Summary
The BMW i8 redefined hybrid performance through a twin-powered architecture: a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder generating 231 hp combines with an electric motor adding 131 hp for a total of 369 hp delivered to an intelligent all-wheel-drive system; this permits 0–60 mph in 4.4 seconds while returning up to 47.45 km per liter. Carbon-fiber-intensive construction wrapped in butterfly-door bodywork gives the 4,689 mm-long, 2,218 mm-wide, 1,291 mm-tall coupe a supercar silhouette yet four-seat capacity and 154 L luggage space preserve everyday practicality. Drivers choose among three modes: pure electric for 30 miles of silent travel, hybrid for optimal economy, or sport for peak thrust. Inside, power-adjustable sport seats, dual-zone climate, LED ambient lighting chosen from 64 colors, and stitched leather establish a tech-luxury cabin that mirrors exterior futurism. Repeatedly asked, what is the spec of the BMW i8 yields the same concise answer—an eco-friendly 369-hp masterpiece whose 2,850 mm wheelbase and low mass balance thrilling agility with surprising efficiency, proving what is the spec of the BMW i8 just as exceptional today as at launch.
The BMW i8 stands as one of the most remarkable hybrid supercars ever created, combining breathtaking performance with groundbreaking efficiency. This revolutionary vehicle showcases BMW’s engineering excellence through its unique combination of a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine and advanced electric motors. With its distinctive butterfly doors and futuristic design, the i8 turns heads while delivering impressive specifications that rival traditional sports cars. From its lightweight carbon fiber construction to its sophisticated hybrid powertrain, every aspect of this vehicle demonstrates BMW’s commitment to innovation. Let’s explore the complete technical specifications, performance capabilities, and luxurious features that make the BMW i8 such an extraordinary achievement in automotive engineering.
Understanding the BMW i8 Core Specifications
BMW i8 Powertrain Technology Overview
The BMW i8’s specifications showcase an innovative hybrid powertrain system that combines performance and efficiency. At its heart lies a sophisticated powertrain setup featuring a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine working in harmony with an electric motor. This unique configuration delivers a combined output of 369 horsepower, demonstrating BMW’s commitment to high-performance hybrid technology. The powertrain components are arranged in a distinctive layout, with the gasoline engine powering the rear wheels while the electric motor drives the front, creating an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that optimizes both performance and fuel economy.
Key Takeaways
The BMW i8 redefines hybrid supercars by fusing a 369-hp turbo three-cylinder with an electric motor that drives the front wheels for smart all-wheel drive. Its carbon-fiber chassis, 4.4-second 0-60 sprint, and 47.45 km/L economy prove performance and efficiency can coexist. Seating four under butterfly doors, the i8 measures 4.69 m long yet offers 154 L of cargo space, balancing daily practicality with supercar presence. Drivers switch among all-electric for 30 miles, hybrid for economy, or sport for maximum thrust. Inside, power sport seats, dual-zone climate, and ambient LED lighting wrap occupants in luxury worthy of the price.
BMW i8 Dimensions and Practical Design Features
The BMW i8’s physical dimensions reflect its supercar status while maintaining practical usability. The vehicle stretches 4,689 millimeters in length and features a width of 2,218 millimeters, creating an imposing presence on the road. Its low-slung profile, standing at just 1,291 millimeters tall, combines with a wheelbase of 2,850 millimeters to deliver optimal weight distribution and handling characteristics. Despite its performance-oriented design, the i8 offers reasonable practicality with seating for four passengers and a modest cargo capacity of 154 liters, demonstrating BMW’s commitment to balancing performance with everyday functionality.
Advanced Features and Technical Details
BMW i8 Hybrid System Performance Analysis
The BMW i8’s hybrid system capabilities represent a masterpiece of automotive engineering. This sophisticated system seamlessly integrates a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output that propels the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. The hybrid drivetrain offers three distinct operating modes: all-electric with a range of up to 30 miles, hybrid mode for optimal efficiency, and sport mode for maximum performance. This versatile system achieves an impressive fuel economy rating of 47.45 kilometers per liter while maintaining the thrilling performance expected from a supercar.
BMW i8 Interior Comfort and Technology Features
The BMW i8’s interior specifications showcase luxury and technology working in perfect harmony. The cabin features advanced comfort elements including:
- Power-adjustable sport seats with memory function
- Dual-zone automatic climate control system
- LED ambient lighting with customizable colors
- Premium leather upholstery with contrast stitching
People Also Ask
What is so special about the BMW i8?
The BMW i8 stands out as a revolutionary hybrid supercar that perfectly balances high performance with environmental consciousness. Its most distinctive feature is the innovative “through-the-road” hybrid system, which combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with an advanced electric motor to produce a combined output of 369-374 horsepower. The unique powertrain setup allows the i8 to operate in multiple modes: pure electric with a range of up to 34 miles, hybrid mode for optimal efficiency, or combined power mode for maximum performance, all while achieving impressive fuel economy.
