2015 BMW i8 Hybrid Coupe

By March 2020, global sales of all variants had reached more than 20,000 cars, making the BMW i8 the world's top-selling plug-in electric sports car.

Standard features include 20-inch wheels, cross-drilled and ventilated disc brakes, adjustable suspension, LED exterior lighting with BMW i "U-shaped" daytime running and brake lights, automatic high beam headlights, auto engine start-stop, an around-view camera view system, keyless entry and ignition, power front seats with memory, leather upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Technology

highlights include a navigation system with real-time traffic info, Bluetooth phone connectivity, BMW's iDrive interface, BMW Assist with remote smartphone app capability, BMW Online and Apps, and a Harman Kardon sound system with hard disk storage and USB and aux inputs.

1.5 liter inline 3-cylinder engine

375 horsepower

6-speed automatic transmission

All-wheel drive

110.2-inch wheelbase

5,456 were sold worldwide in 2015, of which 2,265 were sold in the US

Scissor doors swing upwards when opened

New price starting at $136,500

History

First introduced as the Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics, the i8 was part of BMW's "Project i" and was marketed as a new brand, BMW i, sold separately

from BMW or Mini. The BMW i3, launched for customers in Europe in the fourth quarter of 2013, was the first model of the i brand available in the market, and it was followed by the i8, released in Germany in June 2014 as a 2015 model year. Other i models were expected to follow.

The initial turbodiesel concept car was unveiled at the 2009 International Motor Show Germany, In 2010, BMW announced the mass production of the Vision Efficient Dynamics concept in Leipzig beginning in 2013 as the BMW i8. The BMW i8 gasoline-powered concept car destined for production was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The production version of the BMW i8 was unveiled at the 2013 International Motor Show Germany. The following are the concept and pre-production models developed by BMW that preceded the production version. When BMW i sponsored the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, they announced that they would provide support vehicles; the i8 operated as the official safety car.

Rick DeBruhl's Commentary - "The BMW i8 makes electricity look good