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The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid sports vehicle produced by BMW.

by Arnette FitzGibbon (2023-06-09)


Inside, the i8 centers on design versus practicality, front- seat passengers won't feel cramped. Cooled seats, electrically adjustable controls and passenger seat lumbar support are not even available as options. The BMW i8 roadster has seating for just two passengers, with a folding roof trying out the room of a double jump seat in the coupe. The i8 features a negligible quantity of space for 2023 BMW i8 luggage and minimal space for the trivia of modern life. Standard interior features include heated power seats and leather touches.

BMW's best-known pre-World War II vehicle was the Type 328 roadster, a supple two-seater that racked up a lot more than 120 victories on the motorsport circuit between 1936 and 1940. It wasn't until 1928 that production began on the first BMW automobile, the Dixi. Postwar BMW cars maintained this tradition, with several racing, rallying and 2023 BMW i8 hill climb victories. The automobile proved tremendously popular, and its success helped the manufacturer weather the Depression.

The BMW i8 is paired with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder gas engine by having an 11.6 kWh battery pack and two electric motors. The trio of power supplies combines a complete of 369 horsepower, capable of driving all four wheels. The BMW i8's EPA fuel economy ratings aren't impressive among hybrids, but it's still a lot better than most sports cars. During our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test, the roadster delivered 35 MPGe and went 22 miles on electricity alone.

BMW's famous advertising slogan describes all of its vehicles as "the best driving machine," and it's not mere hyperbole. In the last couple of decades, BMWs have become the standard for performance and luxury in the majority of the "over $30,000" segments. With family-friendly wagons, crisp sedans, distinctive coupes, nimble sports cars and spacious SUVs offered, BMW's model roster is diverse. But its vehicles all share a common characteristic: the capability to make drivers feel gloriously linked to the road.

The BMW i8 infotainment system will soon be familiar to owners of less exotic BMWs. The system is essential intuitive and displays on a sharp-looking 8.8-inch touchscreen situated atop the dashboard. Apple CarPlay capability is standard, but Android Auto isn't offered on any i8 model.

From its construction to its powertrain and even the ease at which you may explore its considerable limits, the i8 can be a very satisfying drive. Driving in slow-moving traffic highlights most of the i8's deficiencies. The i8 falls short on other fronts, especially in this price range. Android Auto isn't supported, and even Apple CarPlay requires a registration after a free one-year trial.  The 2023 BMW i8 is just a unique and deeply interesting car on many levels.

During our 200-mile highway fuel economy test, the roadster delivered 35 MPGe and went for 22 miles on electricity alone. The 2023 BMW i8  mates a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder gas engine by having an 11.6-kWh battery pack and two electric motors. The i8's EPA fuel economy ratings are unimpressive among hybrids but nonetheless better than most sports cars. The trio of power sources combines a total of 369 horsepower, capable of driving all wheels.

The 2000s brought a midsize SUV (the X5) as well as a compact SUV (the X3) as BMW joined the hot-selling segment. Since that time, BMW has replaced the Z3 with the Z4, introduced the compact 1 Series, produced hybrid versions of a few models and debuted the X6 fastback crossover. The company in addition has expanded its empire to include Mini and Rolls-Royce and continues to construct motorcycles, something it has done because the 1920s.

Standard interior features include heated power seats and touches of leather. The i8 includes a negligible level of room for luggage and minimal cubby space for the trinkets of modern life. The i8's rear cargo area is long but shallow—unlike some mid-engined sports cars, there's no storage in a top trunk—and we managed to suit only a single carry-on suitcase inside. For 2023 BMW i8 , BMW focus on design versus practicality, front-seat occupants won't feel cramped. The i8 roadster has seating for only two passengers, with the folding top taking up the space that's occupied by a set of jump seats in the coupe. Cooled seats, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and passenger-seat lumbar support aren't available—whilst options.

The BMW i8 misses the mark on different fronts, particularly in this cost range. Three grocery bags can easily fit in the 4.7 cubic feet of luggage space. That's significantly less than you obtain from an Audi R8 or Mercedes AMG GT, but a lot more than an Acura NSX. The BMW i8 also lacks a few of the nearly ubiquitous driver aids, such as for 2023 BMW i8 example adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and high-speed emergency braking. They do double duty as an inside storage rack for larger things like backpacks and jackets. Android Auto isn't supported and even Apple CarPlay requires a membership after having a one-year free trial. The customer gets a forward collision warning and low-speed emergency braking. Fortunately, neither of these systems is overly sensitive. The BMW i8 enjoys the benefits of having rear seats, however impractical.