BMW i8

THE MOST PROGRESSIVE SPORTS CAR.

The BMW i8 is ready to revolutionise its vehicle class. As the first sports car with the consumption and emission values of a compact car. The strength of the plug-in hybrid lies, among other factors, in the perfect synchronisation of electric motor and combustion engine, which makes itself apparent in maximum efficiency and dynamics on the road. The first sports car that even accelerates the zeitgeist.

Progress in motion: a vehicle that fascinates. With innovative LifeDrive architecture, ground-breaking materials such as carbon, layering design and numerous intelligent BMW EfficientDynamics measures. Discover the BMW i8 in action.

Every great pioneering achievement has its own story. In the case of the BMW i8, it begins in 2008 with the launch of Project i – and with no lesser objective than the reinvention of urban mobility. Just one year later, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept showed what a technology leader geared fully toward energy saving can look like. This was the basis that gave rise to the BMW Concept i8, which demonstrated in near-production-ready form where the development would lead. All available BMW EfficientDynamics technologies were already united within this vehicle, an intelligent lightweight concept had been implemented, and the idea of a sports car for the future was already detectable. Series production of the BMW i8 marks the current peak of the development: a plug-in hybrid with the appearance and the breathtaking performance of a sports car, which at the same time exhibits the consumption and emissions of a compact car. And thus convincingly resolves the apparent contradiction between efficiency and dynamics.

A WORLD FULL OF INSPIRATIONS AND PRIVILEGES.

As part of the full equipment package, you also receive the BMW i Pure Impulse Card – your personal door-opener to a world full of inspiration and privileges. As a member of the BMW i Pure Impulse Experience Programme, you get to enjoy innovative ideas and trends in a variety of areas, including home styling, culture, gourmet gastronomy, design and many more.

All of this represents a new vision of contemporary, responsible-minded life. A lifestyle for the sophisticated thinker of today, who leads a smart, progressive and, above all, sustainable existence. Members receive the exclusive Club magazine, which contains in-depth reports about the latest trends throughout the world as well as a unique selection of local, regional and global events. Whether it’s the chance to attend a special function, to discover a new, picturesque eco-resort or to explore a new design concept in a top restaurant – the BMW i Pure Impulse Programme offers a wealth of ideas and opportunities tailored to the individual interest and passion of its members. That is the world of the BMW i Pure Impulse Programme. That is “Next Premium”.

BMW TwinPower Turbo 1.5 litre 3-cylinder petrol engine.

The BMW TwinPower Turbo 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine, which was newly developed as part of the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy, unites all the advantages that one would expect from the power unit of a sports car. Its engine management guarantees optimum charge changing processes across the ignition point and ensures a rapid response from the turbocharger. During operation, the 170 kW (231 hp) engine proves to be extremely free-revving and delivers up to 320 Nm of torque. At the same time, the dynamics and the high performance level are accompanied by outstanding efficiency, as demonstrated by the combined consumption of only 2.1 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 49 g/km.

Driving modes.

A variety of modes for an exceptional driving experience: COMFORT, ECO PRO, SPORT and the eDrive button optimise the vehicle properties of your BMW i8 to suit the driving situation. 100% electric driving is possible up to a range of 37 km* as is an extremely athletic sports car for out-of-town driving. Between the two lies the best of both worlds: the petrol engine and electric motor constantly demonstrate that their technical symbiosis is never a compromise.

Pressing the eDrive button adapts the BMW i8 for purely electric driving. This is possible in the COMFORT and ECO PRO modes. In the COMFORT mode with eDrive, the BMW i8 drives without support from the combustion engine until the battery is almost exhausted. Purely electrical driving at speeds of up to 120 km/h is possible with eDrive. If the button isn’t pressed the combustion engine is activated at 60 km/h.

* Determined in internal BMW consumption studies. The driving range is depending on a variety of factors, especially: personal driving behaviour, selected route, weather conditions, usage of heating/cooling and preconditioning

COMFORT mode

All the power you need as soon as you drive off. In the COMFORT mode, the fully-charged BMW i8 starts electrically. Purely electrical driving is possible up to approximately 65 km/h, and also covers pulling away from traffic lights and overtaking. At higher speeds, the combustion engine is activated as well and guarantees optimum driving comfort.

• ECO PRO mode
  The ECO PRO mode allows the BMW i8 to demonstrate its efficiency. The accelerator and transmission as well as the heating and cooling systems are all adjusted to be as efficient as possible. Purely electrical driving is possible up to a speed of 65 km/h. In addition to this, the combustion engine is activated at high speeds or when the battery charge level falls below a specified minimum.
• SPORT mode
  As an alternative to the transmission setting ‘D’ for automatic driving, the driver can also use the gear lever to change to the SPORT mode. This mode also includes manual gear selection – via the gearshift or paddles on the steering wheel. The SPORT mode also activates vehicle settings that are especially suited to sporty driving. The combustion engine and the electric motor unleash their driving torque with maximum dynamics, the accelerator’s characteristic line is programmed to react spontaneously, and the driver enjoys the full impact of the electric motor’s boost function. To ensure there is always enough energy available, the SPORT setting also affords maximum energy regeneration in the thrust and brake phases.