The i8 is even more powerful thanks to a larger battery pack and an open-top design.
BMW has now completed production of its i8 Roadster eight years after its concept debut at Frankfurt Motor Show. It was worth the wait. The i8 Roadster features a beautiful soft-top design, a handsome new E-Copper metal finish, and a 2-seat layout. It’s the hybrid convertible that we’ve been waiting to see from the German marque.
The electronically controlled soft-top can be opened and closed in just 16 seconds, at speeds up to 31 mph (49 km/h), making it one of the most advanced. To ensure the highest quality, the aluminum connecting mechanisms were entirely fabricated using 3D printing. Additional soundproofing was also added to make it as comfortable as possible.
The all-season fabric roof folds neatly into a perpendicular location in the rear. Although it takes up enough space to force BMW to remove the backseat completely, the i8 Roadster has plenty of storage. Between the roof box, the seats and cargo compartments add another 3.5 square feet of storage. BMW promises you won’t be disappointed by the back seat, thanks to the large rear storage area of 4.7 square feet.
The i8 Roadster also has a removable roof, making it more powerful. The 2019 i8 Coupe and i8 Roadster have a combined 369 horsepower (275 kilowatts) thanks to a new BMW eDrive system. It sits on a lightweight LifeDrive architecture designed specifically for BMW i models. This makes them 12 more powerful than the previous model. The i8 Roadster weighs in at 3,513 pounds (1.593 kilograms), which is 132 pounds (60 kg) less than the coupe.
The 11.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack replaces the 7.1-kWh unit. It produces 141 horsepower (105 kW) or 184 poundfeet (249 Nm) by itself, along with an electric motor. This gives it a range of 18 miles (28 km) of pure electric range and an overall range 70 MPGe. The turbocharged three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine is capable of 228 horsepower (170kW) and 236lb-ft (319Nm) respectively.
The i8 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.2 seconds for a coupe and 4.4 seconds for a convertible. It has a top speed electronically limited at 155 mph (249 kmh). There are five driving modes available: Comfort, Sport, Eco Pro and hybrid drive. All-electric driving is also possible with Comfort and Eco Pro.
The new power comes with a revised design. This includes a lower hood, slightly larger BMW kidney grilles and a flat underbody. Air is effectively guided over the body by the BMW’s stream flow air ducts located between the rear lights, roof frame and rear lights.
As mentioned above, a new E-Copper finish and a Donington Grey metallic have been added to the Coupe as well as the Roadster. The standard set of 20-inch BMW lightweight alloy wheels comes in a Radial-spoke bicolor design and is 2.2 pounds (1 kg) lighter than the lightest model. Buyers have the option to choose from four lightweight options of similar dimensions.
The new BMW i8 will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, before going on sale in 2018. Details about the pricing will be revealed closer to the vehicle’s release.