2dr Coupe AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A)
2dr Coupe AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A)
2dr Convertible AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A)
2dr Convertible AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A)
2dr Convertible AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A)
Arrived in 2014, the BMW i8 is a fresh journey of the German automaker to mark its presence in the EV segment. The automaker offered the sole Coupe trim back in 2017.
Starting at $147,500, the i8 Coupe is powered by a plug-in gas-electric engine that is capable of delivering a combined power output of 369 horsepower. This year, BMW has tuned the i8 Coupe for more power and efficiency. The I8 does not have any rival but for the sake of comparison we are going to compared it to the Acura NSX and the Tesla Model S. Let us see if the BMW can keep up with a sport coupe and an all-electric Tesla.
The 2019 BMW i8 base Coupe only comes with one trim option. However, the German carmaker has provided two optional packages, the Tera World, and the Tera world Copper. Both the packages can be availed at an extra cost of $3,700.
The Tera World packages include features such as Black brake calipers, Leather engine cover, Headliner in Anthracite, BMW i Blue seatbelts, Ceramic controls, Tera Exclusive Dalbergia Brown leather upholstery with cloth accents.
The Tera World Cooper package includes features like Black brake calipers, Leather engine cover, Headliner in Anthracite, Ceramic controls, E-Copper Exclusive leather upholstery with cloth accents.
Trim |
Coupe |
---|---|
MSRP |
$147,500 |
Key Features |
Front Seatback Storage |
Cruise Control |
|
Front Cupholders |
|
Leather And Alloy Steering Wheel |
|
Keyless Ignition |
|
Climate Control |
|
Turn Signal In Mirrors |
|
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors |
|
Electrochromic Inside Rearview Mirror |
|
Front, Side, And Rear-View Camera |
|
Front And Rear Parking Sensors |
|
Electric Power Steering |
|
Tilt And Telescopic Steering Wheel |
|
Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.) |
|
Transmission, Cruise And Audio Controls On Steering Wheel |
|
Interior Air Filtration |
|
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling |
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There are not many options to choose here. It depends on your own personal choice whether you want a carbon fiber top Coupe or roofless Convertible. Also, you get a choice of optional packages that can be an advantage over your purchase.
The 2019 i8 comes assembled with a plug-in hybrid engine that emerges as an amazing performance churner. It has a 1.5-liter turbocharged Inline 3 engine produces 228 horsepower along with 236 pound-feet of torque and drives the rear wheel. In addition, the electric motor returns 141 hp and 184 lb-ft and drives the front wheel bringing the total engine output to 369 hp.
The power from the engine is handled by a 6-pseed automatic. The i8 has the capability drive in a hybrid state or in an electric mode. In the pure electric mode, the electric motor powered by an 11.6-kWh battery allows the i8 to travel up to 18 miles. It efficiently fills the torque gap that comes from the little engine.
Models |
BMW i8 coupe |
Acura NSX coupe |
2018 Tesla Model S P 100D |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$147,500 |
$157,500 |
$133,000 |
Engine |
1.5L i3 Intercooled Turbo Gas/Electric |
3.5L V6 Twin Turbo Gas/Electric |
Electric |
Drivetrain |
AWD |
AWD |
AWD |
Transmission |
6-Speed automatic |
9-Speed manual |
1 Speed Automatic |
Horsepower |
369 hp |
573 hp@ 6500rpm |
N/A |
Torque |
369 ft-lbs@ 5800rpm |
476 ft-lbs@ 2000rpm |
792 ft-lbs |
The i8 doesn’t have any true rivals since it in a unique segment of all of it own. However, for the sake of comparison lets compare it to another hybrid the Aura NSX and the All-electric Tesla Models S. The i8 does not have the power to keep up with the NSX and the Tesla.
The 2019 i8 manages to sprint to 60 MPH in 4.2 seconds. The acceleration part is quite impressive under Sport mode where both the gas and electric motor deliver combined power. On the other hand, the Acura NSX is over a second quicker. However, the best performing car in terms of acceleration is Tesla Model S.
Models |
BMW i8 coupe |
Acura NSX coupe |
2018 Tesla Model S P 100D |
---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
4.2 sec |
3 sec |
2.3 sec |
Quarter mile |
12.4 sec |
11.2 sec |
10.5 sec |
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year) |
N/A |
8.4 |
N/A |
The electric-only power delivery gets you instant torque but fails to offer quick acceleration. Although, in the eDrive mode, the i8 uses gasoline engine at some intervals whenever the acceleration pedal is pressed completely.
The Coupe offers exceptional handling with great aerodynamics. The adjustable suspension system is a delight onboard as it allows you to trigger the sport setting for long trips. You also get an array of standard settings in order to get through poor pavements.
