BMW i8 – one sexy hybrid sports car

Before we get into the BMW i8’s hybrid technology, performance figures, or pricing options, we need to tip our hats to its designers – the i8 is one of the sexiest cars on the road today.

Its aggressive lines, subtle rear spoiler, and scissor doors will earn you as many stares as a traditional supercar would, and as many drag challenges at traffic lights from Citi Golf owners.

No doubt the design of the i8 was influenced by aerodynamics and the need to fit four seats into the chassis, but this was done in a way that makes the vehicle’s aesthetic seem a priority over functionality – which is always good in a sports car.

Add in the fact the i8 is only 1.29m high, sports 20-inch rims, and its standard black paint job with blue accenting is both enticing and menacing – and you have yourself a head-turner of a car.

BMW i8

Thin tyres, large brake discs

Besides the good looks, the i8 packs impressive performance and power figures.

Looking at the car’s standard tyres, though, one would be forgiven for thinking the hybrid BMW will not deliver sports car-like performance.

With 195/50 R20s on the front and 215/45 R20s on the back of the standard model, car enthusiasts will point out that the i8’s tyre widths are similar to what you get on a high-end hatchback.

There is a good reason for this, as the slender profile of the wheels reduces aerodynamic drag and decreases rolling resistance – helping to give the BMW a claimed combined fuel consumption of 2.1 litres per 100 km.

The car’s large ventilated brake discs beneath the 20-inch rims, though, quickly dispel any notions of pedestrian speed. The front discs are an impressive 340mm x 19.2mm, and are clamped down on by a 4-piston fixed caliper.

Rear wheels are stopped by a 1-piston floating caliper and 340mm x 19.2mm discs.

The reason for this stopping power is the i8’s performance: 0 – 100km/h in 4.5 seconds, 80 – 120km/h in 5th gear in 4.5 seconds, and a top speed of 250km/h.

This speed is thanks to the car’s 170kW turbo-charged 1.5 litre petrol engine which works in tandem with with a 96kW electric engine – giving a total power output of 266kW.

The power is distributed to the wheels via two automatic transmissions. The rear wheels receive the petrol engine’s 170kW and 320Nm via a 6-speed auto box, while the front wheels get the electric motor’s 96kW and 250Nm via a 2-speed automatic transmission.

Add in the fact that the i8 has an unladen weight of 1,490kg, and you can tick off the ‘sports car-performance’ box.

BMW i8

Just as pretty on the inside

The i8 interior is just as attractive as its exterior.

Four low-slung, leather-clad seats put you in a cockpit containing visible elements of carbon, BMW’s iDrive system, and a bespoke sports steering wheel which begs to be handled.

BMW has promised that the passengers “all sit particularly close to the ground”, which means the “seats provide reliable support and a high level of comfort even when cornering rapidly”. In other words, joy rides are encouraged.

The iDrive system provides feedback through a 10.25-inch display, while the standard head up display projects information such as your speed directly onto your windscreen as you drive.

BMW’s i8 is also equipped with LED headlights, a Harman Kardon audio system, voice command functionality, and 2-zone automatic climate control.

BMW i8

Battery and range

As with any hybrid or electrical vehicle, the question of range and recharge time is a prominent one.

The i8 boasts a range of over 500km, thanks to its 30-litre fuel tank and 7kWh lithium battery.

Running on the battery alone, the BMW will manage 37km, and it will take just over two hours to fully charge the battery at 16A/230V. An 80% charge will take under 2 hours in the same conditions, according to BMW.

BMW i8

Now available in SA

The BMW i8 standard version – which includes an automatic steptronic transmission – is now available in South Africa for  R1,755,000.

Optional extras include bigger tyres – 215/45 R20 front and 245/40 R20 rear – while a 5-year/100 000km motor plan and 8-year/100 000km battery warranty is standard.