The BMW i8 Plug-In Hybrid

The BMW i8 may not boast the supercar credentials of other plug-in hybrid vehicles, but it still stands as an impressive car and provides lots of excitement and enjoyment.

The brakes of the BMW i8 are equipped with massive 340mm ventilated discs clamped by four-piston fixed calipers that help it stop quickly, yet when its gas engine kicks in it feels most like a hybrid car as its power blends dynamically according to need.

Powertrain

The BMW i8's powertrain is truly exceptional. Combining instant torque from an electric motor with fuel efficiency from a petrol engine to deliver remarkable acceleration is truly incredible - crushing many rivals even within its price range and class. A turbocharged 1.3-litre inline-three petrol engine and 7.1 kilowatt-hour battery pack produce 362 horsepower combined and send it directly to the rear wheels through an automatic gearbox.

BMW's advanced drivetrain system surpasses anything seen in the i3, creating an effortless blend between its electric and gasoline systems. To accomplish this, they eliminate mechanical links between the front-wheel-drive electric motor and rear-wheel drive petrol engine; instead electronics decide when and how much of each unit to use at once while also controlling various battery settings and outputs.

Even in its most frugal driving mode, the i8 can cruise comfortably and quietly. But pushing the dial to Sport alters both engine note and head-up display accordingly: speed information becomes speed and navigation data while rev counter info takes its place; steering feels weightier and responsiveness increases significantly compared to more conventional sports cars; while its narrow Bridgestone Potenza S001 tires don't hum along freeways like they would with wider cars; yet the i8 still packs enough muscle to sway gawkers while powering past traffic easily.

Once the BMW i8 has been guided through a series of curves, its three-cylinder petrol engine becomes apparent as not some sort of retrofit - responding quickly to fingertip-light steering inputs and providing a taut, precise feel that matches any German rivals. While not quite as agile or adjustable as its German rivals such as Porsche 911 or Audi R8, this coupe still manages some serious speed on its journey up to its limited top speed of 155mph.

Consider that certain i8s may experience problems with their drivetrain or battery, so it is wise to purchase one with an extensive service history. Furthermore, make sure there is a comprehensive warranty in case anything unexpected should arise.

Fuel economy

The BMW i8 features a plug-in hybrid drivetrain equipped with two powerful electric motors - one rated at 141hp to power its front wheels and another producing 231hp from its petrol engine - giving all-wheel drive. Together they produce 357 horsepower of output for an astonishingly quick 0-60 time of just 4.2 seconds.

BMW's intelligent software ensures that both engine and electric motor can work independently or together depending on your driving situation. When in gentle conditions, BMW's lithium-ion battery pack-powered electric motor assists the petrol engine by using as little fuel possible while other times the two combine forcefully for instant torque delivery for seamless acceleration and effortless overtaking.

In Sport mode, the i8 is an incredible thrill-ride. It can reach 62mph in under five seconds and keeps up with far more exotic performance cars when it comes to straight-line speed. Plus, its engine will even intervene if you find yourself struggling on hills by using navigation software to anticipate potential issues ahead and adjust power output accordingly to protect battery power.

While cruising along a highway, Eco Pro mode can make your car more energy-efficient and reduce emissions. Depending on how you drive, up to 310-mile combined range can be achieved using this mode; additionally EV mode will let your i8 run for 34 miles with zero tailpipe pollution emissions.

Whoever prefers using electric range can plug their i8 at home and leave it, knowing it will automatically recharge its battery while parked, making the most out of limited range. Schedule it so it starts charging early morning so it will be fully charged by time for you to make your journey. Or use its Hold State of Charge feature which can be enabled through either its app or infomedia screen screen - saving some of its charge until later use!

Design

BMW i8 stands out as an uncompromising all-electric supercar in a sea of carbon-fiber cars, SUVs and crossovers. Equipped with both a turbocharged gas engine and electric motor hybrid drive system, its futuristic styling will attract attention wherever it goes from Kensington High Street to Green Party conferences.

BMW designed the BMW i8 to showcase their cutting-edge technology and demonstrate that electric vehicles could be both fun and exciting to drive, while still remaining practical for daily use. When they made their debuts in 2014, both vehicles stunned people with their exotic appearance and unconventional powertrains; no other vehicle on the road could rival it at that time, or now. Their designs still stand out today.

The BMW i8 immediately grabs your attention with its dramatic scissor doors that open like butterfly wings, adding drama and elegance. These doors are part of their "layered design", an approach which emphasizes surfaces and lines overlapping one another to produce a compact yet agile appearance.

Other striking features include a flat front hood with air curtains in its front apron and paneled underbody that help reduce drag and improve aerodynamics. Furthermore, carbon-fiber roof and rear spoiler of i8 also contribute to reduce lift while adding stability.

Inside, the BMW i8 was designed to be as energy-efficient as possible through its use of recycled and renewable materials. Driver and passenger sit low in the cockpit for an engaging driving experience; there is plenty of leg room in back for two passengers in addition to storage for battery packs behind a cargo area.

BMW recently unveiled an LCI facelift for its i8 electric sports car, featuring LED headlights, new wheel designs and a more refined interior. These subtle changes have helped make the i8 even more desirable; its distinctive and eye-catching look remain intact, yet now feels more mature and refined compared to before; plus it's faster and more fun than its rivals in this fast-evolved industry of electric vehicles.

Technology

When the BMW i8 was unveiled in 2014, it caused quite an uproar - or rather more like an explosion in terms of car culture. Not only was its sleek, futuristic exterior boasting dihedral doors and U-shaped tail light clusters; but its advanced hybrid technology combined into its stunning design made driving this beauty both eco-friendly and exhilaratingly fun!

Electric motors offer instant torque, allowing it to accelerate from stop more quickly and overtake with ease while the combustion engine takes over at higher speeds for optimal efficiency. Regenerative braking allows users to extend battery range - creating an efficient plug-in hybrid vehicle capable of lasting far longer than you might imagine!

BMW engineers used carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) and an aluminium passenger cell to develop an extremely lightweight structure which not only looks gorgeous but achieves perfect 50:50 weight distribution and ensure optimum driving dynamics and range.

Simply switching into Sport mode shortens its 0-60mph time to under four seconds and really shines when driving on tight turns. Plus, its combination of petrol and electric power offers impressive economy on long motorway journeys; our three-day journey from Manchester to Birmingham for the Prime Minister's Zero Emission Vehicle Summit (and back again via North Wales) yielded 45.6mpg!

The BMW i8 lacks driver-assistance features in terms of driver assistance features; with limited Android Auto and Apple CarPlay options as well as no lane-keep assist or Level 2 autonomy capabilities available. Furthermore, due to its battery pack location limiting cargo space significantly, this vehicle might not be suitable for those regularly transporting large equipment such as gym equipment.