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i8

BMW i8 2014 - Front 3/4 viewBMW i8 2014 - Front viewBMW i8 2014 - Side viewBMW i8 2014 - Rear 3/4 viewBMW i8 2014 - Rear viewBMW i8 2014 - Dashboard viewBMW i8 2014 - Interior viewBMW i8 2014 - Detail view
Front 3/4
Engineering first

BMW's vision of the future sports car — a plug-in hybrid with supercar looks and the carbon footprint of a compact. The i8 proved electrification could be desirable, not just sensible.

History

The i8's carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic body sat on an aluminum chassis, keeping weight under 1,600 kg despite hybrid hardware. Scissor doors and a striking silhouette made it look faster than its numbers suggested.

Timeline

2014Production begins
2020Production ends

Production & Heritage

Production Total20,500
DesignerBenoit Jacob
Production Period2014-2020
Estimated Value$50K-$90K

Value estimates are editorial assessments based on recent auction results and market trends.

Technical Specifications

Engine1.5L I3 Turbo + Electric (B38)
Power369 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque570 Nm
0-60 mph4.2 sec
Top Speed250 km/h
Transmission6-speed automatic + 2-speed e-drive
DrivetrainAWD
Weight1,535 kg
Drag CoefficientCd 0.26
BodyCFRP passenger cell (Life Module) with aluminum chassis (Drive Module)

Engine Details

Engine CodeB38K15T0 (ICE) + eDrive hybrid-synchronous motor
Displacement1.5L (1,499 cc)
Bore x Stroke82 x 94.6 mm
Compression9.5
Valves12
Fuel SystemDirect injection turbo (ICE) + 11.6 kWh lithium-ion battery (electric)
Engine ManagementCombined 369 hp: 231 hp B38 turbo I3 (rear) + 131 hp electric motor (front)

Performance

0-100 km/h4.4 sec
0-60 mph4.2 sec
Top Speed250 km/h
Fuel Economy2.1 l/100km combined (NEDC)
Weight-to-Power4.2 kg/hp

Dimensions

Length4,689 mm
Width1,942 mm
Height1,298 mm
Wheelbase2,800 mm

Chassis & Suspension

Front SuspensionDouble wishbone, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension5-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Front BrakesVentilated cross-drilled disc
Rear BrakesVentilated cross-drilled disc
SteeringRack-and-pinion, electric power-assisted
Tires (Front)215/45 R20
Tires (Rear)245/40 R20
Wheels20-inch alloy
Stability SystemsDSC, DTC, ABS, CBC, DBC

Drivetrain

Gear RatiosICE: 6-speed auto (rear); Electric: 2-speed auto (front)
Final DriveAWD: ICE drives rear, electric motor drives front

Capacity

Fuel Tank42 L
Trunk Volume154 L
Doors2
Seats4

Tags

Designed by Benoit Jacob

From the 2010s

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