2024 BMW i8 Plug-in Hybrid, Price, Specs – One of the enjoyable ways to protect the environment without having an uneventful journey is with a 2024 BMW i8. It should go without stating that you won’t get the same performance as a BMW fueled exclusively by conventional gasoline or a fully electric vehicle. Even so, it still outperforms the majority of plug-in hybrids now on the market. The one clear benefit of a hybrid car is that it gets excellent gas mileage, which is also true.
The i8 has undergone cosmetic and mechanical improvements for the 2019 model year, but nothing has changed. BMW is commemorating the life of the i8 with the i8 Ultimate Sophisto Edition, whose manufacture is scheduled to end in the first half of 2024. The i8 Roadster’s limited edition will have Sophisto Grey paint, E-Copper accents, and 20-inch alloy wheels. It will only be produced in 200 units globally (Coupe and Roadster combined), and an interior plaque stating “1 of 200” will highlight the unique nature of the model.
2024 BMW i8 Plug-in Hybrid
2024 BMW i8 Plug-in Hybrid Redesign
The BMW i8, a vehicle ahead of its time, has undergone only a minor redesign since 2014 and has maintained its futuristic appearance with sharp, angular styling. Scissor doors open to reveal a magnificent cabin, with LED lighting dominating the façade in the front and the back. 20-inch light-alloy wheels support the spotless Roadster, and it has a power-retractable soft top that makes it challenging to resist sunny days. With a Sophisto Grey paint job, E-Copper accents on the “grille,” “wheels,” and side skirts, the Ultimate Sophisto Edition goes further. High-gloss black parts are also used for an understated impact.
The BMW i8 is more significant than the Audi R8 and the Acura NSX in size. Its length is more than ten inches longer than the R8, and its 110.2-inch wheelbase is longer than that of competitors. The i8 has a threatening posture thanks to its 76.5-inch width and 50.7-inch height, and its curb weight of 3,501 lbs is lower than that of the NSX, while the Audi R8 Spyder weighs a massive 3,957 lbs in comparison.
2024 BMW i8 Plug-in Hybrid interior
Interior
Even though the i8 prioritizes design over utility, front-seat occupants won’t experience a tight fit. Due to the folding top occupying the Coupe’s jump seats, the i8 Roadster only has enough room for two occupants. Power heated seats and leather accents are included as standard inside elements. There are no choices for heated seats, a power-adjustable steering wheel, or lumbar support in the passenger seat. As you might anticipate, the i8 has minimal capacity for luggage and a tiny cubby area for modern conveniences. Because there is no storage in the front trunk, unlike some mid-engined sports cars, the i8’s rear baggage area is long but shallow, and we could only fit one carry-on suitcase inside.
Owners of less luxurious BMWs will be accustomed to the i8’s infotainment system. The 8.8-inch touchscreen mounted atop the dashboard is a sharp-looking display for the design, which is essentially user-friendly. On all i8 models, Apple CarPlay is available as standard equipment, but Android Auto is not.
2024 BMW i8 Plug-in Hybrid price
Engine
The BMW i8 Roadster’s powertrain is exceptional, having won the title of International Engine of the Year. The 1.5-liter three-cylinder TwinPower hybrid engine in the sporty drop-top is paired with a six-speed automated transmission to deliver 227 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. A vital part of the combination at the i8’s core is an electric motor that produces 141 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque coupled to a two-speed automatic transmission and an 11.6 kWh high-voltage battery. The i8 Roadster’s total output of 369 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque to all four corners is significantly less than the Acura NSX’s 573 horsepower and 476 lb-ft figures and considering that the NSX will cost you less money, the i8 Roadster is undoubtedly not the best option in this category. However, the BMW is by no means a slow vehicle; the Roadster accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, which is only 0.2 seconds slower than the Coupe.
While the i8 Roadster’s performance may be on par with conventional sports cars, its plug-in hybrid technology assures that its estimated gas mileage is miles ahead of the competition. However, unlike many of its competitors, the i8 can also be operated in pure EV mode, yielding 69 MPGe combined and allowing it to go up to 18 miles. The EPA states the Roadster equals the Coupe with estimates of 27 mpg on the combined cycle when using gas and electricity. The i8’s 11.1-gallon fuel tank allows it to travel for 320 miles before you need to stop at a petrol station. Charging takes just over three hours on a Level 2 charger, but it may take up to four hours on a household outlet.
2024 BMW i8 Plug-in Hybrid Price and Release Date
With a debt-inducing MSRP of $163,300, the 2024 i8 Roadster effectively costs $15,800 more than its sibling, the i8 Coupe, to get the wind in your hair. One of the occasional criticisms we have about it is how expensive it is; the Acura NSX has an MSRP of $157,500, making it much more reasonable. This may not seem a significant difference, but the NSX also delivers a neck-breaking design and far more power. Notably, time is running out, and manufacturing is about to stop if you want to get your hands on a brand-new i8.