BMW i8
- Year: 2014
- Body Type: Coupé and Roadster
The BMW i8 is a pioneering plug-in hybrid sports car that blends futuristic design with cutting-edge electrified performance. Developed as part of BMW’s push toward sustainable mobility, the i8 was a flagship model under the BMW i sub-brand, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation and eco-conscious engineering.
Unveiled in its production form at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the BMW i8 officially launched in Germany in June 2014, followed shortly by its entry into the U.S. market in August 2014. The car immediately stood out for its striking aerodynamic design, scissor doors, and advanced carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) construction, which helped keep weight low while ensuring structural rigidity.
Under the hood, the i8 combined a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine driving the rear wheels with an electric motor powering the front wheels. This layout delivered all-wheel-drive performance, blending efficiency with sports car dynamics. Drivers could enjoy pure electric driving for short distances or engage both power sources for a combined output of over 360 horsepower.
In May 2018, BMW introduced the i8 Roadster, an open-top variant that retained the coupe's dynamic characteristics while adding open-air excitement. Despite critical acclaim and a strong presence in the electrified sports car niche, production of the i8 ended in June 2020 after around 20,000 units of the coupe and roadster combined were built.
The BMW i8 remains an icon of early electrified performance, remembered for pushing boundaries and laying the groundwork for the future of hybrid and electric sports cars.
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