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If you want the high-end luxury of a sports car and the excellent performance of a plug-in hybrid, the BMW i8 is the ultimate buy. Plus, it features some of the best safety systems available in today’s car market. With that in mind, here’s an in-depth look at the i8 and all it offers.
First, we start off with an extended wheelbase and short overhangs that perfectly complement the smooth lines of the exterior. You’ll also appreciate the heated side mirrors, U-shaped LED lighting, alloy wheels, carbon-fiber roof with UV protection, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. What really make a statement, however, are the lifting/turning scissor doors made of lightweight aluminum that extend toward the front for an ultra-sleek look.
The BMW i8 is powered by a TwinPower turbo three-cylinder engine, an AC electric motor, and a 7.1-kWh lithium-ion battery. It’s also equipped with eDrive technology, which allows this plug-in hybrid to deliver 129 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the three-cylinder engine produces 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. That’s a combined output of 357 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque for the i8. Don’t overlook its speed either; it can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds.
The BMW i8 proves to be a vehicle designed with efficiency in mind. You’ll find a reduced drag coefficient, excellent airflow for cooling the engine, and aerodynamic lightweight materials with this latest model. Not to mention, it offers reliable performance with a 76 MPGe, the highest in its class, and a total driving range of up to 330 miles.
When it comes to keeping your hybrid charged to reach its full potential, you can do so in only two and a half hours. Simply stop by a public charging station or use a Level 2 station installed at home. You can also take advantage of the Driving Experience Control switch on the i8’s center console. It features four driving modes — Comfort, Sport, Eco Pro, and eDrive — to help you get the most out of your ride.
When you step into your i8, you’ll notice plenty of luxurious and convenience features. These include six-way power front seats with three-stage heating, a driver footrest, a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, leather upholstery, three cup holders, automatic two-zone climate control, a universal garage-door opener, and keyless entry.
Plus, the BMW Navigation Professional system features an 8.8-inch high-resolution screen with voice command. We round out the category with entertainment options, which include an iDrive infotainment system, a full-color head-up display, Bluetooth connectivity, and HD radio.
Safety is often a top deciding factor when car shopping, and the BMW i8 certainly doesn’t disappoint. You’ll surely appreciate the driver and front passenger air bags with knee protection, front and rear head protection system, acoustic safety belt warning, LATCH child anchors, anti-lock braking, and anti-theft alarm. Take advantage of advanced features as well, including BMW Remote Services with stolen vehicle recovery, BMW Assist eCall for emergency communication, and Active Driving Assistant with speed limit updates and pedestrian detection.
For the power of a sports car and efficiency of a hybrid, look no further than the BMW i8.