The BMW i8 made its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Being the first plug-in hybrid from the BMW Group, the i8 shoulders the marque's revolutionary automotive design that has the future firmly in sight.
The i8 is a 2+2 sports car which, like the i3, features the brand's LifeDrive architecture. The Life module passenger cell is constructed out of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastics (CFRP), and together with the aluminium Drive module, the i8 scores a kerb weight of only 1,490kg.
To ensure better efficiency, the i8 has a 'slippery' bodywork with a drag coefficient of 0.26. On top of this, the well balanced weight distribution and low centre of gravity (below 460mm) ensure that the i8 is fun and involving to drive.
Propulsion in the i8 is provided by a cutting edge plug-in hybrid system, made up of a turbo-charged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine and a hybrid synchronous electric motor. Together, they will provide up to 362bhp and 570Nm of torque, which gives the i8 performance of a pure bred sports car. The i8 is capable of dispatching the century sprint in 4.4 seconds, yet retaining emissions and fuel economy similar to a small car (59g/km and 2.5L/100km).
Like its i3 stablemate, the i8 will come with a slew of BMW ConnectedDrive features as standard, such as Park Distance Control, cruise control system with braking function, rain sensor and Intelligent Emergency Call function. An optional driver assist package, comprising of High Beam Assistant, a rear view camera, Surround View, Speed Limit Info including No Passing Info display, and Collision Warning with pedestrian recognition and braking function, will also be available.
