2015 BMW i8: Nothing Short Of Spectacular

We’ve been infatuated with the BMW i8 ever since it appeared on the cover of the 2012 edition of our French-language publication, Le Guide de l’auto. Since then, we’ve been chomping at the bit to drive it, and when a test drive was recently confirmed, we were positively giddy. Good thing we only had to wait a few days, as anticipation was becoming unbearable.

The 2015 BMW i8 is not only the manufacturer’s standard-bearer, it’s also a proud member of the “i” line of electric models. While the petite BMW i3 is 100% electric (with an optional gas-powered range extender), the i8 is a plug-in hybrid. This super sports car showcases all of the Bavarian manufacturer’s technological prowess. It’s also in line with the latest trend for supercars, combining style, performance and environmental sensibilities.

• Also: Rinspeed Etos : A Very Special BMW i8 For The CES
• Also: 2015 BMW i8: A Road Less Travelled

Not suitable for private detectives

To look at the i8 is to be blown away by its spectacular lines. Its ultra-modern design is a major departure from the ordinary and is largely responsible for all the attention the vehicle is receiving. The body design is even more striking when painted in black and white, as was the case on our test vehicle. Like on the concept, there were various blue accents to further enhance the i8’s style.

During our trial period, onlookers snapped tons of pictures of the car and wanted to know more about it. If you’re looking for something exclusive, this is it. Its head-turning appeal is even more impressive with the doors open, as they are hinged to the A pillar and deploy skyward. This unique feature adds personality and has become the i8’s calling card. The tailgate is also an eye-catcher with sections that seem to float on either side.

Sliding elegantly into the vehicle is something of a challenge, however. You have to hunch forward to avoid banging your head and the door sills are unusually wide. Getting out is no easier, but hey, it’s all part of the experience, right? The trick is to face backwards and turn one leg at a time!

Is the interior all too familiar?

Whereas the i3 threw us a curve with its interior, this is not the case with the i8. All BMW owners will immediately feel at home in its familiar cabin. In fact, that’s probably our biggest gripe with the car. BMW set the bar extremely high with the exterior design, so we expected the inside to be more futuristic. But the clutch lever, iDrive screen, and central console are all very much like the brand’s other models.  The only aspect that looks more high-tech is the digital instrumentation. The Pure Impulse package enhances the cabin with features like blue seat belts. The best part is probably the Night mode backlights—they’re really cool! We also liked the carbon-fibre accents around the doors.

A four-seat speedster

While most sports cars force you to leave the kids at home, the i8 comes with seating for the whole family. Ok, so the rear seats may not be terribly spacious, but they do a lot for the vehicle’s practicality, even if you just use them to store your things. After all, the i8 doesn’t have a very big cargo hold; there’s just a small space behind the glass hatch. You’ve got to travel light!

The i8’s drivetrain is pretty unique, with a 131-horsepower electric mill connected to a 7.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The rear wheels, however, are powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo that pumps out 231-horsepower. So in total you get 362-horsepower and 420 lbs.-ft. of torque. Using a home charging station, it takes 2 hours to recharge the battery to 80%, but it takes significantly longer with a 120-volt outlet.

Pure electric to pure speed

When you get behind the wheel, you have three driving modes to choose from. The first, eDrive, allows you to go about 25 kilometers in all-electric, zero-emissions mode. The range is recovered using regenerative braking or simply by driving in Sport mode. Meanwhile, Comfort and Eco Pro modes will activate the hybrid system, which is comfortable and offers reasonably good power. To truly appreciate the i8’s dynamism, move the clutch lever to the left to activate Sport mode. This turns the instrumentation red and allows the engine revs to climb higher. Plus, you’ll get a superb sound from the engine—it’s not what you’d expect from a three-cylinder!

Sport mode brings the i8 to life and delivers some surprisingly good performance. The 0-100 km/h sprint takes a mere 4.5 seconds, but what’s really phenomenal is the serious torque relayed via the six-speed automatic transmission. Fortunately, the on-demand all-wheel drive transfers power to the asphalt effectively.

Behind the wheel

The seats offer good support and visibility is actually very good. Expect a low driving position, like what you find in exotic sports cars. The steering offers good feedback and allows you to take corners with ease. The vehicle’s weight distribution is almost ideal, with a low centre of gravity contributing to the i8’s dynamism. Words that come to mind are “sporty” and “spectacular.”

What about fuel economy? We recorded an excellent 5.4 L/100 km, which includes portions in all-electric, hybrid and sport modes. Very few sports cars can boast this level of fuel efficiency—and the good news is that the i8 won’t have you worrying about range.

The 2015 BMW is without a doubt in a class of its own with few rivals. If you’re looking for a ride that compares to the Porsche 911 or Audi R8, you might not be satisfied with the i8, but this vehicle comes out ahead in terms of exoticism and technology.