Making its official debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the highly-anticipated BMW i8 was first revealed as the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept at the self-same show as far back as 2009. My, how time flies by as the world procrastinates on the future of plug-in hybrid-electrics?
Over those four years the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports coupé has had a few choice product placements alongside Tom Cruise to keep its popularity from waning, but it has also changed significantly on its journey towards production readiness. BMW’s first-ever plug-in hybrid, is certainly a ‘revolutionary interpretation’ of BMW’s tradition of ultimate driving machines.
Distinctive design elements, like the unique floating buttresses that stand astride the futuristic bodywork at the back of the car, have made it through the product evolution unscathed – as have top-hinged scissor doors, which melt with the i8’s low-slung proportions very nicely. Standard, full LED and laser headlights, are a world first for a production car and the BMW i8 sports 20-inch wheels.
The details on prototype BMW i8s (which even had a lengthy run in South Africa during testing) have been public knowledge for some time now. Carbon-fibre and aluminium body work give it an overall weight of 1 490 kg and a low centre of gravity, despite the heavy batteries lurking in its bowels. It combines an electric motor with a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine for a total output of 269 kW and 570 Nm of torque.
Despite the impressive power and torque figures the claimed fuel economy and CO2 emissions is 2.5 l/100 km and less than 59 g/km respectively. This is due in part to its low drag coefficient of just 0.26. The BMW i8 can run for 30 km at 120 km/h or so without engaging the petrol engine. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Each of the two separate powertrains can drive the i8 or they can be used together in Sport mode for maximum performance, with the electric motor providing short bursts of ‘boost’ acceleration.
The radical BMW i8 goes on sale early next year in Europe and if and when it reaches dealer showrooms in South Africa, it is said to be priced around R1 350 000 or roughly the same price as a BMW M6.
