The BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car is launched in the country at an all India ex-showroom price of Rs 2.29 Crore. Prior to this the i8 was displayed at 2014 Indian Auto Expo held at New Delhi, and was also spotted on the set of Mission Impossible 4 at Mumbai in 2011.
The i8 is powered by a 1.5L three-cylinder engine and an electric motor.
Being the hybrid car it sports two engines. The hybrid powertrain of the i8 comprises of a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine assisted by an electric motor. The petrol engine that sends up to 231 Bhp and 320 Nm of torque to the rear wheels via 6-speed automatic gearbox, while the electric motor sends up to 131 Bhp and 250 Nm of torque to the front wheels via 2-speed automatic gearbox, offering through-the-road all-wheel drive characteristics. Powering the motor is a lithium-ion high-voltage battery with liquid cooling.
Inspite of its large battery pack in its hold, the BMW i8 weighs just 1,490 kgs as it sees extensive use of carbon fiber in its body. This hybrid sports car generates the speed from 0 to 100 kmph in 4.4 seconds and touches the top mark of 250 kmph. In pure electric mode, the i8 can be run for 37 km with a top-speed of 120 kmph. Auto emissions stand at only 59 g/km of CO2. BMW i8 is the first production car in the world to use Gorilla Glass which is a scratch resistant glass of high durability.
Including the weight of the batteries, the i8 weighs only 1,490 kgs.
The BMW i8 is available in four colour options: crystal white pearl effect with highlight BMW i blue, protonic blue with highlight frozen grey metallic, sophisto grey brilliant effect with highlight BMW i blue and the ionic silver with highlight BMW i blue. The i8 will be brought to India as a direct import and all servicing work, including repairs to carbon fiber components can be carried out in India.
To read more on BMW i8 Hybrid Sportscar, Click here
Also see – BMW i8 spotted at Mumbai dealership, ahead of next-month’s launch!
See more pictures of the BMW i8 plug-in Hybrid Sportscar:
