Photo: BMW
BMW just announced that their hybrid sportscar, the i8, will arrive to dealerships worldwide earlier than we suspected, in June. Most rumors and predictions had the deliveries begin somewhere in autumn but, apparently, the Bavarians thought there was no point in waiting any longer as the car’s testing was finished.
The European markets will receive the cars first after the i8 enters production in April at the BMW Group Plant in Leipzig, starting with the first orders placed since autumn 2013. Therefore, if you hurried down to your local dealer and asked for an i8 last year, you’ll be amongst the first ones to get it.
Of course, the launch of such an important car will be celebrated around the world, in special events at which BMW i agents will be equipped with separate demonstration vehicles.
BMW also revealed the complete specs of the car, showing even more impressive numbers than previously speculated. The world’s first production car fitted with laser lights will return an EU test cycle average fuel consumption of 2.1 l/100 km (112 mpg), even lower than the 2.5 l/100 km (94 mpg) rumored beforehand.
At the same time, thanks to its hybrid drivetrain, the CO2 emissions will be of 49 g km with the electricity consumption rated at 11.9 kWh per 100 km. However, this is not a Prius. This is a proper BMW sportscar.
It will do 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds, go from 80 to 120 km/h (50 - 75 mph) in 2.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph, electronically limited) with no problems whatsoever. How is that possible?
The i8 weighs only 1,485 kg (3,274 lbs) thanks to its CFRP, aluminum and magnesium construction and is an all-wheel-drive vehicle. However, it’s not an usual AWD car. This one uses 2 motors, one for each axle.
Up front you have the electric motor from the i3 downgraded to make 131 HP and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque that is connected to a 2-speed automatic gearbox, powering the front wheels. On the rear axle you get the brand new 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged unit making 231 HP and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque hooked up to a 6-speed automatic box.
Combined, the two make 362 HP and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque, enough for the aforementioned specs to be true. Furthermore, the weight distribution is 49:51, extremely close to the perfect ratio which will translate into great driving dynamics.
The i8 can also be used in electric mode alone, with the front motor driving the car, turning it into an FWD vehicle and using energy from the 7.1 kWh battery alone, for up to 23 miles (37 km). Speaking of the battery, you should know that it can be charged up to 80% in less than 2 hours from a 230V socket.
When you’re talking about an electric or hybrid car, range anxiety always comes to mind. In stock guise, the new Bimmer will have a 30 liter tank that should keep you going for up to 440 km (273 miles). With the optional 42 liter tank you can go as far as 600 km (372 miles).
The i8 starts at $136,625 in the US and you could be eligible for a federal tax reduction or grant (depending on the state you live in) for hybrid vehicles, driving the price even lower. There will be 2 different trim lines available called ‘Worlds’, starting with the base Giga World going up to the more upscale Tera World model, both of them being decked with plenty of kit as standard.
Of course, the launch of such an important car will be celebrated around the world, in special events at which BMW i agents will be equipped with separate demonstration vehicles.
BMW also revealed the complete specs of the car, showing even more impressive numbers than previously speculated. The world’s first production car fitted with laser lights will return an EU test cycle average fuel consumption of 2.1 l/100 km (112 mpg), even lower than the 2.5 l/100 km (94 mpg) rumored beforehand.
At the same time, thanks to its hybrid drivetrain, the CO2 emissions will be of 49 g km with the electricity consumption rated at 11.9 kWh per 100 km. However, this is not a Prius. This is a proper BMW sportscar.
It will do 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds, go from 80 to 120 km/h (50 - 75 mph) in 2.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph, electronically limited) with no problems whatsoever. How is that possible?
The i8 weighs only 1,485 kg (3,274 lbs) thanks to its CFRP, aluminum and magnesium construction and is an all-wheel-drive vehicle. However, it’s not an usual AWD car. This one uses 2 motors, one for each axle.
Up front you have the electric motor from the i3 downgraded to make 131 HP and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque that is connected to a 2-speed automatic gearbox, powering the front wheels. On the rear axle you get the brand new 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged unit making 231 HP and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque hooked up to a 6-speed automatic box.
Combined, the two make 362 HP and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque, enough for the aforementioned specs to be true. Furthermore, the weight distribution is 49:51, extremely close to the perfect ratio which will translate into great driving dynamics.
The i8 can also be used in electric mode alone, with the front motor driving the car, turning it into an FWD vehicle and using energy from the 7.1 kWh battery alone, for up to 23 miles (37 km). Speaking of the battery, you should know that it can be charged up to 80% in less than 2 hours from a 230V socket.
When you’re talking about an electric or hybrid car, range anxiety always comes to mind. In stock guise, the new Bimmer will have a 30 liter tank that should keep you going for up to 440 km (273 miles). With the optional 42 liter tank you can go as far as 600 km (372 miles).
The i8 starts at $136,625 in the US and you could be eligible for a federal tax reduction or grant (depending on the state you live in) for hybrid vehicles, driving the price even lower. There will be 2 different trim lines available called ‘Worlds’, starting with the base Giga World going up to the more upscale Tera World model, both of them being decked with plenty of kit as standard.
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