Together with the i3, the i8 represents BMW’s first foray into its vision for the future of mobility. To signal this shift, the cars contain stark technical and aesthetic departures from other BMW models, including plug-in hybrid powertrain, focus on sustainability in the car’s construction, and concept-car styling. Taking a page from the Tesla playbook, BMW sought to create a sustainability-oriented car which would arouse desire and intrigue in car enthusiasts rather than deriding the car as glorified golf carts. With that in mind, it offers remarkable performance thanks to a combined 357 hp from its electric and inline-3 gasoline power units, enough to deliver 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds and a top speed of the traditional German 250 kph figure. Its coefficient of drag of .26 and relatively narrow tires help with fuel consumption, but it still generates .95g of lateral acceleration. Taken together, these attributes put the i8 in a class of one, and it’s a surprising combination of characteristics to coexist in one car.
Although deliveries began in 2014, the i8 is still a stunning automotive styling statement, both inside and out. Considering all of the innovative content, it wasn’t that expensive, particularly given that the other PHEV cars with sporting intent offered around the same time were the Porsche 918 and McLaren P1.
This particular i8 is a two-owner 4,700 mile example which is collector owned and was acquired by him in 2015 with 700 miles on it. It is equipped with BMW’s Pure Impulse package, which retailed for $10,800 and included a number of exclusive finished inside and out, including unique perforated leather interior trim with blue accents including the seatbelts, ceramic gearshift lever, embossed headrests, laser engraved door sill kick plates with i8 logos, leather trim for the engine cover, as well as the inclusion of all optional equipment such as lighting package, security system, and heads up display. Included with the car are the owner’s manual and documentation kit still in plastic.
