BMW i8 Roadster I15
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Product Overview
BMW i8 Roadster I15 is a quirky mid-size convertible PHEV "sports car" in production from 2017 to 2020. It was powered by a snowflake-approved inline-3 engine that displaced 1.5 liters in a complex hybrid drivetrain.
With the styling of a supercar and a price tag to match, the i8 Roadster lags many modern sedans and hatchbacks in performance. Thanks to its rather complex PHEV setup, it is also rather heavy. Limited to inline-3, which has horrible NVH performance and durability, it is neither refined nor sporty.
BMW has made a good effort in aerodynamics, with a decent 0.28 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.
Ratings
What we found
Neofiliac score 37%
Pros
- Supercar-like styling
- Warms the heart of snowflakes
- Good 0.28 drag coefficient
Cons
- Tiny, lethargic engine
- Poor performance
- Complex and unreliable
- Impractical
What external reviewers found
External score 73%
Pros
- Excellent range
- Impressive handling under load
- Excellent long-distance performance
- Impressive range
- Gorgeous open-top styling
- Fantastic electric power
Cons
- Understeer can be frustrating
- Lack of speed in eDrive mode
- Lacks a pair of back seats
- Not as fast as its predecessor
- Not as good as a coupé
- Somewhat expensive
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Specifications
| Euro 6 | Euro 6d |
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External Reviews
autocar[1]
Reviewer score 73% (normalized by Neofiliac), weight has increased by 60kg over the facelifted coupé at 1595kg. Inside, the two-plus-two configuration of the fixed-roof i8 has given way to a two-seat layout. The rear of the cabin altered to provide 92 litres of oddment space within three separate cubby holes in the rear bulkhead.
Pros
- Powerful electric and petrol engines
- Excellent long-distance performance
- Excellent range
Cons
- Lack of speed in eDrive mode
autoexpress[2]
Reviewer score 65% (normalized by Neofiliac)BMW has revised its i8 for 2018, introducing an all-new open-top version. The i8 Roadster sits alongside a revised Coupe, losing the latter's solid roof and back seats, while gaining 60kg and an additional £12,000 on the price. Battery capacity has increased, which bumps power up from 129bhp to 141bhp and battery-only range from 22 to 33 miles.
Pros
- Gorgeous open-top styling
- Fantastic electric power
Cons
- No roof
- Alternatives are more fun to drive
carmagazine[3]
Reviewer score 83% (normalized by Neofiliac)The new i8 Roadster can run on EV power alone, but the new, bigger battery means it'll go for longer, and at higher speeds, too. The old Coupe's slightly vague, fast steering has been replaced by a wheel that gives far more feedback than before. iDrive is still here too, but now features handwriting recognition, so you can doodle addresses into the sat-nav, for example.
Pros
- Bigger, more agile engine
- New infotainment system
- More fun to drive
Cons
- Not as fast as its predecessor
- More expensive than its predecessor
carwow[4]
Reviewer score 88% (normalized by Neofiliac)The BMW i8 Roadster is a convertible version of the futuristic i8 Coupe. It packs supercar-like performance into an eye-catching package. Fully charge its batteries and you can drive for around 30 miles in electric-only mode. When the batteries have run out of juice the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine starts up instantly to lend a hand.
Pros
- Powerful petrol engine
- Comfortable to drive
Cons
- Lacks a pair of back seats
- Alternatives are more practical
digitaltrends[5]
Reviewer score 73% (normalized by Neofiliac)The 2019 BMW i8 Roadster offers 18 miles of e-travel before the gas engine kicks in. Unlike some hybrids, the i8 will also run at considerable speeds (up to 75 mph) on electric power. The coupe's $148,000 and roadster's $163,000 starting figures put the two in competition with some serious performance vehicles.
Pros
- Powerful hybrid powertrain
- Comfortable to drive
- Stylish styling
Cons
- No all-electric range
- Somewhat expensive
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References
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