. But instead, a 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder petrol engine that came from a MINI is sat behind the passengers. a supercar powered by a 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder gasoline engine? Really? But keep in mind that the 231 horsepower of the gasoline engine is complemented by a 143 horsepower electric motor, giving the system a total power output of 374 horsepower. Now that you mention it, it makes more sense. It’s also important to note that the gasoline engine now has a particle filter.
The i8’s ability to transfer its power to the road is another concern. The front wheels receive power from the electric motor while the rear wheels receive it from the mid-mounted gasoline engine. All-wheel drive is created when these two propulsion methods are combined.
The i8 features two powertrains but only 1,535 kg of total weight thanks to its carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell.
The performance and economy of the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 are not cheap, however.
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The BMW i8 offers a combination of style, performance, and efficiency that is unmatched by any other vehicle in its class. It’s not as entertaining to drive as the more affordable, class-leading Porsche 911, but many will find the dramatic style and eco-friendly image alluring.
While it can’t quite match the i8’s supercar-like appearance, performance is by no means inadequate, and there is more than enough power to enjoy driving. However, experienced drivers may find the driving experience to be a little disjointed; if you require a practical daily sports car, there are more roomy competitors available.
The BMW i8 is a novel offering in the market for high-end sports cars. The i8, a Porsche 911 challenger, injects some environmental awareness into the market with the help of its petrol-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Its expensive pricing and affordable operating expenses are both belied by its exotic appearance.
The BMW i8 joins the i3 hatchback as a member of BMW’s I eco lineup. It has a superior carbon fiber construction for strength and lightness, and its 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and electric motor work together to deliver power to all four wheels. It’s still a relatively uncommon sight, especially given that BMW has been selling the i8 since 2014. The vehicle is not as prevalent as its Porsche 911 competitor due to low production levels.
At first glance, the powertrain idea doesn’t sound all that interesting, especially if you want your supercars to have large multi-cylinder engines. By sportscar standards, the i8’s three-cylinder engine only puts out 228 horsepower, but there is an additional 141 horsepower from an electric motor driving the front wheels to help provide the necessary power.
During its lifespan, BMW produced about 20,500 units of the i8.
BMW i8 production is over, but the Germans made sure the hybrid sports vehicle made a statement by painting each of the remaining 18 units in a distinctive shade. These were colors that had never been used on the car during its entire manufacture run.
BMW claimed that producing 18 vehicles in a row in a unique color presented a hurdle. It required technicians to manually paint them. To obtain some components in the specific shade, the organization had to liaise with vendors.
BMW i8: A supercar or not?
The BMW i8 engine is quite tuneable, and like other turbocharged engines, it is possible to boost performance, throttle response, and torque.
Is the BMW i8 a wise purchase?
A software cap limits the top speed of the BMW i8 at 155 mph. The BMW i8 can be used on a racetrack or a salt flat in the desert thanks to its software. Additionally, the Tesla S incorporates software that caps the highest speed at only 130 mph. As a result, the maximum speed of the BMW i8 is marginally higher than that of the Tesla S.
Why did BMW discontinue the i8?
Although you can plug in the i8 to fully charge the battery, if you drive in EV mode and completely drain the battery, you can recharge it while you’re on the road. This is especially noticeable in Sport mode.
The BMW i8 is still on sale.
2022 BMW i8 Car The price range for the 4 and 2 Seater Coupe BMW i8 2020 in the US is between $147,500 and $163,300. Its measurements are 4696 mm long, 2217 mm wide, and 1288 mm high, with a ground clearance of 114 mm.
How many BMW i8s exist worldwide?
The BMW i8 offers sports car acceleration thanks to the 320 Nm of the combustion engine and the 250 Nm of the electric powertrain. The hybrid sports car can also go up to about 75 mph (120 km/h) in electric mode, which is a locally emission-free mode, if desired.
How much will a BMW i8 cost?
A plug-in hybrid is the i8. This implies that it features a gasoline engine that is coupled to a six-speed Steptronic transmission as well as an electric motor that is driven by a lithium-ion battery and has a two-speed automatic gearbox.
Is Tesla faster than the BMW i8?
Starting MSRP: $147,500 * Creative problem-solving. Some people could even describe you as revolutionary or rebellious. Your spirit animal in the guise of a luxurious hybrid sports automobile may be the 2021 BMW i8. It’s a forward-thinking and unorthodox Coupe and Roadster.
A BMW i8’s top speed is what?
According to media reports, the BMW board of directors reportedly decided against the 441 kW sports car, also against the backdrop of the Corona crisis this year. However, the hybrid sports car (this time with a four-cylinder petrol engine instead of the three-cylinder in the i8) did not get beyond the planning stage.
Is the BMW i8 electric or hybrid?
The BMW i8, which debuted as the world’s first mass-produced plug-in hybrid sports car in 2014, continues to be associated with sustainability.
How far can the BMW i8 travel?
Boot and passenger space Although the i8 Coupe has four seats, the back seats are only suitable for small passengers or one of Snow White’s friends. Given that, you’re not really losing anything by only having two seats in the soft-top model.
In a BMW i8, how many batteries are there?
The Service Inclusive package that covers servicing costs for three years or 36,000 miles is a standard feature of the i8. It’s also important to note that the battery is protected for eight years or 100,000 miles in addition to the i8’s usual three-year, unlimited-mileage guarantee from BMW.
How is a BMW i8 refueled?
The BMW i8’s battery pack, which is roughly the size and form of a grandfather clock turned upside down, is literally designed around it. BMW assembles 96 prismatic lithium-ion battery cells from Samsung into a 57.5 x 14.4 x 13.0-inch die-cast aluminum box to give the i8 its intended 22-mile electric driving range.
How long is the BMW i8’s warranty good for?
During its lifespan, BMW produced about 20,500 units of the i8. The Germans ensured that the hybrid sports vehicle went out with a bang by painting each of the remaining 18 models in a distinctive hue.
What sets the i8 apart?
Performance of the BMW Supercar i8 The plug-in hybrid performance of the BMW supercar i8 pulls you onward. It stands out among other sports vehicles in its sector thanks to its state-of-the-art hybrid powertrain.
Can you use a Tesla charger to charge a BMW i8?
- On the driver’s side door, push the button to open the fuel door.
- Look at the dashboard to see the message “Preparing To Refuel.”
- If this process doesn’t finish on its own after 30 seconds, wait some more.
- The car’s trunk should be opened.
- the vehicle’s passengers side access panel should be removed.
Can an i8 be tuned?
The i8 is an emissions-focused vehicle, as you might imagine. It can be driven totally on electricity for 22 miles at up to 75 mph, or you may combine the two power sources when the vehicle is in EcoPro mode to provide a total range of 330 miles.
Does the i8 allow for in-car charging?
In general, hybrid batteries have a lifespan of 6 to 10 years. There are anomalies in both ways, and warranties frequently provide coverage when products don’t live up to expectations. Although the batteries cannot be serviced by the average customer, it does provide warning signs that a repair or replacement may be forthcoming.
How long does a battery for an i8 last?
Highs Unconventional design that feels swift and light and is comfortable enough for daily wear. Lows Not at all practical, not as swift as it seems, and the interior has too many plastic components. Verdict The i8 is a stylish and economical substitute for genuine exotic sports cars.