BMW i8 Review

A few months ago I was given the opportunity to test drive the BMW i8, a plug-in hybrid that

is as beautiful as it is fuel-efficient.

But as with all things BMW, this car is fun to drive as it is to look at.

Below are some of my thoughts on the new vehicle.

Let’s start with the exterior.

The scissor doors immediately get your attention.

The car is extremely low and very wide - it immediately has the appeal of a sports car.

The blue accents throughout the grill, the sidewalls and the taillights really showcase all

of the curves that it has to offer.

It offers a long wheelbase with short overhangs - the characteristics of any sports car.

The double kidney grill on the front gives a nod to the cars origins; the slim, LED headlights look

like they are about to shoot a laser.

The backend, however, is completely different than any other BMW.

The U-shaped taillights are taken over by a long, all-glass rear hatch.

As you move downward, it continues to push outward.

The mixture of black and silver intertwined throughout the backend remind you of the

car’s hybrid nature.

My only complaint was the exhaust pipe - it’s barely visible.

Sports cars show off that exhaust - hybrids don’t have one.

I remember opening the door, feeling as though I was entering a spaceship.

The doors are a split between a scissor and a gull-wing door; they open straight outward.

It’s one of the most unique doors I’ve ever opened (unique would become the theme of

the whole i8 experience).

Once inside, I was immediately overwhelmed with how luxury was mixed in with a futuristic

look.

It gave off the feeling of a hybrid - but only for a minute.

Soon, I realized that the way the interior was crafted made you feel as if you were about to

go fast - really fast.

When I looked down at the speedometer, my thoughts were confirmed.

When I pushed the start button, there are no signs of combustion but the car is running.

The front electric motor is only 1.5 liters - but a second electric motor contributes 357

combined horsepower.

The motors are quiet; I could have snuck up behind someone and surprised them.

There are five distinct propulsion modes to choose from; naturally, I skipped all of the economy and cruising modes

in route to my favorite - the sport mode.

I know this car can save you some gas money (it can go 23 miles without using a drop of fuel) but

I wanted to see how it could perform.

Putting my foot down, the car is initially sluggish; soon, however, the car would take off

with potent power.

It would take me less than four seconds to get up to 60 mph.

The six-speed automatic accents the engine notes with every upshift, creating a load noise through the exhaust that sounds the way any sports car should.

And just like any BMW, this thing hugs to the ground - taking corners at a quick pace without feeling as

though you are going to slide out of your seat.

The car feels light and agile despite its long body.

Overall, this car was a pleasure to drive.

Considering that it’s the first sport hybrid from BMW, it can only improve from here.

With BMW only producing 500 i8’s this year, I would have to imagine that production will

increase in the near future.