It would appear that BMW are keen to see their sub-brand, the i series, accepted as a genuine division. The i8 on display at the motor show was just simply sensational in black, and I believe the car was one that had been displayed in Sydney the previous month, accompanied by an i3.
The i8 has a turbocharged, three cylinder 1.5 liter engine, producing 170 kW/231 BHP and 320 Nm of torque, which drives the rear wheels. It is assisted by the Plug In Hybrid electric motor which produces 96 kW/131 BHP and 250 Nm of torque to the front wheels, which when added to the internal combustion engine gives the car a staggering 570 Nm total. These, when used together, give performance figures of zero to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and on to a speed limited 250 km/h.
BMW i8
Combined, power from the conventional engine and electric motor power peaks at 266 kW, while torque from the petrol engine peaks at 320 Nm high in the rev range, and the electric motor’s 250 Nm arrives almost from rest.
Being a plug-in hybrid, the lithium-ion battery can be recharged from the domestic power point, or fast-charged with a BMW-supplied wall box that increases the current and roughly halves the charge time.
The body is made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic and aluminium with the chassis also aluminium and the electric motor is fitted between the front wheels. This produces a lightweight vehicle at 1485 kg, which is significant compared to its competitor the Audi R8 at 1635 kg and gives the i8 a performance advantage over the Audi.
The doors open like the McLaren F1’s in scissor fashion and are very light to use, with just a little effort to pull them down. Again, if you’re of average height, you won’t have to hoist yourself out of the seat to reach the handle.
i8 scissor doors
Australian magazines which have experienced the i8 say that the car is surprisingly spacious inside, though the two rear seat passengers could be cramped. While the driver’s seat is incredibly low, the view forward is very good as the bonnet drops away. Vision to the rear is not as unimpeded, but the reversing camera which is displayed on the standard 10.6 inch screen gets you over that problem, once you have learned to trust it!
