CoupeBMW54% by Neofiliac Team68% by External Reviewers

BMW i8 I12

Sports Car

Product Gallery

Product Overview

BMW i8 (chassis code I12) is a PHEV sports car in production from 2013 to 2020. It was powered by tiny turbocharged inline-3 engine that displaced 1.5 liters paired to a small lithium-ion battery-powered electric motor.

With a flagship price tag, the i8 has a rather miserable displacement. It is supposed to save fuel, but the owner certainly is not saving money. The BMW i8 is limited to inline-3, which has horrible NVH performance and durability, a legacy of modern-day regulations. The car's complex drivetrain is also unreliable, making it the worst of both worlds.

On the positive side, the i8 has a styling that reminds one of supercars. Still, one could purchase real supercars with honest drivetrains for less, making the entire "woke sports car" concept exceedingly ridiculous.

BMW has made a good effort in aerodynamics, with a decent 0.26 coefficient of drag to show for it. The official fuel economy rating is exceptionally rosy, though it may cast more doubts on the trustworthiness of the regulators and perhaps the owner's own sanity than it relates to reality. Utility-minded owners will likely need to keep an alternative for hauling things around, as the tiny cargo space is almost surely insufficient.

Drivers who appreciate handling will be pleased to know that the BMW i8 comes with double-wishbone at the front and multi-link at the rear.

Ratings

What we found

Neofiliac score 54%

Pros

Supercar-like styling
Good 0.26 drag coefficient
Low official fuel consumption

Cons

Only available with tiny engines
Very little cargo space
Gigantic reliability concern

What external reviewers found

External score 68%

Pros

Excellent standard equipment
Decent fuel economy
Comfortable to drive
Class-leading performance
Stylish looks
Powerful electric motor

Cons

Lack of space in the second row
Not as fun to drive as rivals
Not as economical as rivals
Pricier than rivals
No timing belt

