The world’s first sustainable and most progressive sports car of our time
With its ultra-dynamic proportions, elegantly sporty lines, low-slung silhouette and futuristic design features, BMW’s i8 plug-in hybrid sports car is expected to cause a sensation on the roads when it goes on sale across the Middle East this month. Signalling the future of sustainable motoring, the BMW i8 combines the performance and appeal of a sports car with the fuel consumption of a small car.
The BMW i8 is the second model after the BMW i3 to be unveiled by BMW i, the company’s sub-brand focusing solely on developing sustainable products and services, that has helped affirm BMW Group’s leadership as the world’s most sustainable premium car company.
Both the exterior and interior of the emotionally-led 2+2-seater embody a revolutionary, pioneering take on the Sheer Driving Pleasure for which BMW is renowned. The BMW i8 features a completely new, exciting sports car design which includes sophisticated aerodynamics features and environmentally friendly materials.
It comprises BMW LifeDrive architecture, the worlds’ first body architecture specifically designed and purpose-built for series production of electric and plug-in hybrid cars. The BMW i LifeDrive architecture is made up of two separate units: the upper Life module that consists mainly of a high-strength and extremely lightweight passenger cell made from Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic. The lower drive module consists of a 100% aluminium construction and integrates the battery, electric motor and suspension system. The use of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic is a first for a volume-production model. It is the lightest available material that can be used in the construction of a car body without compromising on safety.
Powered by a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine which, in typical BMW sports car fashion, drives through the rear wheels, the BMW i8’s intelligent hybrid system also capitalises on a potent electric motor which sends drive to the front wheels resulting in a combined power output of 362hp delivered to all four wheels.
When united, the dual motors (electric motor at the front and petrol engine at the rear) work in harmony enabling the BMW i8 to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds while using just 2.5 litres of petrol per 100kms and emitting just 59g/km of emissions.
The BMW i8 has a top speed electronically limited to 250km/h, and can be operated solely in all electric drive (zero emissions) for around 37 kilometres – and the battery of the plug-in hybrid can be continuously charged by the petrol engine while driving. Due to its lightweight of just 1,485 kg, it provides a total drive range of more than 500 kilometres.
A sports car character and the typical BMW driver orientation are both equally prominent in the design of the BMW i8. The front view of the BMW i8 exudes sporting ability in its purest form. Large front apron air intakes arranged over several levels generate a powerful feeling of depth. The extremely broad BMW kidney grille stretches over to the slim headlights, accentuating the width of the BMW i8 and its road-focused stance. In addition, full-LED headlights are standard and innovative laser headlights, available as an option later this year, proving intense light that will illuminate the roads for up to 600m – double the distance of conventional LED lights.
An all-embracing sustainability concept runs throughout the entire value chain of the BMW i8; carbon fibre production and vehicle assembly using 100-per cent renewable electricity; high proportion of recycled materials; use of materials manufactured and treated in an environmentally friendly manner.
The BMW i8 is the future of sports performance driving, offering unparalleled fuel efficiency in a light and lithe Coupé body that takes nothing away from the thrill of driving a thoroughbred performance car.
