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BMW i8 Ultimate Sophisto Edition Says Goodbye to the World in Frankfurt

Five years ago, BMW was launching the i8, a plug-in hybrid sports car that managed to surprise even its maker with its success. Yet, even good things must come to an end, and as of 2020, the i8 nameplate will be shelved.
BMW i8 Ultimate Sophisto Edition 43 photos
Photo: Stefan Baldauf / SB-Medien
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With a total of some 13,000 units sold in the U.S. and Europe since its introduction, the i8 can be considered a German hit, all things considered. The aging tech on the car, as well as the rise of better platforms, has however prompted BMW into looking beyond the i8.

But not before a last special edition hits the roads.

Called Ultimate Sophisto, the latest interpretation of the i8 will be offered for both the coupe and roadster variants of the car, in a limited series of just 200 units. This will be the last unique variant of the i8 made by BMW.

As expected, the Germans have brought the car to the Frankfurt Motor Show for a proper farewell, and we have the photos to prove it in the gallery above.

As usual, BMW did not change anything when it comes to the car's powertrain. It uses the stock electric motor that works in conjunction with the combustion engine to deliver a total system output of 374 hp.

There are some visual changes though. On the outside, the edition is wrapped in a color called Sophisto Grey Brilliant effect, with E-Copper accents on several body parts. For wheels, BMW went for 20-inch BMW i light-alloys in radial-spoke design.

Several other touches, like a trim element on the C-pillar and a tailgate inlay in high-gloss black complete the exterior look.

Inside, there's the Ultimate Sophisto Edition lettering on the door sill plates, and a badge testifying the car is one of 200 made. Hints of E-Copper are to be found here as well.

The i8 also got some extra gadgetry, like the head-up display, light package, Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system and ceramic applications for the controls.

No pricing for this final edition was announced.
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About the author: Daniel Patrascu
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Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
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