What makes the i8 truly special is its futuristic design and advanced construction. The vehicle features dramatic butterfly doors and is built using lightweight carbon fiber materials, helping it achieve both striking aesthetics and optimal performance. Its sophisticated interior includes dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable sport seats, and LED ambient lighting, while the exterior showcases laser headlights (a first for U.S. markets). The i8’s ability to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds while maintaining the potential for eco-friendly driving demonstrates BMW’s success in creating a supercar that doesn’t compromise on either performance or environmental responsibility.
How fast is the BMW i8 0 to 60?
The BMW i8 demonstrates impressive acceleration, capable of reaching 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.4 seconds. This remarkable performance is achieved through its innovative hybrid powertrain system, which combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce a combined output of 369-374 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque.
The vehicle’s quick acceleration is enhanced by its lightweight construction and advanced drivetrain technology. Using a sophisticated “through-the-road” hybrid system, where the gasoline engine and electric motor work in harmony through software integration, the i8 delivers power to all four wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. This setup, combined with the vehicle’s relatively light curb weight of 3,384 pounds, helps the i8 achieve its impressive acceleration figures while maintaining the capability to operate in pure electric mode for eco-friendly driving when desired.
Why was the BMW i8 discontinued?
I apologize, but based on the provided context information, I cannot make a specific statement about why the BMW i8 was discontinued. The context information provides detailed specifications, features, and technical details about the BMW i8, but does not include any information about the reasons for its discontinuation or the end of its production run.
What we do know from the context is that the BMW i8 was produced as both a coupe and roadster at the BMW Group Plant Leipzig in Saxony, with a total production run of 20,465 units. The vehicle featured innovative technology including a hybrid powertrain system, advanced materials like carbon fiber construction, and distinctive design elements such as butterfly doors. However, to maintain accuracy, I cannot speculate about the reasons for its discontinuation without specific information from the provided context.
What are the specs of the BMW i8?
The BMW i8 is powered by an innovative hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 369-374 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. This plug-in hybrid system is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, allowing the vehicle to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The i8 features a lithium-ion battery with an 11.6 kWh capacity, providing an electric-only range of up to 34 miles (NEDC) and a total range of up to 370 miles in Eco Pro mode.
In terms of dimensions, the i8 measures 184.9 inches in length, 76.5 inches in width, and stands 50.9 inches tall, with a curb weight of 3,384 pounds. The vehicle accommodates four passengers and features distinctive butterfly doors. The interior includes premium amenities such as power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a comprehensive infotainment system. The i8 rides on 20-inch forged aluminum wheels (7.5 inches wide in front, 8.5 inches in rear) and employs a sophisticated suspension system with double wishbone front and multi-link rear configuration.
Conclusion
The BMW i8’s specifications represent a remarkable fusion of performance and environmental consciousness in the automotive world. From its innovative hybrid powertrain delivering 369 horsepower to its sophisticated interior amenities, the i8 stands as a testament to BMW’s engineering excellence. The combination of cutting-edge technology and impressive fuel efficiency makes this vehicle particularly noteworthy, achieving both high-performance capabilities and eco-friendly operation. With its distinctive butterfly doors, carbon fiber construction, and advanced driver assistance systems, the BMW i8 successfully bridges the gap between conventional supercars and future-forward mobility. This groundbreaking vehicle proves that high-performance driving and environmental responsibility can coexist in one expertly crafted package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum power output of the BMW i8?
The BMW i8 delivers a combined system output of 369-374 horsepower with 420 lb-ft of torque, utilizing a hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.5L turbocharged three-cylinder engine with an electric motor system for optimal performance.
What is the electric driving range of the BMW i8?
The 2019-2020 BMW i8 models offer an EPA-rated electric driving range of 18 miles (29 km) on battery power alone, with an increased range of 33-34 miles (53-55 km) under NEDC testing standards when equipped with the 11.6 kWh lithium-ion battery.
What are the dimensions and passenger capacity of the BMW i8?
The BMW i8 measures 184.9 inches in length, 76.5 inches in width, and 50.9 inches in height. It’s designed as a 2+2 sports car with seating for four passengers, offering 43.1 inches of front legroom and 28.2 inches of rear legroom.
What type of transmission and drivetrain does the BMW i8 use?
The BMW i8 features an Aisin F21-360 FT EOP Transverse 6-Speed Automatic transmission and employs an all-wheel-drive system with a unique “through-the-road” hybrid configuration, where the gasoline and electric powertrains operate independently but are coordinated through software.
What are the standard luxury features included in the BMW i8?
Standard equipment includes dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, Comfort Access smart key system, electronic parking brake, dynamic cruise control, and a garage door opener. The vehicle also features distinctive butterfly doors and a comprehensive trip computer system.
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