The first ever BMW plug-in hybrid is now available for test drives in six specialist BMW i network dealerships across Australia, before the first customer deliveries in February 2015.
The new BMW i8, a two-door sports coupe, is in the opinion of this editor who has seen it in the metal - whoops carbon fibre, one of the coolest cars ever built. It's price tag puts it into the successfull footballer owner category but while their behaviour might be suspect off the field they will be exemplary behind the wheen as the i8's sustainability credentials match its performance stats.
"Put simply, the all new BMW i8 offers the very best of both worlds. Its stunning styling, premium features, high performance and driving pleasure maintain the BMW tradition while the innovative plug-in hybrid powertrain and advanced lightweight materials and construction processes provide sustainable solutions for 21st century motoring," said BMW Group Australia general manager of sales and marketing, Tom Noble
The BMW i8, flagship of the BMW i brand, embodiees the two central elements of the BMW i philosophy: the LifeDrive architecture, and the advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain. LifeDrive combines advanced technology and materials in two separate modules with aluminium Drive module housing the drive elements, and safe, strong carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell Life module.
Other features include:
- 355 volt lithium-ion batteries (5.1kW hours of energy for up to 37km of electric-only driving)
- Fuel consumption figure of 2.1/100km; CO2 emissions of 49g/km
- 250km/hr top speed; 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds
- Full suite of ConnectedDrive safety features including Rear, Side, Surround View cameras, Head-up Display, Driving Assistant and Intelligent Emergency Call for automatic rapid response to accidents
- ConnectedDrive functions: i-specific navigation features, electric charge station locations, BMW i Remote App for battery and vehicle data management
- Intelligent lightweight construction with elements including a CFRP passenger cell, doors with a CFRP-aluminum structure, an instrument panel with magnesium support, an aluminum chassis and a partition between the passenger compartment and boot made from thin glass; comprehensive safety concept and an ultra-torsionally stiff passenger cell.
- Five driving modes: ECO PRO/COMFORT (electric only); ECO PRO/COMFORT (hybrid on demand); SPORTS
Australian pricing puts the BMW i8 at $299,000, according to the Manufacturer's Recommended List Price, including GST and Luxury Car Tax (LCT). This excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges. Contact your nearest BMW dealer for all pricing inquiries.
