Pros: Fuel economy; ride/handling combination; acceleration
Cons: Entry/exit; visibility; cargo space
2014 i8
CG Says: The 2014 BMW i8 is a plug-in-hybrid supercar. The 2+2 sports car is powered by a small (but extremely powerful with 228 horsepower) turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine augmented by an electric motor. The gas engine drives the rear wheels while the electric motor drives the front wheels. Together, both put out a combined 357 hp. The i8 is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 155. While these figures aren’t quick for an exotic sports car, they are impressive when taken in account that the i8 is capable of traveling 15 miles on electric power alone and is EPA rated at 76 MPGe or 28 mpg combined city/highway with gas only. The i8 handles well and also rides surprisingly comfortably for a sports car. In spite of its scissor doors, the i8 is hard to enter or exit. The small rear seat is best used for storage—especially since there is little cargo room or interior storage. The i8 doesn’t compare well with similarly priced sports cars, but those cars lack the i8’s green factor. If you want to help save the earth and have a little fun in the process, the 2014 i8 could be the car for you.
