2019 BMW i8

by BMW of Silver Spring

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Imagine the Future

Imagine taking flight from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds with instant torque from a hybrid engine. Imagine hitting a top speed of 75 mph without using a drop of gasoline (or as much as 155 mph with the full powertrain). Imagine being the envy of every other motorist stopped at gas stations when you drive by, earning 69 MPGe and stopping to recharge without paying a dime at thousands of free public charging stations throughout the nation.* Imagine the peace of mind you’ll enjoy knowing your carbon footprint is small while you’re living large behind the wheel of a sleek 2019 BMW i8 Coupe or Roadster.

The Plug-in Hybrid Concept

Both i8 models draw their power from the marriage between a lean gasoline engine and a battery-powered electric motor. The 1.5-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder engine benefits from performance-enhancing engine technology like high-precision direct fuel injection—as well as the twin-scroll turbocharger, of course. By itself, this engine produces 228 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, which is already more than enough for the i8’s super lightweight body. The eDrive AC Synchronous electric motor adds on an extra 141-hp and 184 lb-ft of instant torque, for a total combined system output of 369 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque.

The i8 offers the option of all-electric power in addition to hybrid power. In less-demanding driving conditions, such as low-speed inner-city travel or stop-and-go traffic, the gasoline engine shuts off, using only the electric motor for propulsion. In addition, the driver can manually switch to all-electric power at any time, using the eDRIVE mode from the Driving Dynamics Control system, which also offers ECO PRO, COMFORT, and SPORT modes. With the push of a button, the driver can activate eDRIVE mode for a zero-emission ride with a top speed of 75 mph, using only battery power.

The electric motor derives its power from an 11.6 kWh high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack with an advanced active thermal management system. This battery can recharge itself through the built-in Brake Energy Recuperation system, which steals kinetic energy from the braking system that would have otherwise been lost when slowing down the vehicle. Alternatively, you can plug the vehicle directly into a power source using a recharging cable. Whether you plug into your own Level 2 charge easily installed in your home or at any one of the 44,000+ public charging stations throughout the US, you’ll have a fully charged battery in as little as three hours.** Of course, should you ever deplete the battery while out on the road, you’ll still enjoy the traditional gasoline-only locomotion from an 11.1-gallon fuel tank.

Ninja-like Handling

Cutting-edge science aside, the i8 drives like a dream, thanks to incredible engineering from BMW. The i8 features Hybrid-specific Dynamic Stability Control and all-wheel drive, which uses a network of sensors to monitor road conditions and the driver’s own nuances to autonomously modify driving characteristics in milliseconds. The result is unmatched handling and responsive control, providing a connection to the road unlike anything else.

The i8 also offers another unique concept from BMW engineers. The LifeDrive vehicle architecture divides the vehicle into two separate modules. The lightweight aluminum Drive Module houses all of the rubber-meets-the-road hardware: powertrain, drivetrain, chassis, etc. The Life Module sits on top and houses the carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell. Not only does it contribute to overall rigidity and passenger safety, but the whole planet benefits from the construction using environmentally-friendly renewable materials, further reducing that already-demure carbon footprint.

Cutting-edge Cockpit

Behind the wheel of the i8, drivers will be forgiven for imagining they’re piloting an X-wing in the final trench-run scene against the Death Star. Driving telemetry is gorgeously reported through an 8.8-inch high-resolution touchscreen in the instrument cluster and a convenient full-color Head-up Display (HUD) with shift lights, and the 3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel includes paddle shifters for the added connection to the powertrain.

For entertainment, the i8 offers the BMW-exclusive iDrive system with on-board computer and touchpad Controller. From here, you can control the 280-watt harman/kardon® Premium Sound Audio System with 11 speakers or the BMW Navigation Professional system with 8.8" high-resolution touch screen, featuring 3-D maps, 20 GB storage for audio files, and voice feedback and command system.

Long after you’ve driven off the BMW of Silver Spring lot, BMW will be your co-pilot with Over-the-Air (OTA) navigation map updates, as well as suite of services through BMW ConnectedDrive. The BMW Connected app allows you to sync your compatible smartphone with your i8 for a host of wireless features, including remote vehicle controls and GPS stolen vehicle locator.

The i8 cabin also comes standard with cutting-edge comfort. Both driver and passenger will enjoy 3-stage heated seats and 2-zone automatic climate control. The set-it-and-forget-it climate control system can maintain its own temperature setting and fan speed to achieve the desired comfort level for both driver and passenger individually. The vehicle will also recognize the driver returning to the vehicle with the key fob and automatically return to that driver’s most recently used settings for multiple systems, including climate controls, side mirrors, seat positions, audio settings, and LED ambient lighting colors.

Welcome to the Future

The BMW i8, offered in either the traditional Coupe or topless Roadster, sets a high bar for the next generation of performance in the automotive world. Not only does it offer incredible power and handling, but it just looks so good doing it. Are you ready to evolve?

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* See fuel economy.gov for fuel economy combinations. Estimated city/highway mpg based on base engine and transmission combinations. Your actual mileage will vary.

** Based on BMW NA test results of real-world charging at 0% on a BMW Charging Station rated at 30 Amps, 240V. Number of charging locations within the ChargePoint network as of January 2018.

Image Credit: BMW Marketing Central