2015 BMW i8: First Drive

The BMW i8, first introduced as the BMW Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics, is a plug-in hybrid developed by BMW. The 2015 model year BMW i8 has a 7.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that delivers an all-electric range of 37 km (23 mi) under the New European Driving Cycle(NEDC). The production version has a fuel efficiency of 2.1 L/100 km (134.5 mpg-imp; 112.0 mpg-US) under the NEDC test with carbon emissions of 49 g/km

The initial turbodiesel concept car was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The production version of the BMW i8 was unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Deliveries in Europe are scheduled to begin in June 2014, and about one month later in the U.S

The 2015 BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports coupe is a striking design that draws attention wherever it goes.

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car is a plug-in hybrid with a three cylinder turbodiesel engine.[8] Additionally, there are two electric motors with 139 horsepower. It allows an acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (160 mph).

According to BMW, the average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle (KV01) is 3.76 liters/100 kilometers, (75.1 mpg imp), and has a carbon dioxide emission rating of 99 grams per kilometer (1,3 l/100 km and 33g CO2/km ; EU-PHEV ECE-R101). The estimated all-electric range is 50 km (31 mi), and the 24-liter petrol tank extends the total vehicle range to up to 700 km (430 mi). The lightweight chassis is made mainly from aluminum. The windshield, top, doors and fenders are made from polycarbonate glass, with the body having a drag coefficient of 0.26.
The designers in charge of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept were Mario Majdandzic, Exterior Design and Jochen Paesen, Interior Design

The production BMW i8 was designed by Benoit Jacob. The production version was unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, followed by 2013Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. Series production of customer vehicles is scheduled to start in April 2014.

The production i8 has a 7.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with a usable capacity of 5,2 kWh and intelligent energy management that delivers an all-electric range of 37 km (23 mi) under the NEDC cycle. The i8 has a low vehicle weight of 1,485 kg (3,274 lb) (DIN kerb weight) and a low drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.26. In all-electric mode the BMW i8 has a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph). In Sport mode the i8 delivers a mid-range acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h (50 to 75 mph) in 2.6 seconds. The electronically controlled top speed is 250 km/h (160 mph). The production version has a fuel efficiency of 2.1 L/100 km (134.5 mpg-imp; 112.0 mpg-US) under the NEDC test with carbon emissions of 49 g/km.

As an alternative to the transmission setting ‘D’ for automatic driving, the driver can also use the gear lever to change to the SPORT mode. This mode also includes manual gear selection – via the gearshift or paddles on the steering wheel. The SPORT mode also activates vehicle settings that are especially suited to sporty driving. The combustion engine and the electric motor unleash their driving torque with maximum dynamics, the accelerator’s characteristic line is programmed to react spontaneously, and the driver enjoys the full impact of the electric motor’s boost function. To ensure there is always enough energy available, the SPORT setting also affords maximum energy regeneration in the thrust and brake phases.