2015 i8
BMW i8
BMW i8

2019 BMW i8 coupe

Pros: Fuel economy; ride/handling combination; acceleration

Cons: Entry/exit; visibility; cargo space

CG Says: The BMW i8 hybrid skips the 2018 model year and gains a new roadster bodystyle. Combined horsepower increases by 12 for a total of 369. Plus, the i8’s electric-power-only range grows from 15 miles to 18. The i8 is BMW’s plug-in-hybrid supercar. The 2019 BMW i8 is powered by a small (but extremely powerful with 228 horsepower) turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor. The gas engine drives the rear wheels while the electric motor drives the front wheels. The i8 coupe is capable of 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds and the roadster does it 4.4 seconds. Both have 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 EPA rated at 69 MPGe or 27 mpg combined city/highway with gas only. The roadster is a 2-seater and the coupe has a small back seat. Available features include laser headlights (said to be brighter than LED headlights, but use less power), head-up instrument display, and surround-view cameras. The i8 handles well and also rides comfortably for a sports car. In spite of its scissor doors, the i8 is hard to enter or exit. The coupe’s 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 i8 could be the car for you.

The Facts
Class Premium Sporty/Performance Car
Body Style(s) 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible
Passenger Count 2, 4
Drive Wheels all-wheel drive
Manufacturer BMW
Nation of Manufacture Germany
Base Prices Coupe: $148,495
Roadster: $164,295

Base Engine
turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder/electric
Horsepower
369
Std. Transmission
6-speed automatic (gas) 2-speed automatic (electric)
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA Gas Engine Combined (mpg)
27
EPA Electric Engine Combined (MPGe)
69

BMW i8 roadster
2019 BMW i8 roadster
NHTSA Ratings
Overall - NA
0%

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Crash - NA
0%
Side Crash - NA
0%
Rollover - NA
0%

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