BMW i8 hybrid sportscar has a combined power output of 362 PS and 570 Nm; can sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in 4.4 seconds
Introduced in February 2015 in India, the i8 hybrid sportscar is being sold at exclusive i-dealerships in Chennai, Mumbai and New Delhi for a price tag of Rs. 2.14 crore (ex-showroom, New Delhi). It incorporates abundant use of lightweight materials like aluminium, composite carbon fibre and polycarbonate glass as seen on the concept model which was first revealed at the Frankfurt Auto Show way back in 2009.
The exterior looks swoopy with BMW’s signature kidney grille, slim LED headlamps, distinctive scissor doors, flowing side profile with shapes and cuts for aerodynamic benefit and a rear end boasting an uppy spoiler merging with LED tail lights. Standard equipment include the new generation BMW iDrive system with touch controller and handwriting recognition, 8.8-inch navigation colour display, BMW Head-Up Display, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a Harman Kardon Surround Sound system in addition to rear and front parking cameras.
Also Read: Sachin Tendulkar’s BMW i8 Gets New Colour called Protonic Red
The BMW i8’s powertrain is a combination of a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and a powerful lithium-ion battery powered electric motor. The petrol engine is rated to give 231 PS of power and 320 Nm torque whilst the electric motor develops 131 PS and 250 Nm. Thus, total output would be 362 PS of power and 570 Nm of peak-torque.
In electric mode, the i8 can reach a speed of 120 kmph with a maximum range of 35 km. The petrol and electric hybrid system can make the car sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in just 4.4 seconds and can get to a top speed of 250 kmph. The hybrid more can deliver a maximum range of 600 km. Safety systems that come as standard are dynamic stability control, ABS, corner braking stability, dynamic braking stability and eight airbags.
Also Read: BMW i8 Facelift Could Come in 2017 Generating 377 HP
BMW has added another limited edition model known as i8 Protonic Frozen Black and it will debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March. It gets gloss black fascia inserts for a meaner look while the cabin gains bright yellow contrast stitching on the seats and centre console alongside Protonic Frozen Black lettering on the doorsills. A more powerful version of the standard i8 was reported to be in the works and it may get an upgraded powertrain when it comes to the fore.
BMW i8 Hybrid Sportscar Images
