The 1,490 kg (3,284 lbs) plug-in hybrid adopts a 2+2 configuration and boasts a carbon fiber reinforced plastic passenger cell. It borrows many of the concept’s styling cues but slightly toned down and with standard LED headlights, with laser ones being optionally available. The see-through doors of the concept were not carried over but they still open upwards, while the alloys have been modified to be more suitable for a production model.
At its heart is a plug-in hybrid system consisting of a 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder gasoline TwinPower Turbo engine and an electric motor. The conventional engine outputs 231 HP (170 kW) and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) and sends power to the rear axle through a 6-speed automatic transmission. The electric motor provides 131 HP (96 kW) transferred to the front wheels via a two-stage automatic gearbox. The electric motor receives its energy from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery with a 5 kWh capacity.
As a result of this hardware arrangement, the 2014 BMW i8 has a combined output of 362 HP (266 kW) and 420 lb-ft (570 Nm) of torque, enough for a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.4 seconds. Despite this impressive performance, it remains a very economical car as it has a fuel consumption of just 2.5 liters / 100 km (94 mpg US or 113 mpg UK).
It can be driven on electric power for up to 22 miles (35 km) during which it can hit a top speed of 75 mph (120 km/h). The combined range of the BMW i8 production version stands at more than 310 miles (500 km).
As standard, it rides on 20-inch alloys but at an additional cost these can be replaced by lightweight carbon wheels. Other optional equipment available includes rear view camera, high beam assistant, speed limit info with No Passing Info display, Surround View, Head-Up Display, along with Collision Warning with pedestrian recognition.
