BMW revealed today the production version of the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car at the 2013 Frankfurt International Auto Show (IAA). The production version of the BMW i8 (2015) is going to be available in the U.S. showrooms starting from the spring of 2014. In the UK, you'll be able to order your 2015 BMW i8 starting from this September, but the first deliveries will begin in July next year. So far, they've announced the BMW i8's price for the United States and the UK markets. The BMW i8 is going to cost you here at least $135,925, including the destination and handling charges. If you're going to buy your BMW i8 from the British market, you'll have to pay at least £99,845 OTR for one. The new BMW i8 is powered by a plug-in hybrid drive system that uses a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo technology, a synchronous electric motor and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The 1.5-liter internal combustion engine drives the i8's rear wheels and it produces 170 kW/231 hp and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. The i8's electric motor drives the front wheel via a 2-stage automatic transmission and it has an output of 96 kW/131 hp and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. The BMW i8 is rated with a total power output of 266 kW / 362 hp and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque. BMW rates the i8 with a zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time of 4.4 seconds and with an 80 to 120 km/h sprint time of 4.5 seconds. The top speed of the BMW i8 is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h). In the electric mode, the i8 is able to reach a maximum speed of 75 mph (120 km/h).
BMW says that the i8 has a maxim range, in the electric-only mode, of up to 22 miles (35 km).
In terms of efficiency, the 2015 BMW i8 is rated with a combined fuel economy of 94 U.S. mpg / 113 UK mpg / 2.5 liters per 100 km and a CO2 emissions level of 59 g/km.
The new BMW i8 (2015) is a two-door coupe with a 2+2 seating configuration, which is built using a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell called a Life module and an aluminum Drive module. The i8's Drive module houses the drive system, the battery, the chassis, and the crash and structural functions. BMW says that the 2015 i8 weighs just 1,490 kilograms. It has a low center of gravity (below 460 mm) and an aerodynamic coefficient of Cd 0.26.
Some of the most distinctive design features of the new i8 (2015) are its upwards-opening doors and the standard full-LED headlights.
The 2015 BMW i8 is fitted with a Driving Experience Control switch and eDrive button which combined, offer five different driving modes. There's the electric-only mode, the COMFORT mode which increases the range of the i8 to 310 miles (500 km), the SPORT mode and the ECO PRO mode. To put is power on the road, the 2015 i8 uses a double-wishbone front axle suspension and a five-link rear axle one. They work together with the i8's standard Electric Power Steering and Dynamic Damper Control to offer the best ride possible. The i8 comes as standard with 20-inch alloys.
The BMW i8's equipment list includes:
- Navigation system Professional with proactive drive system for all-electric driving
- fully-digital instrument display
- BMW iDrive with freestanding Control Display
- leather sports seats
- Park Distance Control
- cruise control system with braking function
- rain sensor and Intelligent Emergency Call function as standard
- optional driver assistance package with High Beam Assistant
- a rear view camera
- Surround View
- Speed Limit Info including No Passing Info display
- Collision Warning with pedestrian recognition and braking function
- Head-Up Display
- Concierge Services
- Real Time Traffic Information.
The full details and specifications of the BMW i8 (2015) for the United States market are available here. If you live in the UK, you'll need to read this set of the specifications. The BMW i8's specifications and details for other global markets are available here.
2015 BMW i8 presentation:
