BMW i8

The interiors are like entering into a space ship. The entire passenger cell is all carbon-fibre to ensure that weight is kept to a minimum. It’s obviously a two seater sports car and the seats are very nice and sporty as well as comfortable. The dash setup is identical to a mix of all BMW cars but the instrument cluster is a beautiful digital screen that gives you all the information about your car. The use of materials and components is also really good.

The central tunnel holds a lithium-ion battery pack, while the rear sub-frame is mildly more conventional – in that it holds a 1.5 litre, three-cylinder, direct injection, twin-power turbo petrol engine that produces 231bhp and 320Nm of torque at the rear axel. And that computes to a total of 362bhp. The power plants are both very good and are proof of the genius of BMW engineers.

As a plug-in hybrid, the BMW i8 combines an electric motor with a combustion engine for unparalleled power and performance. Launching from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, this vehicle is as efficient as it is dynamic. The all-electric motor is situated on the front axle, while the TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder engine drives the rear axle. When combined, these two elements deliver an innovative all-wheel drive sports car with a total system output of 357 horsepower. The Driving Experience Control switch on the center console offers 4 different driving modes. The standard Comfort mode offers a balance between sporty performance and fuel efficiency. Sport mode features the ultra-intense boost function provided by the electric motor. Eco Pro mode supports a more efficient, optimized driving style, which can be used in both all-electric mode and hybrid mode.

The eDRIVE mode is purely electric, offering a max range of up to 25km and a max speed of 130kmph for a totally tailpipe emission-free ride. The acceleration of the car is really good and it can race from 0-100kmph in just over 4 seconds. And being a BMW the handling of the car is also on point and very direct. The suspension is stiff and meant for smooth roads. But this is definitely a fun car to drive no matter what and the overall ride quality is simply brilliant.

The car offers a fantastic fuel economy of 12.5 kmpl using the hybrid system but that’s impressive for a sports car.

The car gets new age tech as well as some standard features such as power steering, power windows, an infotainment system, audios system, navigation, head-up display, and it also gets control features that allow you to toggle between the power plants and much more.

Safety features are also high tech including ABS, EBD, airbags, reverse parking sensors and driver assistance plans such as collision warning that uses cameras to monitor its surroundings.

It’s a BMW, and it a new age BMW. Quality is out of this world and its one of the most reliable car companies in the world.

It’s a great innovation and fantastic car that offers you sportiness with comfort and luxury, while being environmentally conscious. It carries very high value for money.

The i8 is the most unique car currently available in India. While it may not be a Ferrari it still looks extremely lust worthy. It performs well and is good for the earth and you don’t need to worry about filing it up with gas. It’s definitely a car to buy if you have the money.