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BMW i8 Roadster I15 Convertible (2017-2020)

37% Neofiliac73% External
Keywords: awdbmwconvertibledouble-wishbonehybridmid-sizemulti-linkphevsports-carturbocharged

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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% (not directly comparable across industries)
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% (not directly comparable across industries)
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
Read More
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Specifications

Euro 6Euro 6d

Capacity

Cargo Capacity88 L / 3.1 cu-ft
Engine Oil Capacity4.2 L / 4.5 qt
Fuel Capacity30.0 L / 7.9 gal
Passengers2
Payload370 kg / 816 lbs305 kg / 672 lbs

Chassis

Brakes | FrontVentilated discs
Brakes | RearVentilated discs
Power SteeringElectric Steering
Suspension | FrontDouble-wishbone
Suspension | RearMulti-link
Tire SizeFront wheel tires: 195/50 R20 Rear wheel tires: 215/45 R20
Turning Circle12.3 m / 40.3 ft

Construction

Battery | Capacity11.6 kWh (gross) | 9.4 kWh (net)
Battery | TypeLithium-ion
Battery | Voltage355.0 V
Body Style2-door plug-in hybrid Convertible

Dimensions

Ground Clearance117 mm / 4.6 in115 mm / 4.5 in
Size | Height1291 mm / 50.8 in1289 mm / 50.7 in
Size | Length4689 mm / 184.6 in
Size | Width1942 mm / 76.5 in | 2218 mm / 87.3 in (mirror unfolded)
Track Width | Front1644.0 mm / 64.7 in
Track Width | Rear1721.0 mm / 67.8 in
Weight1595.0 kg / 3516.4 lbs
Wheel SizeFront wheel rims: 7J x 20 Rear wheel rims: 7.5J x 20
Wheelbase2800 mm / 110.2 in

Performance

Acceleration | 0 - 100 km/h4.6 sec
Acceleration | 0 - 60 mph4.4 sec
CO2 Emission46 g/km
Coefficient Of Drag0.28
Electric Range53.0 km / 32.9 mi
Fuel Economy2.0 L/100km / 117.6 MPG (combined)
Top Speed250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph, 120.0 km/h / 74.6 mph (EV mode)

Powertrain

Drivetrain LayoutRear-engine (transverse), All-wheel drive
Emission StandardEuro 6Euro 6d-TEMP
EngineB38K15T0
Engine | Bore82.0 mm / 3.2 in
Engine | Compression Ratio9.5:1
Engine | Displacement1.5 L / 91.5 cu-in / 1499.0 cc
Engine | Power231.0 hp / 172.3 kW @ 5800 rpm + 143.0 hp / 106.6 kW @ 4800 rpm (electric motor)231.0 hp / 172.3 kW @ 5800-6000 rpm + 143.0 hp / 106.6 kW @ 4800 rpm (electric motor)
Engine | Specific Output154.1 hp/L / 2.5 hp/cu-in
Engine | Stroke94.6 mm / 3.7 in
Engine | Torque320 Nm / 236.0 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm + 250 Nm / 184.4 lb-ft
Engine | TypeTwin-scroll turbocharged direct-injected petrol inline-3 engine with 4 values per cylinder
Transmission | Gears6-speed
Transmission | TypeAutomatic

Production

Availability2017 ~ 20182018 ~ 2020
See Product Comparison

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3rd-Party Review Videos

External Review Video Hf13siK_Ixg for BMW i8 Roadster I15 Convertible (2017-2020)
External Review Video ho_u5fZs3P0 for BMW i8 Roadster I15 Convertible (2017-2020)
External Review Video MLySF9X5vus for BMW i8 Roadster I15 Convertible (2017-2020)
External Review Video NwO9wvmr7Fs for BMW i8 Roadster I15 Convertible (2017-2020)
External Review Video OYCvbBijvQM for BMW i8 Roadster I15 Convertible (2017-2020)
External Review Video qUt7Yv_dy2g for BMW i8 Roadster I15 Convertible (2017-2020)
External Review Video voW754Ofyzs for BMW i8 Roadster I15 Convertible (2017-2020)
External Review Video XiKDITUfxME for BMW i8 Roadster I15 Convertible (2017-2020)
External Review Video y2YmFf6DU18 for BMW i8 Roadster I15 Convertible (2017-2020)
External Review Video ylu5PlAHEag for BMW i8 Roadster I15 Convertible (2017-2020)
External Review Video Z2yRAibdWiM for BMW i8 Roadster I15 Convertible (2017-2020)
External Review Video ZyX-TauDCo0 for BMW i8 Roadster I15 Convertible (2017-2020)

