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BMW i8 Roadster (I15) 2018-2020 Photos, engines & full specs

Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
Segment: Roadster & Convertible
Infotainment: Apple CarPlay icon Apple CarPlay  
Production years: 2018, 2019, 2020

BMW i8 Roadster (I15) 2018-2020 50 Photos
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BMW uncovered the i8 Roadster at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in late 2017, with sales starting in 2018 offering a fuel-efficient daily-driver roadster.

The i8 was a radical-looking BMW. It was the first mid-engined BMW since the mighty M1 from the late '70s. Its plug-in hybrid powerplant helped the car achieve impressive fuel efficiency and a decent electric-only autonomy. The Roadster came with the same platform but enhanced for more driving pleasure.

At the front, there was no difference between the i8 and the i8 Roadster. Both body versions shared the same front fascia with a narrow and wide BMW-kidneys grille. The LED-daytime running lights underlined its headlights, and on the lower apron, the car sported a grille to cool the engine flanked by side-scoops to cool the brakes. The big difference was noticed on the sides where the Roadster featured the same "shoulders" over the engine compartment, but without the big rear window between them. The fabric roof was power-operated and retractable in 15 seconds behind the car's seats, at speeds up to 35 mph (50 kph).

BMW managed to keep the same doors as on the coupe version to enter the car, with the hinges mounted on the windscreen's pillars. The interior was similar to the coupe version but offered just two seats instead of four. Instead of the rear bench (which was too small for a normal-sized teenager), the carmaker installed a 100 l (3.5 cu-ft) storage compartment.

Along with the updated 2017 version, BMW increased the battery size so the Roadster could travel up to 33 miles (53 km) on electricity only. Under the engine compartment, it was the same three-cylinder turbocharged engine that provided 231 hp alone. Together with the electric motor, the i8 Roadster offered a total output of 374 hp.

press release
BMW i8 Roadster (I15) 2018, 2019, 2020
  1 hybrid engine
  • 1.5L 6AT (374 HP)

BMW i8 Roadster (I15)
1.5L 6AT (374 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.5L 6AT (374 HP)
Cylinders:L3
Displacement:1499 cm3
Power:169.9 KW @ 5800 RPM
231 HP @ 5800 RPM
228 BHP @ 5800 RPM
Torque:236 lb-ft @ 3700 RPM
320 Nm @ 3700 RPM
Fuel System:Turbocharged Direct Injection
Fuel:Hybrid
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:155 mph (249 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):4.6 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:6-speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Ventilated Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/50 R20 || 215/45 R20
DIMENSIONS
Length:184.6 in (4689 mm)
Width:76.5 in (1943 mm)
Height:50.8 in (1290 mm)
Front/rear Track:64.7/67.8 in (1,643/1,722 mm)
Wheelbase:110.2 in (2799 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.6 in (117 mm)
Cargo Volume:3.1 cuFT (88 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.28
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3682 lbs (1670 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4497 lbs (2040 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:112 mpg US (2.1 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:4.6 g/km
Notes
Hybrid system
Combustion engine powers rear wheels, electric motor powers front wheels
Electric motor power: 105 kW (143 HP)
Electric motor torque: 250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
Total system power: 275 kW (374 HP)
Electric driving range: 53 km (33 miles)
Total driving range: 440 km (273 miles) or 600 km (373 miles) with optional fuel tank
Top speed all-electric mode: 120 km/h (74 mph)
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