After six years of design, the production of the BMW i8, whose manufacturing process is complicated, will be completed in April. Let’s take a closer look at this little technological gem.
The plug-in hybrid model, the BMW i8, THE most avant-garde model in the range over the past decade, offers BMW eDrive technology which has been developed to offer greater autonomy and more use in electric mode. The only problem, this model has a complicated construction process…
After six years of design, the production of the i8, using advanced materials such as aluminium, magnesium and carbon fibre, will be completed in April 2020.
Replaced by BMWi4, the next all-electric coupe
A model with which the German brand has learned a lot and which applies these lessons to future vehicles. The i8 Coupé will therefore normally be replaced by the next all-electric BMW coupe: the i4. An announced end that does not prevent us from representing you our little crush: the BMW i8 coupé!
Will be exhibited in the “Hall of Fame”
After 20,000 units produced, the i8 is about to be exhibited in the highly coveted “Hall of Fame” of sports cars, which notably houses the greatest achievements of the Bavarian car manufacturer, notably the M1, the M3 E30 M3 and the very famous Z8.
Ivory White leather trim
Officially marketed in May 2018, the BMW i8 Coupé was offered with a Carpo interior that includes an Ivory White leather covering. The list of interior options, in addition to the Halo interior, offers an Accaro interior with an Amiddo / E-Copper colour theme.
As standard equipment, it has been fitted with a sporty leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons and paddles for changing gears, the multi-function handset, electrically adjustable and heated seats, Driving Assistant including Surround View, the BMW Display Key and the Professional navigation system.
The main menu in the control screen is arranged horizontally. As an option, it was possible to control the head-up display, the laser headlights and the acoustic pedestrian warning.
The high voltage unit is located in the centre
In terms of power, the new i8 benefits from a specially developed lithium-ion battery. The high voltage unit is located in the centre of the lower part of the car. The capacity of its cells is up from 20 to 34 Ah and the gross energy capacity increases from 7.1 to 11.6 kW (net: 9.4 kWh). This means that the electric motor has more power.
The configuration of the cubicles allows an increase of 9kW / 12 hp in power to 105 kW / 143 hp which allows rapid accelerations. The BMW i8 Coupé was therefore, announced that could travel up to 105 km / h in purely electric mode (70 km / h in the original BMW i8).
The internal combustion engine is only used at higher speeds or when the driver pushes harder on the accelerator pedal. The range in electric mode of the BMW i8 Coupé in the NEDX_C cycle increases up to 55 km.
Technical sheet
Engine: 374 hp hybrid
0 to 100 km / h: 4.4 seconds
Weight: 1,535 kg
Emissions de Co2 : 42 g/km
Price: € 145,950 (- € 4,000 ecological bonus)
