BMW i8

The BMW i8 needs little introduction, and the hybrid sports car apparently looks like it has come all the way from the future. The car comes in a single Hybrid variant, with 4 colour options- Sophisto Grey Brilliant Effect, Crystal White Pearl Effect, Ionic Silver, and Protonic Blue. The car comes with an automatic transmission and returns a mileage of 47.45Km/L.

How’s the design?

Coming to design, the BMW i8 features a futuristic sports car look, and uses a 3-cylinder, 1.5litre, engine, which is borrowed from new generation Mini Cooper Hatchback. The revolutionary design of the car is marked by its low stance, which happens to blend very well with the low, wide slung bonnet, which comes with a sharp crease. The signature kidney-shaped grille of the BMW i8 is flanked by headlamps, which are long pulled-back. The side profile of the car also exhibits a premium design, with tampering glass work as well as prominent character lines which are paired with supporting creases. The rear of the car also has a futuristic design, as though it is straight out of a sci-fi movie. The car appears to be angular, with cool blades and winglets, which are exclusively present for style, however, there are aero-benefits with these features.

How does it perform?

The overall performance of the BMW i8 is certainly impressive. Besides speed, there are many other tech features, grabbing the attention of the riders towards the high-end-plug-in hybrid car. These specifications and features are no less important, and the e-driver motor of the BMW i8 is powered by a “116 kWh high voltage lithium-ion battery pack”, and it takes only about 3 hours for the car to get 100% charged. The fuel economy estimated by EPA is identical to the Roadster and 2020 BMW i8 Coupe. The drivers would be able to enjoy 69MPGe on highways. The BMW i8 features a ‘Dynamic Driving Control’ with Eco, eDrive, Pro, Sport and Comfort modes. The BMW i8 is able to reach 155mph, its electronically limited top-speed. After all, the exceptional performance of the vehicle has proved that forward-thinking design and exhilarating power really go together.

How’s the mileage?

As claimed by ARAI, the Hybrid BMW i8 is able to return a mileage of 47.45Km/L

How’s the driving experience?

The BMW i8 appears to be a lovely car to drive, yet, there are certain aspects lacking in this car. It commands attention and hugs the road while driving. It is thrilling in a manner which only a few cars can achieve without speed. It is quick for certain, but would not set quarter-mile times or track records. It only gives a great feeling while driving. Anyone looking for speed while driving would rather go for a Porsche 911 Turbo or a Nissan GT-R, than the BMW i8. However, for daily driving, the BMW i8 shines. The visibility of the car is good, with a comfortable sitting position, and therefore, it is easier for the driver to manoeuvre the traffic. On a bad road, the car may bounce a bit, but it is certainly not a dead killer.

How is its off-road capability?

Yes, the BMW i8 comes with a good off-road capability like all other BMW cars. The car is believed to be ideal for rough terrain and even for snow. However, it is not very smart to take the car to the mountain, because it does not feature the X-Drive Mode, even though it comes with the Hill-Assist feature. Furthermore, the car is believed to be almost perfect for long-distance driving, as it comes with responsive handling, along with creamy acceleration, and usable controls, which are paired with comfortable seats.

What’s the interior like?

Ingress through butterfly doors leads to the car’s sporty cabin, which features a low roofline as well as a low dashboard. Therefore, the futuristic approach of the BMW i8 interior is quite visible from what is inside the cabin. Inside the car, a large display screen is positioned right at the top of the petite centre console, which smoothly flows into the long floor console. It comes with adequate space for four adults including the driver. There is adequate room inside the i8 cabin, which is packed with avant-garde features. The interior appears to be more restrained than that of the bonkers exterior. There are plenty of brushed aluminium trims on the doors as well as on the dashboard, with supple leather along with two high-resolution digital displays. However, it does not give the feeling of a sportier cabin, which a driver can get in an Audi R8. The rotary iDrive controller, gear lever and some dashboard switches appear identical to that of the 1 series.

Tech and infotainment

Some of the tech and infotainment found in the BMW i8 include:

• Airbags
• ABS
• Engine Immobiliser
• Hill Assist
• Rain Sensing Wipers
• Power Door Lock
• Passenger Airbags
• Electronic Stability Programs
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Side Airbags
• Central Locking
• Headlamp Beam Adjuster
• Automatic Headlamp
• Side Airbags
• Traditional Control
• Turn Indicators on ORVM
• Child Safety Lock

Safety Equipment

For safety, the car features airbags at the front for the front passenger and for the driver as well. The car even comes with head bags for all the four outer seats as well as side-bags for co-passenger and driver.

Which variant to buy?

The Hybrid i8 comes in a Petrol and Automatic Hybrid Variant. Over the years, this variant has gained much popularity and it comes with standard tech features to ensure the safety of the passengers as well as the driver.

Which cars compete in this segment?

The other cars competing in the same segment as the BMW i8 include Porsche 718 Boxster, Chevrolet C8 Corvette, 2020 Lexus LC, Porsche 911 Turbo S, 2020 Audi R8, 2020 Toyota Supra and so on.

Verdict (Value for money)

For its price, there is a lot more to expect from the BMW i8 and the other supercars like Porsche 911 Turbo S and 2020 Audi R8 delivered an even better performance. However, the BMW i8 feels good to drive and it is a treat for the eyes as well. The car does not only support long-drives, but it is also used for daily commuting. So, it is indeed a value for money.