The BMW i8 was a ground-breaking car when it first hit the roads, a bold statement of BMW's vision for the future of performance and sustainability. With its unique hybrid powertrain, carbon-fiber construction, and supercar-like design, the i8 turned heads and raised questions about its identity. Some called it a wannabe supercar, while others said it was a successful concept and wouldn't be around for long. Plus, it was a hybrid, so there was not much excitement about it, especially among pure combustion engine devotees. Does the 2019 BMW i8 deliver on the promise of offering fuel-efficient performance? Well, it's not as fast as it looks, but it isn't slow, either. Let's take a look at what its hybrid powertrain consists of.
As mentioned earlier, the BMW i8 has carbon fiber construction, but it's not only the body panels that are made of carbon fiber. The chassis includes a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic tub, similar to what you'd find in high-end supercars, paired with an aluminum subframe that supports the 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, battery pack, and rear electric motor. The engine generates 228 horsepower, while the electric motor adds 141 horsepower, resulting in a combined output of around 370 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. While that may not seem like much, it's important to remember that the chassis and body panels are made from lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum. This helps keep the car's weight down to approximately 3,500 pounds, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph.
One of the BMW i8’s biggest letdowns is its interior, and the 2019 model isn't exempted from this. Seeing one would have you envisioning an interior that complements the car's futuristic exterior, but open the door, and you'll wonder why you're in a base model 2 or 3 Series. The only distinction lies in the seats, which are fixed comfort carbon buckets. Additionally, for some reason, the dashboard is divided into multiple sections and angled toward the driver, up to the center console. As a result, the passenger must lean forward to access the infotainment display or other controls on the majority of the dashboard. The plastic trims can also be problematic, particularly when they start to fade or crack.
It's clear that BMW crafted the 2019 i8, emphasizing reducing drag, enhancing aerodynamics, and creating a striking visual appeal. Every contour and line serves a purpose, and overall, it can't be compared to any other BMW. However, not all design elements focus on functionality. For example, the butterfly doors are mainly for visual impact, dramatically enhancing the car's appeal when open. Luckily, due to carbon fiber construction, they're pretty light. The rear end is pretty intriguing too, with a pair of unique headlights and a slightly aggressive rear diffuser that enhances the sporty aesthetic and contributes to aerodynamic efficiency to minimize drag.
The 2019 BMW i8's cabin is not particularly flashy but maintains a more modest equipment level. The infotainment display is an 8.8-inch screen that is sharp and responsive despite being slightly outdated. Apple CarPlay, navigation, real-time traffic display, telemetry information, and SiriusXM are just a few of the features it incorporates. Still in the cabin, the seats are heated, and you get the usual convenience and comfort features such as parking sensors, dual-zone climate control remote locking, and power windows. The driver assist and safety features are equally limited, but you still get everything you need, including a little more. Some features to expect include automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, ABS, stability control, and traction control.
Buying a 2019 BMW i8 when new would have set you back nearly $170,000. Today, you can pick one up for around $60,000, and if you're already convinced you should buy one, look no further than our BMW i8 listings. We also have other BMWs for sale, so feel free to check them out.
If you're ready to embrace the uniqueness of the i8, the 2019 BMW i8 could be the perfect addition to your garage. Apart from its uniqueness, it's also a fairly exciting car to own and drive, especially if you appreciate it for what it is. 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
