Dubai: With its futuristic design features, BMW's i8 plug-in hybrid sports car is expected to cause a sensation on the roads when it goes on sale across the Middle East this month.
Signaling the future of sustainable motoring, the BMW i8 combines the performance and appeal of a sports car with the fuel consumption of a small car.
The BMW i8 uses aerodynamics features and environmentally friendly materials.
It comprises BMW LifeDrive architecture, the worlds' first body architecture specifically designed and purpose-built for series production of electric and plug-in hybrid cars.
The BMW i LifeDrive architecture is made up of two separate units: the upper Life module that consists mainly of a high-strength and extremely lightweight passenger cell made from Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic.
The lower drive module consists of a 100 per cent aluminium construction and integrates the battery, electric motor and suspension system. The use of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic is a first for a volume-production model. It is the lightest available material that can be used in the construction of a car body without compromising on safety.
Powered by a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine which, in typical BMW sports car fashion, drives through the rear wheels, the BMW i8’s intelligent hybrid system also capitalises on a potent electric motor which sends drive to the front wheels resulting in a combined power output of 362hp delivered to all four wheels.
When united, the dual motors (electric motor at the front and petrol engine at the rear) work in harmony enabling the BMW i8 to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds while using just 2.1 litres of petrol per 100kms and emitting just 59g/km of emissions.
The BMW i8 has a top speed electronically limited to 250km/h, and can be operated solely in all electric drive (zero emissions) for around 37 kilometres - and the battery of the plug-in hybrid can be continuously charged by the petrol engine while driving. Due to its lightweight of just 1,485 kg, it provides a total drive range of more than 500 kilometres.
The front view of the BMW i8 features large front apron air intakes arranged over several levels. The extremely broad BMW kidney grille stretches over to the slim headlights, accentuating the width of the BMW i8 and its road-focused stance.
In addition, full-LED headlights are standard and innovative laser headlights, available as an option later this year, proving intense light that will illuminate the roads for up to 600m - double the distance of conventional LED lights.
At a glance
- 2+2-seater with LifeDrive architecture developed specifically for BMW i
- Life module passenger cell made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic
- Drive system technology, high-voltage battery, chassis, and crash and structural functions integrated into the aluminium Drive module
- Doors open upwards like wings
- Full-LED headlights and LED rear lights as standard, laser light available as an option for the first time ever in a production car.
- Carbon fibre production and vehicle assembly using 100 per cent renewable electricity
- Leather tanned with olive leaf extracts for the instrument panel
- Use of CFRP, aerodynamic performance, BMW eDrive technology, lightweight engineering and resource-efficient material
- Plug-in hybrid system
- Three-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology combined with BMW eDrive technology in the form of a hybrid synchronous electric motor
- Engine with a displacement of 1.5 litres, output of 170 kW/231 hp and maximum torque of 320 Nm (236 lb-ft)
- Combination of BMW TwinPower Turbo and BMW eDrive technology plus intelligent energy management produce a maximum system output of 266 kW/362 hp, accompanied by fuel economy and emissions figures more familiar from a small car
- Driving Experience Control switch and eDrive button allow driver to choose from five driving modes; range of up to 37 kilometres (23 miles) on electric power alone in EU test cycle and a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph)
- Lithium-ion high-voltage battery can be recharged when stationary from any conventional domestic power socket, the BMW i Wallbox or at public charging stations
- Sophisticated chassis technology featuring a double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle; Electric Power Steering; Dynamic Damper Control as standard; 20-inch light-alloy wheels as standard.
- Intelligent lightweight construction with elements including a CFRP passenger cell, doors with a CFRP-aluminium structure, an instrument panel with magnesium supporting structure, an aluminium chassis and a partition between the passenger compartment and boot made from hardened thin glass; comprehensive safety concept and an ultra-torsionally stiff passenger cell; front, side and head/curtain airbags, inertia-reel seatbelts with belt force limiters front and rear, ISOFIX child seat attachment points and tyre pressure monitoring for each individual wheel as standard; pedestrian alert sound available as an option.
- Extensive standard equipment includes the Navigation System Professional with proactive drive management for all-electric driving, fully digital instrument display for content and presentation formats that adapt according to the driving mode with 3D graphics, 2-zone automatic climate control, BMW iDrive with freestanding 8.8-inch Control Display and Touch Controller, leather sports steering wheel with multifunction buttons, electrically adjustable leather sports seats and leather-trimmed instrument panel; choice of four exterior paint finishes and four interior equipment variants.
- Wide range of BMW ConnectedDrive features: options include BMW Head-Up Display and Driving Assistant package with High Beam Assistant, rear view camera, Surround View, Speed Limit Info including No Passing Info display and Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function; also available are BMW Online Entertainment and internet access; standard features include Intelligent Emergency Call, BMW ConnectedDrive Services with Concierge Service and Real Time Traffic Information along with mobility services developed specifically for BMW i, such as the BMW i Remote app, BMW TeleServices including Battery Guard and intermodal route guidance.
