Combining these two propulsion systems results in all-wheel drive.ĭespite having two powertrains, the i8 has a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell, which helps to keep the vehicle’s weight down to 1,535 kg. The mid-mounted petrol engine delivers power to the rear wheels, and the electric motor sends power to the front wheels. Then there’s the issue of how the i8 puts its power down to the road. It’s also worth noting that the petrol engine now comes equipped with a particulate filter. This is now sounding a bit more appropriate. A supercar with a 3-cylinder, 1.5-litre petrol engine? Really? But remember that there’s also an electric motor with a power output of 143hp, in addition to the 231hp of the petrol engine, giving a total system power output of 374hp. But no, sitting behind the occupants is a 3-cylinder, 1.5-litre petrol engine that originated from a MINI. Judging by its looks, you might imagine that the ‘conventional element’ of the i8’s powertrain is something like a BMW 6-cylinder, 3-litre petrol engine. The energy capacity of the latest version of the i8’s lithium-ion battery has increased from 20Ah to 34Ah, and the electric motor’s peak output has risen by 12hp to 143hp. This means it has a petrol engine – mated to a six-speed Steptronic transmission – and an electric motor – with a two-speed automatic gearbox – powered by a lithium-ion battery.
#HOW MUCH BATTERY LIFE DO I8 TWS HAVE SKIN#
So the exterior looks amazing, the interior feels like a very special place to be, however it’s under the skin where the really interesting technology can be found.
There’s also a luggage compartment behind the engine, although this doesn’t offer a great deal of space, especially with two charging cables stored in here. As a 2+2, it even has two small rear seats for children. The interior also has a futuristic feel, yet the i8 combines this interior design with the normal levels of BMW functionality. Let’s start with the design, which hasn’t changed, but it probably didn’t need to, as the i8 remains eye-poppingly dramatic when at a standstill, and it’s even more spectacular when the dihedral doors are opened upwards. It still remains the only car that looks and drives like a supercar, but that can also drive 34 miles on electric power with official fuel economy of 150mpg. We reviewed the BMW i8 when it was launched in 2014, but it’s now had a mid-life refresh – not visually, but aspects such as the powertrain have been tweaked, to give a longer range and to allow it to perform better on the new WLTP fuel economy test. The BMW i8 has received a range of mid-life tweaks, and it remains the only car on sale that looks and drives like a supercar, can cover 34 miles on electric power, and has an official fuel economy figure of 150mpg.
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