i8 is outrageously good-looking in the 'flesh'. The car weighs just under 1.5 tonnes and goes as quickly as it looks. So what's under the bonnet - a massive 12 cylinder, or at the very least a V8?
No, power comes from a three-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor. The front of i8 houses a 96kW electric motor that powers the front wheels, while in the middle of the car there is a tiny 1.5-litre petrol engine that powers the rear wheels. Combined the power output is very impressive at 362hp, and the torque figure even more so at 570nm.
i8 is a state-of-the art, plug-in hybrid four-wheel drive supercar that in theory can do 2.1l/100km or 135mpg with minimal emissions!
i8 is built in BMW's ultra-modern Leipzig plant in Germany, and you only have to look at the components used to understand why the motoring world is so excited by the two-door machine.
The body is glued together using hydro-formed (high pressure water cut) carbon fibre reinforced plastic panels (CFRP) - just like the BMW i3. Just to make the machine even more attractive, it is built around the latest plug-in hybrid technology.
During our test we found that from a few hours plugged in at home, the i8 would deliver an electric-only range of around 22km (BMW 37km). This meant the school run was virtually done for free!
i8's exterior is neck-snappingly attractive - and so it should be with a price tag of €143,000 (after €7,500 of government grants). Driving the 2 +2 seater is simple and effortless, but nothing prepares you for the attention the machine gets. We should be on commission from BMW as we answered every question from four-year-olds up to 94-year-olds!
The fluid lines and, of course, the trick opening doors proved massive hits with the public. You do need to be wary of multistorey car parks and low rofs - so allow about two metres for door clearance. Popping in and out can be done with dignity too, despite the very high sill.
Inside, the cabin is airy and you sit low to the ground. There are four safety belts and we did have four in it on occasion - for very short periods of time only.
There are a number of driving modes: E-Drive (electricity only), Eco-Pro (maximum economy), Comfort and Sport. The best we averaged was 75mpg in Eco-Pro, but even when you are enjoying the car's potential you can average in the low 40s mpg with little effort. In most supercars when you're having fun this figure would be nearer to 4mpg; yes, just 4mpg!
As with all hybrids and electric cars, acceleration is rapid from zero revs thanks to the way electric motors deliver instant torque. In Ireland you will not get the chance to explore the upper limits of i8's speed and handling performance but where it is safe to do so you will enjoy the car's acceleration as 0-100kph takes just 4.4 seconds.
i8 is more than just a supercar because it points the way to future everyday car production. The practical science and engineering in the machine is fantastic, and at last there is a real 'pin-up' for kids of all ages to put on their bedroom walls.
BMW has given us a machine that should be celebrated for its extraordinary and innovative engineering.
BMW i8 is simply - brilliant!
Michael Sheridan