External Reviews

autocar[1]

Reviewer score 73%
Reviewers from autocar have found the following***:
, 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.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Powerful electric and petrol engines
  • Excellent long-distance performance
  • Excellent range
Cons
  • Lack of speed in eDrive mode

autocar[2]

Reviewer score 74%
Reviewers from autocar have found the following***:
The i8 Roadster is the only hybrid sports convertible on the market. It's a fast, dashingly styled grand tourer. But it can be frustrating to drive on twisty roads due to understeer. The 8.8in Professional Navigation infotainment system is a doddle to use.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Fun to drive
  • Impressive handling under load
Cons
  • Understeer can be frustrating
  • Pricier than rivals

autocar[3]

Reviewer score 56%
Reviewers from autocar have found the following***:
The i8 roadster feels even more like a GT than the coupé. It’s at its best enjoyed making brisk point-to-point progress on fast, smooth, flowing roads rather than as a memorable companion on your favourite British B-road. On anything but faster, smoother A-roads and motorways in and around the national speed limit, the i8 is just too darn firm.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Fantastic electric power
  • Impressive range
Cons
  • Not as good as a coupé
  • Not as sporty as a roadster

autoexpress[4]

Reviewer score 65%
Reviewers from autoexpress have found the following***:
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.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Gorgeous open-top styling
  • Fantastic electric power
Cons
  • No roof
  • Alternatives are more fun to drive

carmagazine[5]

Reviewer score 83%
Reviewers from carmagazine have found the following***:
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.
Find the original article here.
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[6]

Reviewer score 88%
Reviewers from carwow have found the following***:
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.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Powerful petrol engine
  • Comfortable to drive
Cons
  • Lacks a pair of back seats
  • Alternatives are more practical

digitaltrends[7]

Reviewer score 73%
Reviewers from digitaltrends have found the following***:
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.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Powerful hybrid powertrain
  • Comfortable to drive
  • Stylish styling
Cons
  • No all-electric range
  • Somewhat expensive

User Reviews

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References

  1. ^ BMW i8 Roadster 2018-2020 review . [autocar]. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/i8-roadster-2018-2020. Retrieved 2022-05-30.
  2. ^ BMW i8 Roadster 2018 review. [autocar]. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/i8-roadster/first-drives/bmw-i8-roadster-2018-first-drive-review. 2018-08-01. Retrieved 2022-05-30.
  3. ^ BMW i8 Roadster 2018 UK review. [autocar]. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/i8-roadster/first-drives/bmw-i8-roadster-2018-uk-review. 2018-11-09. Retrieved 2022-05-30.
  4. ^ New BMW i8 Roadster 2018 review. [autoexpress]. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/i8/103352/new-bmw-i8-roadster-2018-review. 2018-08-10. Retrieved 2022-05-30.
  5. ^ BMW i8 Roadster review: the hybrid supercar, refined. [carmagazine]. https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/bmw/i8-roadster/. 2020-02-25. Retrieved 2022-05-30.
  6. ^ BMW i8 Roadster Review. [carwow]. https://www.carwow.co.uk/bmw/i8-roadster. Retrieved 2022-05-30.
  7. ^ 2019 BMW i8 Roadster review. [digitaltrends]. https://www.digitaltrends.com/car-reviews/2019-bmw-i8-roadster-review/. 2019-02-12. Retrieved 2022-05-30.

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Scores are not directly comparable across industries.

These key takeaways ("pros" and "cons") and summaries are identified from third-party reviews. They may differ from the original texts.

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