When BMW released the i8 hybrid sports car in 2014, it proved popular straight away. And it wasn’t surprising considering you can claim to be environmentally friendly while driving a car with a top speed limited to 155mph and futuristic looks. But the new 2018 BMW i8 Roadster and Coupe look even more gorgeous, especially the open top two-seater.
Both models will cost a little more than the original base model. The 2018 i8 Coupe will start at £112,730. And the Roadster begins at £124,730. So it’s not cheap. But either choice will get you a top speed electronically limited to 250km/h (155mph) from a 1499cc three-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology driving the rear wheels with 231hp. And an electric 143hp motor driving the front wheels.
The performance differences between the hard and soft top are minor. The 2018 BMW i8 Roadster will go from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, and will manage 100 kilometres on 2.1 litres of fuel, with a 33 mile range on just electric power. Meanwhile the hard top 2018 BMW i8 Coupe does slightly better, with the aerodynamics helping it to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds, 100 kilometres on 1.9 litres, and an electric-only range of 34 miles.
Basically they’re sexy, fast, and frugal. Especially if you only have 15 miles or so between your mansion and work.
So the idea of a topless BMW i8 was originally displayed as a concept in 2012. And the release has been timed alongside the more powerful electric motor.
The 2018 BMW i8 Roadster has frameless gullwing doors to impress small children and adults alike. And despite various bits of body strengthening to cope with the lack of a rood, it only weights around 60kg more due to the use of lightweight carob-fibre reinforced plastic. The soft-top roof itself will open and close in 15 seconds from pressing the button, and the way it folds up leaves around 100 litres of additional storage behind the two seats.
Both models come with Dynamic Damper Control for the suspension. And the 2018 BMW i8 Roadster has specific suspension settings for the springs, damping and Dynamic Stability Control. It also gets exclusive 20-inch light alloy wheels in a double spoke design which is apparently 1kg less than the previous lightest rim available.
Obviously any futuristic plug-in hybrid sports car needs an impressive interior. So you get the navigation system, BMW Display Key, Driving Assistant and other stuff. Optional extras include a BMW Heads-Up display, now-dazzling BMW Laserlight with Selective Beam and an acoustic pedestrian warning for when you’re going slowly. The standard interiors are Ivory White/Black for the Roadster and Ivory White for the Coupe, so no dropping chocolate on the seats. But there’s also an optional trim in Amido and E-Copper. A quick google reveals Amido is apparently a blue-black colour. And E-Copper appears to add a bit of orange?
The New 2018 BMW i8 Roadster and Coupe In Action:
How much fun do they look here?
Exactly.
More 2018 BMW i8 Roadster Pictures:
More 2018 BMW i8 Coupe Pictures:
Given the time of year, it’s understandable that the 2018 BMW i8 Roadster will get a world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show where it might be warm enough to actually open the roof. But if you have the money, you’ll be able to buy your own for summer, as it should be available from May 2018.
So would you go for the more practical and slightly faster four-seater i8 Coupe? Or indulge yourself with the sexier two-seater 2018 BMW i8 Roadster?
Can’t afford a six figure price? Secondhand BMW i8s are being advertised on eBay from around £50,000. And similar prices on Autotrader.
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