What started as a daring concept in BMW’s Vision Efficient Dynamics project eventually turned into one of the most futuristic cars of its time: the BMW i8. At first glance, it looks like a well-designed two-door luxury sports car, but a 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor lies under its hood. While it is, without debate, a bold and eco-conscious innovation, does it offer an adrenaline-pumping performance? Keep reading to find out.
The 2017 BMW i8 is as fun to drive as it is to look at. Under its stunning shell is a plug-in hybrid system with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine and an electric motor. Together, they generate 357 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, allowing acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. This performance is possible thanks to BMW’s eDrive system, which also allows switching between electric and hybrid modes. Around town, the i8’s electric motor reigns and offers a notably quiet ride. On highways, the petrol engine kicks in with gusto, offering the kind of thrilling mid-range power you’d expect from a BMW. The all-wheel-drive system split between the gas engine powering the rear wheels and the electric motor driving the front, ensures better handling on any surface. Critics might point out a somewhat artificial steering feel compared to traditional sports cars, but the i8 makes up for it with its balance of efficiency and performance.
The 2017 BMW i8 doesn’t fit the mold of a traditional supercar, and that’s the point. Even the cabin, although minimalistic in design, emphasizes sustainability with clever use of eco-friendly materials such as recycled fabrics alongside premium leather. The seats are designed to provide excellent support, with sporty contours that keep you in place during spirited driving. While the i8 is a two-seater, it offers enough headroom and legroom for taller drivers. However, rear storage is limited, and trunk space is compact, making this a car built more for thrills than practicality.
If you’re judging the 2017 BMW i8 purely by its visual appeal, it’s easy to assume this hybrid sports car punches far above its weight. Let’s start with the scissor-style doors, a dramatic touch that’s as functional as eye-catching. Then there’s the low, wide stance and flowing lines that improve aerodynamics, reduce drag, and improve efficiency. Up front, the signature kidney grille is lined by sleek laser headlights that make the distinctive "floating" roofline more apparent. Move to the rear, and you’ll find sculpted air vents and taillights that emerge naturally from the bodywork and enhance airflow and stability. Although it may seem like the design is more focused on achieving killer looks, every element is engineered to improve performance.
We can all agree that an equally futuristic tech suite can only match the 2017 BMW i8's eco-luxury status. The cockpit features a 5.7-inch digital instrument cluster that displays everything from energy flow to trip data. The central touchscreen, powered by BMW’s iDrive system, offers easy navigation, media, and settings access. While it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the connection is wired, meaning physical controls are required for non-media functions like climate settings. Another standout feature is the i8’s hybrid system, which offers real-time energy flow and allows you to monitor the interaction between the electric motor and gasoline engine.
The 2017 BMW i8’s price tag reflects its groundbreaking nature, with pre-owned models typically ranging between $30,000 and $50,000. While not cheap, it offers great value for the money, especially considering its eco-conscious engineering. Have a look at our BMW listings to view available BMW I8s.
Few cars can shift personalities as effortlessly as the 2017 BMW i8. In Comfort or Eco Pro mode, it’s a refined, quiet cruiser. Engage Sport mode, and the i8 adopts a more aggressive personality with sharp steering, precise handling, and growling sounds. What more could be expected from a hybrid sports car that already offers luxury, performance, and the latest automotive technology? Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today.
Exotic Car Trader is the fastest growing marketplace built specifically for automotive enthusiasts. Click below to learn how you can sell your car with us.
LEARN MORE
