BMW i8 hybrid sports car is the second model of BMW’s i eco-friendly sub-brand, after BMW i3 electric vehicle. BMW i8 has a CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic) passenger cell on an aluminium chassis and uses electric drive and a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with 3-cylinders, having a total power output of 266 kW/362 hp. BMW i8 is one of the most advanced hybrid vehicles on the market of its time, with a drive concept made of a hybrid-specific all-wheel drive – combustion engine driving the rear wheels, electric motor driving the front wheels.
Details
Make: BMW
Model: BMW i8 / BMW i8 eDrive
Production: 2014-
Body type: 2-door coupe, 4 seats
VIN: WBY2Z21020V346237
Price without VAT: 116,621 Euros
Combustion engine: 1.5-litre (1,499 cc) 3-cylinder turbocharged engine, central, with BMW TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control and supercharging. The maximum output is 170 kW / 231 PS/hp at 5,800 rpm and peak torque is 320 Nm (approx. 236 lb-ft) available at 3,700 rpm.
Electric motor: BMW eDrive technology – hybrid synchronous motor with power electronics, integrated charging module and generator mode for recuperation. The maximum output is 96 kW/131 hp at 4,800 rpm and the rated output is 75 kW/102 hp at 4,800 rpm, with a maximum torque of 250 Nm (approx. 184 lb-ft) at 0 rpm. Recuperation output is 60 kW.
Battery: Lithium-ion high-voltage battery (355 V) with a capacity of 7.1 kWh (gross) or 5.2 kWh (net). Charging time for 80% charge is <2 hours at 3.7 kW (16 A/230 V).
Transmission for combustion engine: 6-speed automatic
Transmission for electric motor: 2-speed automatic
Tyres: Bridgestone Potenza S001 215/45 R20 95 W (front) and 245/40 R20 99W (rear)
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 4.4 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h
Declared average fuel consumption: 2.1 liters of petrol per 100 km and 11.9 kWh/100 km in addition to fuel consumption
Declared electric range (EU cycle): 37 km
Declared total range: 440 km or 600 km (with optional 42-litre tank)
Emissions: EU6, 49 g CO2/km
Fuel tank (l): 42 (optional)
Dimensions (mm): L 4,689 / w 1,942 / h 1,293
Luggage compartment capacity (l): 154
Wheelbase (mm): 2,800
Weight (DIN/EU): 1,485 kg / 1,560 kg
Cd: 0.26
Front suspension: Aluminium double track control arm with anti-dive, separate lower level with wishbone and tie rod, coil springs, stabiliser bar.
Rear suspension: Aluminium five-arm geometry, directly connected, coil springs, stabiliser bar.
Main standard equipment
Airbags for driver and front passenger, side airbags for driver and front passenger, curtain airbags for front and rear seats; ABS; ESC/ESP/DSC; intelligent emergency telematics service with manual and automatic emergency call that provides, if necessary, a BMW Call Center to connect with rescue team. In addition to the current position of the vehicle the rescue is informed of the severity of the crash. The use of this service is free. Other safety features: ISOFIX on rear seats; Tyre Pressure Monitor; Sports leather steering wheel with multifunction; dual-zone automatic climate control; heat/sun protection glazing; iDrive Touch Controller; Professional Infotainment and Navigation System; USB; AUX; Bluetooth; Dynamic Damper Control.
Main optional equipment (price in Euros, without VAT)
BMW i Interior Design Hallo (2,268) consisting Headliner Anthracite and BMW i Blue seatbelts; BMW Head-Up Display and Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear (1,168); Storage package (243); increased fuel tank capacity (84); BMW i painted brake calipters (294); LED headlamp with extended features (252); audible for pedestrians (84).
Comments
+ very good performance
+ well balanced suspensions
+ very good dynamics
+ precise steering
+ fast transmission(s)
+ good fuel economy
+ excellent driving sound (enhanced by speakers outside and inside)
+ easy to drive
– small luggage compartment
Driven by Adrian M. for 103 km, 11.6 l/100 km average fuel consumption, 5.8 kWh/100 km average energy consumption; 6,838 km total mileage of the car.
Filmed at AFI Palace Cotroceni