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Review: BMW i8
The BMW i8 is an innovative plug-in hybrid, it uses eDrive technology to combine the efficiency of an all-electric motor and the power of a TwinPower Turbo engine for an exhilarating driving experience that’s every bit BMW. The BMW i8 has innovative electric motor that sits on the front axle and the TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder engine that drives the rear axle. When combined, they deliver a total output of 357 horsepower, 420 lb-ft of torque, and can reach 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.
Please read all our BMW Electric Cars reviews.
Key Specifications
- Make: BMW
- Model: i8
- First available: April 2014
- Next Upgrade: February 2017
- Electric/Hybrid: Electric
- Seats: 4
- Acceleration to 100km/h (60mph): 4.2s
- Range: 15 miles 25 km
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Price: $140,700Price: €145'000Price: £112'535
Range & Battery
Battery options
Charge time
- 2h at 220V
Please also read our published Electric Car reviews of other makes and models.
I have to be honest, when I first started reading up on the BMW i8. I wasn’t too impressed with its specs, until I dug deeper and really got a feel for this car was made up of.
The i8 is a proper plug-in hybrid car, which gives off the look and feel of a real sports car of the future. It’s fast, and can be driven in different modes, which is handy. Whether that’s Comfort, Sports, or a more efficient ECO PRO mode.
It’s nice that the engine automatically kicks when needed with the eDrive technology in comfort and ECO PRO mode. I find this could be a great feature, especially if you’re going for a cruise or in heavy traffic, and need to speed up when overtaking. The best part is how the i8 delivers performance when needed, and is programmed to be as efficient as possible at all times.
The fuel consumption of 2.1L/100KM is really incredible for a car that can achieve the speeds it does.
As for the interior amenities, to be honest they’re quite ordinary. Though the user interface comes with a brilliant navigation system, which helps you find charging locations in the ChargeNow network, and even displays traffic jams, road constructions and more with the ConnectedDrive feature.
As for the electric range, I’m not very impressed. Companies such as Tesla are way ahead in the game. Agreed this is a hybrid, but 37km compared to the 390KM+ range of the Tesla Model S which fits 5 people instead of 2, is pretty dismal. Though it is a plug-in hybrid and can get charged very quick.
Plus I’m finding it way too expensive in some countries such as India, where it’s selling for over $250,000. Where I feel it’s more needed in fact, as EV infrastructure still needs to catch on. The high price may be due to it being such a rare car to find, and second hand models selling for more than the initial list price….
On the bright side, it’s pretty cool you can change gears in sport mode with paddle shift controls, and seems like a fun car to drive (I like to feel in control). Though the main thing is that, it’s 2017 now, and there’s got to be some updates. Nice concept, but have to leave it at that. Not entirely practical for everyone.
BMW has got to keep pushing development of this car. Because it’s really not bad at all, but times are changing….