i8

The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid sports car produced by BMW under its BMW i sub-brand. After being revealed as a concept in 2009 and subsequently refined for production, the i8 entered production in 2014 and was manufactured at the BMW plant in Leipzig, Germany. The model line included a coupe version and, from 2018, a roadster variant, with production ending in 2020.

Design and construction emphasize lightweight engineering. The i8 uses a carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell paired with an aluminum chassis, aiming to reduce weight and improve rigidity. It seats four in a 2+2 layout, though the rear seats are compact. The exterior design emphasizes aerodynamics and futuristic styling, contributing to its distinctive appearance in the BMW lineup.

Drivetrain and performance facts center on its plug-in hybrid system. The i8 combines a turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, providing all-wheel-drive capability and the option of electric-only driving for short distances. The combined output is around 362 horsepower, with acceleration commonly cited in the low four-second range for 0–60 mph and a governed top speed near 155 mph. The electric motor enables a modest electric range on a full charge, typically around 15–18 miles (24–29 km), after which the petrol engine engages. Regenerative braking helps recharge the battery during deceleration.

Legacy and reception note the i8’s role as an icon of early electrified performance, notable for its bold styling, advanced materials, and emphasis on efficiency alongside sportiness. Production ended in 2020 as BMW redirected resources toward newer electrified models such as the i4 and iX. The i8 influenced subsequent BMW i models and contributed to the mainstream acceptance of carbon-fiber components in production cars.