The BMW i8 is one of the most popular cars of the 2010s. Made between 2014 and 2020, the BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid sports car with a sleek design, excellent fuel efficiency, and a luxurious interior. But which cars are similar to the BMW i8?
Cars similar to the BMW i8 are the Acura NSX, Audi R8, Chevrolet Corvette, Lexus LC, Mercedes-Benz AMG GT, and BMW 8-Series. The cars we’ve mentioned share some features with the BMW i8. It can be power, performance, design, or even price.
Which cars are similar to the BMW i8?
Acura NSX
The Acura NSX is among the most stylish sports cars on the market. Its design is almost similar to the BMW i8. They are also sold at almost the same price as the Acura NSX goes for $$159,495, while the BMW i8 goes for $148,495. So, the NSX is slightly more expensive than the i8.
However, the price of the Acura NSX is justifiable as it looks sportier with exceptional performance and a nifty hybrid powertrain. The NSX comes with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with an electric motor that works together to produce a maximum of 573 hp. Besides, the Acura NSX is also faster than the BMW i8 as it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, while the i8 takes 4.4 seconds.
Chevrolet Corvette
Another lovely and powerful car that’s similar to the BMW i8 is the Chevrolet Corvette. Apart from the great looks, the Chevrolet Corvette also performs outstandingly as it is fitted with a 6.2-liter pushrod V8 engine. Furthermore, it produces a maximum of 495 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque.
The Chevrolet Corvette can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and it has a top speed of 190 mph. It is also fuel efficient as it has an EPA rating of 16 mpg in the city, 16 mpg on the highway, and a combined 19 mpg.
Some of the features that the Acura NSX and Chevrolet Corvette share the design, performance, and price.
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is the true definition of a luxury sports car. Aside from its agile and sporty look, this car looks classy with high-end features and finishes. It is also powerful as it runs on a 4.0-liter V8 engine with a rear-wheel drive system as standard. The engine delivers up to 469 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque.
While the BMW i8 and Mercedes-Benz AMG GT feature a sporty design and powerful engines, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is a two-seater, while the BMW i8 is a four-seater. The price for the base Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is $116,895, which is cheaper than the BMW i8. What’s more, the i8 is more efficient than the AMG GT.
Audi R8
Another beautiful and powerful sports car that is similar to the BMW i8 is the Audi R8. The Audi R8 is one of the best-selling sports cars in the recent past. This car is stylish, powerful, and luxurious. Like the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT, this car comes with two seats.
The Audi R8 is fitted with a 5.2-liter V-10 engine that produces 562 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. It also features an all-wheel drive system with a 7-speed automatic transmission. When compared to the BMW i8, the R8 is less efficient as it has a combined EPA rating of 16mpg. And the initial price of this car is around $185,050.
Lexus LC
If you’re looking for a more reliable sports car with similar features to the BMW i8, you will love the Lexus LC. This car is well-designed with a luxurious look. The interior is also enchanting, although it is not as luxurious as the BMW i8 or Mercedes-Benz AMG GT.
With a starting price of $98,535, the Lexus LC performs considerably well, but not better than the i8. However, it is more fuel efficient than the i8, even though the BMW i8 comes with a plug-in hybrid system to boost its power. The Lexus LC has a combined EPA rating of 30 mpg, while the BMW i8 has 27 mpg.
BMW 8-Series
The BMW i8 didn’t impress many people, but the BMW 8-Series stands to correct this. This car comes in convertible and coupe options. It is also beautifully designed with top-notch features and technology. The interior is well-built with high-end materials.
The base BMW 8-series comes with a twin-turbo inline-6 engine that delivers 335 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque. On the same note, the base model has a starting price of $88,895, with the high-end M850i xDrive convertible going for a whopping $122,395.
FAQ
Why was the BMW i8 discontinued?
Like most BMW models that have been discontinued in the past, the BMW i8 was discontinued because of low sales. Coronavirus also contributed to the low sales, making BMW discontinue this sleek and efficient model during the pandemic in June 2020.
How fast is the BMW i8?
The BMW i8 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. On top of that, it has a top speed of 155 mph, which is similar to most BMW models. Hence, in terms of straight-line performance, the BMW i8 is at par with the BMW M models.
What are the common problems with the BMW i8?
The BMW i8 has an elegant exterior and performs outstandingly, but it also comes with several issues that are worth noting. Common problems with the BMW i8 are faulty sensors, large doors, fuel leakage, electrical issues, engine overheating, and automatic headlights problems.
Is it expensive to maintain the BMW i8?
Yes, the BMW i8 is one of the most expensive BMW models to maintain and repair. According to Edmunds, the 2019 BMW i8 will cost you around $6,410 to maintain in its first five years of ownership. Additionally, you should expect to spend at least $2,710 in repairs in the same period.
Bottom line
Before being discontinued in 2020 after the pandemic broke out, the BMW i8 was a popular car among several BMW luxury sports car enthusiasts. This car was sleek, comfortable, advanced, safe, and fuel efficient. Even though it was discontinued, there are several similar cars on the market that interested buyers can opt for as mentioned above.