The BMW i8 is a lightweight plug-in hybrid, mid-engine supercar that many have considered to be ahead of its time. BMW first introduced the i8 in a vision form in 2009, followed later by a couple of concept versions. Then in 2014, the carbon-fiber built BMW i8 Coupe came to market. It wasn’t ever the fastest or most capable car in its price range but it offers a unique and interesting take on the supercar, while also packing stunning good looks and a bit of all-electric range.
The BMW i8 is also unlike any other car in its class for one reason: it established a benchmark. It signaled many firsts for BMW, but it was also one of the first production hybrid supercars – even if it didn’t necessarily boast supercar performance on paper. The BMW i8 is good for 369 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, powering all four wheels. But that’s less important than where the power is coming from. Which in the i8’s case, is the middle. Being mid-engine makes the car more naturally balanced and offers driving dynamics totally unique from more traditional front engine options.
Top speed was also adequate: the BMW i8 can get from 0-60 mph in about 4.4 seconds. Interestingly, the BMW i8 was also the first hybrid/EV to use a two-speed transmission for its electric motor at the front. But the whole point of making the BMW i8 a hybrid was to offer impressive fuel economy on top of supercar performance/styling. While the i8 isn’t as economical as BMW had hoped, it’s still more economical than most supercars, capable of returning 35 MPGe. Because of that front electric motor, the latest iteration of the BMW i8 can drive up to 22 miles on pure electric power alone.
While the exterior design is breathtaking with its scissors doors and sleek shapes, the interior design is both a bit too vanilla and a bit too low-rent for its price tag. It’s a sustainable interior with a lot of unique materials built…