The BMW come with a 13.4 inch rotor at the front and 13 inch at the rear. The BMW i8 also has the lightest of the bunch which is sure to give it an advantage braking. Unfortunately, the stopping distance data for the BMW is not available.
Model |
BMW i8 coupe |
Acura NSX coupe |
2018 Tesla Model S P100D |
---|---|---|---|
Brake Front (in.) |
13.4 |
14.5 |
14 |
Brake Rear (in.) |
13 |
14.2 |
14.4 |
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
3501 |
3878 |
4941 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
N/A |
95 |
N/A |
The best thing about the i8 is its impressive fuel economy. The car is rated to travel 17 miles on all-electric mode and offers a combined fuel economy of 28 mpg. The total driving range turns out to be 330 miles. Against the Acura and the Tesla the BMW has a better range and fuel economy.
Model |
BMW i8 coupe |
Acura NSX coupe |
2018 Tesla Model S P100D |
---|---|---|---|
MPG (city) |
N/A |
21 |
92 |
MPG (highway) |
N/A |
22 |
105 |
MPG (combined) |
27 |
21 |
98 |
Tank Capacity (gal) |
11.1 |
15.6 |
N/A |
Range (miles) ((combined)/(city/highway)) |
330 |
328/343 |
315 |
The i8 Coupe's interior looks familiar from inside. The cabin is advanced and beautifully sculpted. The front seats are comfortable but they lack sufficient adjustability. We found the rear seats quite smaller and are meant for small kids only. On the other hand, the I ConnectedDrive services uses traffic information and topography to get the best navigation route.
The smartphone sync facilitates remote control door locks, air conditioning, and other features.
Model |
BMW i8 coupe |
Acura NSX coupe |
2018 Tesla Model S P100D |
---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
4 |
2 |
5 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
38.7/56.7/43.1 |
38.3/57.7/42.9 |
38.8/57.7/42.7 |
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
32.4/49.6/28.2 |
- |
35.3/55.0/35.4 |
Cargo Volume (cu-ft.) |
4.7 |
4.4 |
30.0 |
The BMW i8 is deprived of the cargo space due to the design styling. There's very small room for luggage and you won't find much space in the front as well. Since the rear seating is narrow, you can use it as storage.
The BMW i8 latest model gets a new version of BMW's iDrive infotainment system that comes with an 8.8-inch touchscreen. The screen is capable of displaying the surround view of the car.
Some of the major infotainment features are as follows:
The 2019 BMW i8 looks ultimate futuristic when it comes to design. The design approach is different from any of the exotic-performance cars in the world. The Coupe as well the Roadster models are similar width and low stance. The front fascia looks magnificent with the unique LED headlights.
There's a V-shaped air vent over the hood, allowing a good amount of air to pass through the engine. The split rear wing is also highly functional.
Model |
BMW i8 Coupe |
Acura NSX Coupe |
2018 Tesla Model S P100D |
---|---|---|---|
Curb weight (lbs.) |
3501 |
3878 |
4941 |
Length(in) |
184.9 |
176.1 |
196.0 |
Width(in) |
76.5 |
76.3 |
77.3 |
Height(in) |
50.8 |
47.8 |
56.5 |
Ground clearance (in) |
4.6 |
3.8 |
4.6 |
Wheelbase (in) |
110.2 |
103.5 |
116.5 |
Dimensionally the BMW is longer than the Acura and smaller than the Tesla. As for ground clearance all of them pretty much have the same amount room under the floor, with the Acura having the smallest clearance. With all the addition battery pack the Tesla in the heaviest of the lot.
BMW has equipped with i8 with plenty of high-tech safety features apart from the standard safety features. IIHS or NHTSA has not conducted crashworthiness test on the 2019 BMW i8. However, you have nothing to worry about with the long list of safety feature.
The key safety features included with the 2019 BMW i8 are:
Both of them are hybrid vehicle but use different hybridization, one uses hybrid to improve to range and fuel economy. While the other one uses the hybrid drivetrain to give a great performance experience. So, if you are looking for a performance coupe go for the NSX otherwise we recommend you go for the i8.
The i8 here represents the designer's choice whereas Tesla has come with a more sophisticated approach through its Ludicrous mode. In terms of dynamic handling, the BMW i8 wins out.
The new BMW i8 has certainly improved with the course of time. Year after year, the carmaker has been adding standard features to the beautiful Coupe. The i8 offers an efficient engine along with head-turning exterior design. The handling ethics of the car is also non-comparable. It feels good for city commuting. However, for highway rides, the engine feels a bit underpowered. If you are looking for a well-designed car then there could be no other option against the BMW i8.