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Specifications

[[{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Cargo Capacity","Fv":"154 L / 5.4 cu-ft"},{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Engine Oil Capacity","Fv":"4.2 L / 4.5 qt"},{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Fuel Capacity","Fv":"30.0 L / 7.9 gal"},{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Passengers","Fv":"4"},{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Payload","Fv":"370 kg / 816 lbs"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Brakes | Front","Fv":"Ventilated discs"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Brakes | Rear","Fv":"Ventilated discs"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Power Steering","Fv":"Electric Steering"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Suspension | Front","Fv":"Double-wishbone"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Suspension | Rear","Fv":"Multi-link"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Tire Size","Fv":"Front wheel tires: 195/50 R20 Rear wheel tires: 215/45 R20"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Turning Circle","Fv":"12.3 m / 40.3 ft"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Battery | Capacity","Fv":"11.6 kWh (gross) | 9.4 kWh (net)"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Battery | Type","Fv":"Lithium-ion"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Battery | Voltage","Fv":"355.0 V"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Body Style","Fv":"2-door plug-in hybrid Coupe"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Ground Clearance","Fv":"117 mm / 4.6 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Height","Fv":"1293 mm / 50.9 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Length","Fv":"4689 mm / 184.6 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Width","Fv":"1942 mm / 76.5 in | 2218 mm / 87.3 in (mirror unfolded)"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Track Width | Front","Fv":"1644.0 mm / 64.7 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Track Width | Rear","Fv":"1721.0 mm / 67.8 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Weight","Fv":"1535.0 kg / 3384.1 lbs"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Wheel Size","Fv":"Front wheel rims: 7J x 20 Rear wheel rims: 7.5J x 20"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Wheelbase","Fv":"2800 mm / 110.2 in"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Acceleration | 0 - 100 km/h","Fv":"4.4 sec"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Acceleration | 0 - 60 mph","Fv":"4.2 sec"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"CO2 Emission","Fv":"42 g/km"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Coefficient Of Drag","Fv":"0.26"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Electric Range","Fv":"55.0 km / 34.2 mi"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Fuel Economy","Fv":"1.8 L/100km / 130.7 MPG (combined)"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Top Speed","Fv":"250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph, 120.0 km/h / 74.6 mph (EV mode)"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Drivetrain Layout","Fv":"Rear-engine (transverse), All-wheel drive"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Emission Standard","Fv":"Euro 6"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine","Fv":"B38K15T0"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Bore","Fv":"82.0 mm / 3.2 in"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Compression Ratio","Fv":"9.5:1"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Displacement","Fv":"1.5 L / 91.5 cu-in / 1499.0 cc"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Power","Fv":"231.0 hp / 172.3 kW @ 5800 rpm + 143.0 hp / 106.6 kW @ 4800 rpm (electric motor)"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Specific Output","Fv":"154.1 hp/L / 2.5 hp/cu-in"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Stroke","Fv":"94.6 mm / 3.7 in"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Torque","Fv":"320 Nm / 236.0 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm + 250 Nm / 184.4 lb-ft"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Type","Fv":"Twin-scroll turbocharged direct-injected petrol inline-3 engine with 4 values per cylinder"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Transmission | Gears","Fv":"6-speed"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Transmission | Type","Fv":"Automatic"},{"Ft":"Production","Fn":"Availability","Fv":"2017 ~ 2018"}],[{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Cargo Capacity","Fv":"154 L / 5.4 cu-ft"},{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Engine Oil Capacity","Fv":"4.2 L / 4.5 qt"},{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Fuel Capacity","Fv":"30.0 L / 7.9 gal"},{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Passengers","Fv":"4"},{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Payload","Fv":"385 kg / 849 lbs"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Brakes | Front","Fv":"Ventilated discs"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Brakes | Rear","Fv":"Ventilated discs"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Power Steering","Fv":"Electric Steering"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Suspension | Front","Fv":"Double-wishbone"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Suspension | Rear","Fv":"Multi-link"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Tire Size","Fv":"Front wheel tires: 195/50 R20 Rear wheel tires: 215/45 R20"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Turning Circle","Fv":"12.3 m / 40.3 ft"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Battery | Capacity","Fv":"11.6 kWh (gross) | 9.4 kWh (net)"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Battery | Type","Fv":"Lithium-ion"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Battery | Voltage","Fv":"355.0 V"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Body Style","Fv":"2-door plug-in hybrid Coupe"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Ground Clearance","Fv":"117 mm / 4.6 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Height","Fv":"1291 mm / 50.8 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Length","Fv":"4689 mm / 184.6 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Width","Fv":"1942 mm / 76.5 in | 2218 mm / 87.3 in (mirror unfolded)"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Track Width | Front","Fv":"1644.0 mm / 64.7 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Track Width | Rear","Fv":"1721.0 mm / 67.8 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Weight","Fv":"1535.0 kg / 3384.1 lbs"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Wheel Size","Fv":"Front wheel rims: 7J x 20 Rear wheel rims: 7.5J x 20"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Wheelbase","Fv":"2800 mm / 110.2 in"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Acceleration | 0 - 100 km/h","Fv":"4.4 sec"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Acceleration | 0 - 60 mph","Fv":"4.2 sec"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"CO2 Emission","Fv":"42 g/km"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Coefficient Of Drag","Fv":"0.26"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Electric Range","Fv":"55.0 km / 34.2 mi"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Fuel Economy","Fv":"1.8 L/100km / 130.7 MPG (combined)"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Top Speed","Fv":"250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph, 120.0 km/h / 74.6 mph (EV mode)"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Drivetrain Layout","Fv":"Rear-engine (transverse), All-wheel drive"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Emission Standard","Fv":"Euro 6d-TEMP"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine","Fv":"B38K15T0"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Bore","Fv":"82.0 mm / 3.2 in"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Compression Ratio","Fv":"9.5:1"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Displacement","Fv":"1.5 L / 91.5 cu-in / 1499.0 cc"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Power","Fv":"231.0 hp / 172.3 kW @ 5800-6000 rpm + 143.0 hp / 106.6 kW @ 4800 rpm (electric motor)"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Specific Output","Fv":"154.1 hp/L / 2.5 hp/cu-in"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Stroke","Fv":"94.6 mm / 3.7 in"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Torque","Fv":"320 Nm / 236.0 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm + 250 Nm / 184.4 lb-ft"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Type","Fv":"Twin-scroll turbocharged direct-injected petrol inline-3 engine with 4 values per cylinder"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Transmission | Gears","Fv":"6-speed"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Transmission | Type","Fv":"Automatic"},{"Ft":"Production","Fn":"Availability","Fv":"2018 ~ 2020"}],[{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Cargo Capacity","Fv":"154 L / 5.4 cu-ft"},{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Engine Oil Capacity","Fv":"4.2 L / 4.5 qt"},{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Fuel Capacity","Fv":"30.0 L / 7.9 gal"},{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Passengers","Fv":"4"},{"Ft":"Capacity","Fn":"Payload","Fv":"370 kg / 816 lbs"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Brakes | Front","Fv":"Ventilated discs, 340x29.2 mm"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Brakes | Rear","Fv":"Ventilated discs, 340x19.2 mm"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Power Steering","Fv":"Electric Steering"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Suspension | Front","Fv":"Double-wishbone"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Suspension | Rear","Fv":"Multi-link"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Tire Size","Fv":"Front wheel tires: 195/50 R20 Rear wheel tires: 215/45 R20"},{"Ft":"Chassis","Fn":"Turning Circle","Fv":"12.3 m / 40.3 ft"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Battery | Capacity","Fv":"7.1 kWh (gross) | 5.2 kWh (net)"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Battery | Type","Fv":"Lithium-ion"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Battery | Voltage","Fv":"355.0 V"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Body Style","Fv":"2-door plug-in hybrid Coupe"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Ground Clearance","Fv":"117 mm / 4.6 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Height","Fv":"1298 mm / 51.1 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Length","Fv":"4689 mm / 184.6 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Width","Fv":"1942 mm / 76.5 in | 2218 mm / 87.3 in (mirror unfolded)"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Track Width | Front","Fv":"1644.0 mm / 64.7 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Track Width | Rear","Fv":"1715.0 mm / 67.5 in"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Weight","Fv":"1485.0 kg / 3273.9 lbs"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Wheel Size","Fv":"Front wheel rims: 7J x 20 Rear wheel rims: 7.5J x 20"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Wheelbase","Fv":"2800 mm / 110.2 in"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Acceleration | 0 - 100 km/h","Fv":"4.4 sec"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Acceleration | 0 - 60 mph","Fv":"4.2 sec"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"CO2 Emission","Fv":"49 g/km"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Coefficient Of Drag","Fv":"0.26"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Electric Range","Fv":"37.0 km / 23.0 mi"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Fuel Economy","Fv":"2.1 L/100km / 112.0 MPG (combined)"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Top Speed","Fv":"250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph, 120.0 km/h / 74.6 mph (EV mode)"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Drivetrain Layout","Fv":"Rear-engine (transverse), All-wheel drive"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Emission Standard","Fv":"Euro 6"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine","Fv":"B38K15T0"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Bore","Fv":"82.0 mm / 3.2 in"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Compression Ratio","Fv":"9.5:1"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Displacement","Fv":"1.5 L / 91.5 cu-in / 1499.0 cc"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Power","Fv":"231.0 hp / 172.3 kW @ 5800 rpm + 131.0 hp / 97.7 kW @ 4800 rpm (electric motor)"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Specific Output","Fv":"154.1 hp/L / 2.5 hp/cu-in"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Stroke","Fv":"94.5 mm / 3.7 in"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Torque","Fv":"320 Nm / 236.0 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm + 250 Nm / 184.4 lb-ft"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Engine | Type","Fv":"Twin-scroll turbocharged direct-injected petrol inline-3 engine with 4 values per cylinder"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Transmission | Gears","Fv":"6-speed"},{"Ft":"Powertrain","Fn":"Transmission | Type","Fv":"Automatic"},{"Ft":"Production","Fn":"Availability","Fv":"2013 ~ 2017"}]]

