2020 BMW i8 review
The BMW i8 was one of the most advanced vehicles on the road when it arrived in 2014. With futuristic styling, including unique scissor doors that opened up and out, the sleek i8 looked more like a concept vehicle than a real-world road car. Body panels were made from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), while the body structure was primarily carbon fiber and aluminum, dramatically reducing the i8's weight. Fittingly, the i8 boasted a unique plug-in hybrid powertrain featuring a three-cylinder turbo engine driving the rear wheels and an electric motor powering the front wheels, providing excellent performance and fuel efficiency.
Explore the evolution of the BMW i8
Get our expert take on used BMW i8 models, or view year-by-year changes.
First generation BMW i8
When BMW introduced the i8 in 2014, it was unlike anything else on the road. The i8 turned heads everywhere it went with its wide, low stance and sleek, aerodynamic shape. Then you’d open the scissor-type doors, adding to the i8’s exotic look. Getting in and out of the i8 was a challenge, having to both climb over the carbon-fiber structure while ducking below the low roof—it wasn’t uncommon to hit your head. This issue was alleviated with the introduction of the convertible in 2019.
The i8 had an advanced plug-in hybrid drivetrain to match the exterior’s futuristic looks. A twin-turbo 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine mounted behind the cabin drove the rear wheels while an electric motor sent power to the front wheels for a total of 357 horsepower (increased to 369 hp in 2019) and all-wheel drive. With increased electric power in 2019, the i8 could travel up to 18 miles on electric power only
.Model highlights
Unique plug-in hybrid powertrain
Convertible added to the lineup (2019)
Challenging infotainment system
Standout styling with scissor doors
Discontinued in 2020
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2014 - 2020
2020 BMW i8
2019 BMW i8
Highlights
More power and EV range
Convertible added
Infotainment system updated to iDrive 6.0
Learn more
2018 BMW i8
2017 BMW i8
2016 BMW i8
2015 BMW i8
2014 BMW i8
Perry Stern has been writing about cars for almost 30 years and has been an enthusiast for much longer than that. Contributing to multiple automotive publications, Perry drives almost every new car on the market, ranging from base-level Kias to exotic high-performance Lamborghinis. But his favorite is still the 2006 Mazda Miata parked in his garage.
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