About the BMW i8
The
BMW i8
is a plug-in hybrid sports car that revolutionized the automotive industry by combining
futuristic design, cutting-edge hybrid technology, and high performance.
It was part of BMW’s
“i” sub-brand
, which focused on sustainability and electrification. First introduced as a concept in
2009
, the i8 became a production model in
2014
and remained in production until
2020
.
Generations and Evolution
The BMW i8 had
one generation
but underwent several refinements during its production lifespan.
2009 – Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept
The i8 began as the
Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept
, unveiled at the
2009 Frankfurt Motor Show
.
It showcased an advanced plug-in hybrid system with a
three-cylinder diesel engine
and two electric motors.
2011 – BMW i8 Concept
BMW refined the concept and presented the
BMW i8 Concept
in
2011
.
The diesel engine was replaced with a
1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine
, paired with an electric motor.
2014 – Production Model (First and Only Generation)
The production-ready
BMW i8
debuted in
2014
.
It maintained its hybrid drivetrain with improved
performance and efficiency
.
The i8 introduced the
butterfly doors
,
carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) chassis
, and
aerodynamic bodywork
, making it one of the most futuristic cars on the road.
2018 – BMW i8 Facelift & Roadster
In
2018
, BMW launched a
facelifted version
along with a
roadster variant
.
Performance improvements
were made, including an increase in battery capacity and power output.
The
i8 Roadster
featured a retractable soft-top and enhanced
structural rigidity
.
2020 – End of Production
BMW
discontinued
the i8 in
June 2020
, marking the end of its journey.
The i8 paved the way for future BMW electrified models like the
BMW iX and i4
.
Engine and Performance
Powertrain & Turbocharging
The
BMW i8
was powered by a
hybrid drivetrain
, consisting of:
Internal Combustion Engine (ICE):
1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine
(same as in the MINI Cooper).
Mounted
mid-rear
, delivering
231 horsepower (hp) and 320 Nm of torque
.
Powered the
rear wheels
via a
6-speed automatic transmission
.
Electric Motor:
Produced
143 hp and 250 Nm of torque
.
Powered the
front wheels
via a
two-speed automatic gearbox
.
Total Power Output
Combined
power output: 374 hp (2018 facelift; previously 357 hp)
.
0–100 km/h acceleration:
4.4 seconds (Coupe), 4.6 seconds (Roadster)
.
Electronically limited top speed:
250 km/h
.
Turbocharged Engine Performance
The
1.5-liter turbo engine
was
highly efficient
, providing a balance of power and fuel economy.
The
turbocharger
ensured smooth power delivery and complemented the electric motor’s
instant torque
.
Fuel Consumption & Efficiency
One of the BMW i8’s key strengths was its
exceptional fuel efficiency
despite being a sports car.
Fuel Economy
Official fuel consumption:
1.8–2.5 L/100 km (WLTP cycle)
.
Real-world consumption:
Typically
5–7 L/100 km
under mixed driving conditions.
Electric-only range:
53 km (33 miles)
(2018 facelift, up from 37 km pre-facelift).
Battery capacity:
11.6 kWh (2018 facelift, up from 7.1 kWh in the 2014 model)
.
Hybrid System Efficiency
The
plug-in hybrid system
allowed short electric-only commutes, reducing fuel use.
Regenerative braking
helped recharge the battery during deceleration.
Security & Safety Features
The
BMW i8
was equipped with
advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies
, ensuring both driver and passenger protection.
Structural Safety
Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) chassis
for
rigidity and crash protection
.
Aluminum subframe
for added strength in impact scenarios.
Active pedestrian protection
via automatic sound warning for silent EV mode.
Active Safety Features
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
– Enhances stability during sudden maneuvers.
Traction Control System (TCS)
– Prevents wheel spin on slippery surfaces.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
– Provides better control during hard braking.
Lane Departure Warning
– Alerts drivers if they unintentionally drift out of a lane.
Collision & Pedestrian Warning
– Warns the driver and can activate emergency braking.
Passive Safety Features
Six airbags
(front, side, and curtain).
Reinforced doors
with high-strength materials for
side-impact protection
.
Automatic emergency call (eCall)
in case of a severe accident.
Unique Features of the BMW i8
Futuristic Design & Butterfly Doors
The i8 had an
aerodynamic, low-slung profile
, making it instantly recognizable.
Butterfly doors
added to its exotic appeal.
Carbon Fiber Chassis
Use of
CFRP made the i8 lightweight yet strong
, enhancing both performance and efficiency.
Hybrid All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
ICE powers rear wheels, electric motor powers front wheels
, creating an intelligent AWD system.
Laser Headlights (2018 Facelift)
Optional laser headlights
provided
better visibility
than standard LEDs.
Gull-Wing Inspired Interior
Driver-centric cockpit
, premium materials, and futuristic digital displays.
Sustainable Materials
Use of
recycled materials
and
eco-friendly fabrics
in the interior.
Customizable Driving Modes
eDrive Mode
(pure electric driving).
Comfort Mode
(hybrid balance).
Sport Mode
(max performance, ICE and electric motor work together).
The
BMW i8
was a game-changer in the world of hybrid sports cars. It
proved that sustainability and performance could coexist
, delivering an exciting driving experience with
futuristic styling and cutting-edge technology
. It has a:
✅Futuristic and iconic design.
✅ Lightweight yet strong carbon-fiber structure.
✅ Great fuel economy for a sports car.
✅ Advanced safety features.
✅ Hybrid all-wheel-drive system for enhanced grip.
Who Is It For?
Enthusiasts
looking for a
unique, futuristic hybrid sports car
.
Eco-conscious drivers
who want both
performance and efficiency
.
Collectors
who appreciate
innovative and rare vehicles
.
The
BMW i8
might be gone, but its legacy lives on, influencing BMW’s future
hybrid and electric sports cars
.
Are you looking at buying new or used BMW i8 in Kenya? Are you looking at selling your used BMW i8 in Kenya? Do you want to know the prices of new or used BMW i8 in Kenya? Do you want to know how to import BMW i8 from Japan? Please visit our show room in Karen, Nairobi and our sales agents will guide you.
Below is a list of BMW i8 for sale in Nairobi, Kenya and also others available in Japan. You can now buy and import year 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018 BMW i8 from Japan to Kenya.