BMW i8 — Specs, Trims, Prices & Owner Reviews
The BMW i8 was the halo car of BMW's i sub-brand: a plug-in hybrid sports car with a carbon-fibre-reinforced-plastic passenger cell, an aluminium chassis and butterfly doors, sold in the U.S. from the 2014 through 2020 model years. A 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder drives the rear wheels while an electric motor drives the fronts, making it all-wheel drive without a propshaft, and the whole car weighs about 3,455 lb — extraordinarily light for its performance.
Model years 2015–2020 · Independent buyer data
Fuel economy: 69 MPGe combined / 27 mpg gas only
BMW i8: General Information
The BMW i8 was the halo car of BMW's i sub-brand: a plug-in hybrid sports car with a carbon-fibre-reinforced-plastic passenger cell, an aluminium chassis and butterfly doors, sold in the U.S. from the 2014 through 2020 model years. A 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder drives the rear wheels while an electric motor drives the fronts, making it all-wheel drive without a propshaft, and the whole car weighs about 3,455 lb — extraordinarily light for its performance.
U.S. cars launched with 357 hp combined and a 7.1 kWh battery. For 2019 BMW enlarged the pack to 11.6 kWh, raised combined output to 369 hp, and added an open-top i8 Roadster alongside the coupe; the Roadster trades the small rear seats for a two-seat cabin and a fabric roof that stows in 15 seconds. Both use a six-speed automatic on the combustion axle and a two-speed unit on the electric axle.
The i8 reaches 60 mph in about 4.2 seconds, returns up to 76 MPGe, and cost between roughly $136,000 and $163,000 in the U.S. It seats two in the Roadster and four in the coupe, with 4.7 cu ft of luggage space behind the seats. BMW built the last i8 in June 2020.
BMW i8 by model year
2015 BMW i8
2015 BMW i8 Coupe
The 2015 BMW i8 Coupe is a plug-in hybrid sports car with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder driving the rear wheels and an electric motor driving the fronts, for 357 hp combined and all-wheel drive. An early model year of the carbon-fibre i8 plug-in hybrid sports car. It reaches 60 mph in about 4.2 seconds and started at $136,500 before destination.
2016 BMW i8
2016 BMW i8 Coupe
The 2016 BMW i8 Coupe is a plug-in hybrid sports car with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder driving the rear wheels and an electric motor driving the fronts, for 357 hp combined and all-wheel drive. A carryover year for the i8 coupe. It reaches 60 mph in about 4.2 seconds and started at $140,700 before destination.
2017 BMW i8
2017 BMW i8 Coupe
The 2017 BMW i8 Coupe is a plug-in hybrid sports car with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder driving the rear wheels and an electric motor driving the fronts, for 357 hp combined and all-wheel drive. The last model year before BMW enlarged the battery and added the Roadster. It reaches 60 mph in about 4.2 seconds and started at $143,400 before destination.
2019 BMW i8
2019 BMW i8 Coupe
The 2019 BMW i8 Coupe is a plug-in hybrid sports car with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder driving the rear wheels and an electric motor driving the fronts, for 369 hp combined and all-wheel drive. For 2019 BMW fitted an 11.6 kWh battery, raised combined output to 369 hp and added the open-top Roadster. It reaches 60 mph in about 4.2 seconds and started at $147,500 before destination.
2019 BMW i8 Roadster
The 2019 BMW i8 Roadster is a plug-in hybrid sports car with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder driving the rear wheels and an electric motor driving the fronts, for 369 hp combined and all-wheel drive. For 2019 BMW fitted an 11.6 kWh battery, raised combined output to 369 hp and added the open-top Roadster. It reaches 60 mph in about 4.4 seconds and started at $163,300 before destination.
2020 BMW i8
2020 BMW i8 Coupe
The 2020 BMW i8 Coupe is a plug-in hybrid sports car with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder driving the rear wheels and an electric motor driving the fronts, for 369 hp combined and all-wheel drive. It is the final model year for the i8; the last car was built in June 2020. It reaches 60 mph in about 4.2 seconds and started at $147,500 before destination.
2020 BMW i8 Roadster
The 2020 BMW i8 Roadster is a plug-in hybrid sports car with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder driving the rear wheels and an electric motor driving the fronts, for 369 hp combined and all-wheel drive. It is the final model year for the i8; the last car was built in June 2020. It reaches 60 mph in about 4.4 seconds and started at $163,300 before destination.
BMW i8 trim levels
| Trim | MSRP | Engine | Power | Drive | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i8 Coupe | $136,500 | 1.5L Turbo I3 Plug-in Hybrid | 357 hp | AWD | 76 MPGe |
| i8 Coupe | $140,700 | 1.5L Turbo I3 Plug-in Hybrid | 357 hp | AWD | 76 MPGe |
| i8 Coupe | $143,400 | 1.5L Turbo I3 Plug-in Hybrid | 357 hp | AWD | 76 MPGe |
| i8 Coupe | $147,500 | 1.5L Turbo I3 Plug-in Hybrid | 369 hp | AWD | 69 MPGe |
| i8 Roadster | $163,300 | 1.5L Turbo I3 Plug-in Hybrid | 369 hp | AWD | 69 MPGe |
| i8 Coupe | $147,500 | 1.5L Turbo I3 Plug-in Hybrid | 369 hp | AWD | 69 MPGe |
| i8 Roadster | $163,300 | 1.5L Turbo I3 Plug-in Hybrid | 369 hp | AWD | 69 MPGe |
Specifications (2020)
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo I3 + Electric (PHEV)L |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Hybrid |
| Power | 369 hp combined hp |
| Transmission | 6-speed auto / 2-speed electric |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Length | 184.9 in mm |
| Width | 76.5 in mm |
| Height | 50.8 in mm |
| Wheelbase | 110.2 in mm |
| Cargo | 4.7 cu ft |
| Seats | 4 |
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Frequently asked questions
How much does the BMW i8 cost?
The BMW i8 has a typical price range of $147,500 - $163,300, spanning 7 trim levels. Actual prices vary by year, mileage and local market conditions.
What fuel economy does the BMW i8 get?
The BMW i8 achieves 69 MPGe. Real-world figures depend on trim, drivetrain and driving style.
Is the BMW i8 reliable?
Recall history: 1 recall (2020).
What years of the BMW i8 are available to compare?
Cars4Real covers BMW i8 model years 2015–2020. You can compare every year and trim side by side with live market prices and real owner reviews.