	374PS	374PS Euro6d	362PS

External Reviews

autocar^[1]

Reviewer score 68% (normalized by Neofiliac)

Reviewers from autocar have found:

BMW has increased the energy capacity of the i8’s lithium ion battery from 20Ah to 34Ah. Combined with its Mini-sourced three-cylinder petrol engine, the i 8 now makes a total 369bhp. Fully charged, it’ll cover 34 miles on electricity alone. The electric motor drives the front wheels via a two-speed automatic gearbox.

Pros

Powerful turbocharged petrol engine
Powerful electric motor

Cons

Pricier than rivals
Not the most fun to drive

autoexpress^[2]

Reviewer score 82% (normalized by Neofiliac)

Reviewers from autoexpress have found:

The BMW i8 is a unique proposition in the luxury sports car market. A rival to the ubiquitous Porsche 911, the i8 brings a dose of eco-consciousness to the segment thanks to its petrol-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain. Its exotic styling, meanwhile, belies both its price and reasonable running costs.

Pros

Eco-conscious styling
Comfortable to drive
Decent fuel economy

Cons

Not as fun to drive as rivals
Not as economical as rivals

Also Check

Product ComparisonProducts in CoupeProducts by BMWKeyword awdKeyword double-wishboneKeyword multi-linkKeyword phevKeyword turbocharged

References

^ BMW i8 Coupe 2018 UK review. [autocar].
^ BMW i8 (2014-2020) review. [autoexpress].

BMW i8 I12

Product Gallery

Product Overview

Ratings

What we found

What external reviewers found

Your rating:

Price Comparison

Specifications

Related Products

External Reviews

autocar[1]

autoexpress[2]

Also Check

References

autocar^[1]

autoexpress^[2]