The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid sports car with two doors. Nonetheless, it seats up to four people and it comes with sophisticated features. Like most BMWs, the i8 also has several problems and it is not so reliable. But is the BMW i8 a good car?
The BMW i8 is a good car for those looking for a high-performance, fuel-efficient, sleek, modern, and safe car. On the other hand, it is a bad car if you’re looking for an affordable, cheap to maintain, and reliable car. This is because it has a high initial cost and the cost of maintenance is also high.
History of the BMW i8
The BMW i8 was part of the BMW’s electrified fleet and it was marketed under the BMW i sub-brand. BMW started producing this car in April 2014, but it was discontinued in June 2020. The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid car, meaning that it runs on both fuel and electricity.
This two-door coupe was assembled in Saxony, Leipzig. Like the BMW i3, it also comes with butterfly doors, which are stylish and modern. Note that the BMW i8s come with a B38K15T0 1.5-liter turbocharged I3 engine. It also has a 93 kWh battery that provides over 23 miles.
Features of the BMW i8
Appearance
The BMW i8 has a futuristic style and excellent finishes. The exterior is good-looking, while the interior is classy, comfortable, and with sophisticated features. Some of the features that stand out are 20-inch wheels, LED brake lights, a black BMW grille with a metal-look surround, and light-tinted glass.
When it comes to the interior, this car comes with heated front seats, electric seat adjustment, a sports leather steering wheel, 6-way driver and passenger seats, and full perforated leather upholstery.
The BMW i8 comes with a wheelbase of 110.2-inches, a length of 184.6-inches, a width of 76.5-inches, and a height of 51.1-inches.
Performance
As stated earlier, the BMW i8 comes with a combustion engine and battery pack. It is fitted with an intercooled turbo gas/electric inline-3 engine that delivers a maximum of 369 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, it can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds and it has a top speed of 155 mph.
Apart from being fast, the BMW i8 also comes with an all-wheel-drive system and 6-speed automatic transmission. However, its ride is somewhat stiff, making it undesirable to many sports car lovers.
Comfort and cargo space
Despite having a comfortable, luxurious, and spacious interior, the BMW i8 does not come with ample trunk space. It has a total of 5.4 cubic feet, which is somewhat small compared to most of its competitors. As a result, this car is just fine for fun and not traveling or picnics.
Range
The BMW i8 is fitted with a 7.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. However, the 2018 to 2020 models are equipped with an 11.6 kWh lithium-ion battery. The first battery delivers a range of up to 23 miles, while the second battery delivers a range of up to 34 miles.
Aside from having an excellent range compared to most of its competitors, the i8 also has a combed fuel efficiency of 27 mpg, which is exceptional.
Price
The BMW i8 is not your average coupe or sports car. This is because it has a high initial cost, which many people won’t be able to afford. The BMW i8 has a starting price of around $148,495. When you compare this price with that of its competitors, you will find that it is pretty high.
FAQ
What is so special about the BMW i8?
The most special thing about the BMW i8 is that it produces sports car numbers for acceleration. Thanks to the 250 Nm torque of the electric engine and the 320 Nm of the combustion engine. What’s more, the hybrid sports car can attain high speeds of up to 75 mph, which is exceptional and emission-free.
How fast is the BMW i8?
The BMW i8 is one of the fastest plug-in hybrid coupes on the market. This car can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.4 seconds. What’s more, it has a top speed of 155 mph, which is outstanding. Hence, when it comes to straight-line performance, the BMW i8 is similar to that of a bona fide BMW M car.
What are the common problems of the BMW i8?
Before you acquire the BMW i8, it is vital to know some of the problems that you might face along the way. Some of the common problems with the BMW i8 airbag issues are electrical problems, engine overheating, a faulty sensor, fuel leak, and large doors.
Is the BMW i8 a good daily driver?
Yes, the BMW i8 is a good daily driver. This is because the car is fuel-efficient, as it runs on both fuel and electricity. Additionally, the i8 is very comfortable, it has excellent visibility, and it’s simple to maneuver in traffic. The only challenge that the BMW i8 possess is an inconvenience when it comes to parking. Aside from that, it is a good daily driver.
Why was the BMW i8 discontinued?
Like most cars in the market, the BMW i8 was discontinued because of low sales. Furthermore, it was one of the most misunderstood BMW models. Besides, every model year came with its own issues that also contributed to its end.
For instance, the 2014 i8 had issues linked to the fuel leak, while the 2015 model had a faulty sensor, and the 2016 model year had airbag issues.
Conclusion
Overall, the BMW i8 is a fantastic plug-in hybrid sports car. Not only does it reduce reliance on fuel usage, but it also emits fewer gasses into the atmosphere. What’s more, it performs outstandingly and has a futuristic styling that will leave onlookers admiring the ride as you cruise down the highway.
As expected, the BMW i8 also comes with several problems that interested buyers shouldn’t overlook. On top of that, it has a stiff ride and the initial cost is quite high. All in all, the BMW i8 is still an excellent car, even though it was discontinued due to low sales.
