BMW i8 Coupe In-Depth Review 2020

Forget everything you know about what a top sportscar should be - and start again. This is, after all, exactly what BMW did with this i8, which sold between 2014 and 2020. It's a plug-in petrol/electric hybrid supercar that runs silently on its battery in the morning commute, yet transforms itself into something like a Porsche 911 when you're in the mood. It also looks sensational, feels special and will slash your running costs to the bone.
History
In its period, BMW's revolutionary i8 was arguably the most interesting car of any on sale, possibly the cleverest and probably one of the most significant, not least in the way it democratised exclusive technology in its segment. Until the i8 arrived in mid-2014, plug-in petrol/electric hybrid sportscar motoring required the billionaires' budget needed for ownership of hypercars like the Porsche 918 Spyder, the La Ferrari and the mighty Mclaren P1. At a stroke, this BMW changed all of that, delivering an equally sophisticated taste of the future, but doing so for realistic Porsche 911 money.
The i8 set out to do nothing less than deliver the speed of a supercar with the running costs of a supermini thanks to a technological CV that even embarrassed the exotic models we've just mentioned. Under the skin lie two gearboxes, three electric motors and a sophisticated three cylinder turbo petrol engine, this boosted by a 200kg bank of hi-tech lithium-ion batteries and transmitting torque to the tarmac via a four wheel drive system. It's all clothed in a lightweight body fashioned from aluminium and the kind of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic you'd find in a Formula One racer. Here, in other words, is a machine that makes existing top petrol-powered sportscars look about as cutting edge as a video cassette recorder.
This was the second of the Bavarian maker's new-generation i-branded models and at launch, seemed at first glance more of a motorshow concept than a production reality. Indeed, for several years, that's exactly what it was, this design originally introduced badged as a 'Vision EfficientDynamics' prototype in 2009, before evolving into road-ready form and being displayed to the crowds at Frankfurt in 2011 just as a purpose-built Leipzig production line was being readied for an exclusive manufacturing run. The development care was crucial given the boundaries being broken here. This, after all, was the first car BMW had ever developed with Plug-in hybrid technology. The i8's mid-engined configuration was almost unique for the brand too, the company's M1 supercar from the late Seventies being the only other model the marque had ever made with such a layout. This then, was Munich's miracle, the Coupe model we're going to look at here joined by an open-topped Roadster body style in 2018. The i8 sold until 2020 - and wasn't replaced.
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[@Gadne92.5]

Very good and comprehensive review! I got one of these, the pre-LCI model (7,4kwh battery) one month ago. Its early one, 2014 model with 74k km / 46k miles) on the odometer. My daily commute is 25km one way and I'm able to charge the car at home and at work. I'm achieving around 1400-1500km per one tank of fuel (37-38L). So far my average consumption has been 2-3L/100km (95-140 UK MPG). I can achieve up to 30km on pure electric range with "Eco Pro" -mode and with using of the Sat Nav system and keeping AC off when its not too warm. When the car knows when its heading, it is using the electricity far more efficiently. So far really good car, I used to own 2018 BMW 740Le plugin hybrid and even it had larger battery (9,2kwh) the weight and air resistance etc. made it far less efficient car, I could only achieve around 3km more with it. The i8 has so small "air resistance" and good "rolling rate" making it really efficient car. Even with battery depleted it'll do around ~6L/100km when driving at "B-roads" (80km/h / 50mph). I'm totally in love with the car even it is a plugin hybrid with only a 3-cyl petrol engine. And I consider myself a true petrolhead, I've had multiple Scooby STI's, a Porsche 911 4S (997 gen) and a Ferrari 360 Modena.

[@rivervalegroup]

Hello 👋 Thanks for watching and your honest review of the BMW i8 and 740Le plug-in hybrid model, this will be very useful for other buyers 👍

[@ProfDrDrThomasJRosemann]

I have a i8 Roadster my wife owns a 992 convertivle. The 992 has the better handling but the i8 offers more fascination. You allways have the feeling to drive a concept car that made it on the road. A technological milestone for BMw and a future classic for sure.

[@leongeorge6253]

Hi did you have any problems with the i8 and is it good for very long trips also running costs eg services tyres etc ?

[@gideonmuteti1524]

I have a bicycle 😢

[@jcfallows]

I can't see how you will ever sell your i8! Please keep it forever!

[@Atomicpasi]

Since my wife and I are considering buying a used I8, this review accelerated the purchase decision. Action will be taken on Monday.

[@rivervalegroup]

Fantastic to hear! Wishing you the best with your new BMW 👍 If you enjoyed the review, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@skimeister1620]

@@rivervalegroup Sure you love it like I did for an all round car!

[@tonygriffiths93]

Superb in-depth review. Top marks to narrator for his knowledge and passion. I bought an i8 after watching this, and can honestly say that after 6 months ownership, I absolutely love it. Jawdropping styling, awesome interior, great handling and responsiveness. A real head turner that very few cars in this era can claim. Only negative is that I should have bought one years ago 😊

[@sergem.9554]

This is absolute the very best review of i8!!!! How come one can explain and present such a Marcel so eloquently and to the point

[@rivervalegroup]

Many thanks for watching, and that's very kind of you to say! If you enjoyed the video, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@markdunsford4291]

Best car I've owned. Feels more refined and special than the 911 I drove.

[@skimeister1620]

Being a petrol head with a history of V8’s, M4 & Subaru WR1, I’m surprised how much I love mine! Had for 4 years and longest I’ve kept a car!! Just don’t know where I would go from here. It’s not really an electric car, just supplements the torque for me and it’s very light and agile like the old school hot hatches! As fast as my M4 in sport mode and with much cheaper running costs, I’m happy 😁 Also holding its price very well now that the initial drop from the 115k price tag has flattened out so a lot of car for the money!

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Sounds like it's influenced M5 V8 Hybrid, Joe Achilles says it has eliminated torque curve, power instantaneous.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Nice to see i getting the respect it deserves, no BMW coupe ever a success on arrival, but price original 328, 507, M1 or Z8 now, this will be more of the same.

[@skimeister1620]

@@unowen-nh9ov After 5 years owning one, now taken the plunge and crossed the line! Replaced with a Porsche Taycan Turbo. It’s blisteringly fast but time will tell if it lives up to the 5years of i8!

[@PamenterDoug]

Most people do not really understand and drive PHEVs appropriately. The real advantage is the ability to switch between EV, auto switching, and sport modes. If you drive short distances and can regularly charge… EV is awesome. If you drive further distances or do not have easy access to a charging system, then auto (comfort mode). However, if you want some pep or to charge your battery while driving sport mode is fantastic. Expecting the i8 to rival an ice hyper car is silly. It is what it is and does the job very well. These cars will become highly sought after by collectors. Especially when the new 2025/2026 version comes out!

[@louisgoacher5224]

Best review on the i8, on KZbin 👏🏻

[@SpetsnazH]

Gorgeous car this bmw, arguably the best they made 😍!

[@gregsmall8774]

Best review i have seen on this vehicle , Keep up the good work .

[@rivervalegroup]

Many thanks for watching and your kind words 👍 Subscribe for the latest in-depth reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@malhotraroger9106]

A very comprehensive review . Thank you 🙏.

[@rivervalegroup]

Thanks for watching 👍 Subscribe for the latest in-depth reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@jcfallows]

I parked next to a white i8 in a car park so had time to have a close at it, and boy did it spun my motor! It is absolutely gorgeous in the flesh much more so than seeing it in a video. I drive BEV now but would go back to a hybrid with this car. I was amazed how cheap you can buy one for as well, I'm very tempted!

[@rivervalegroup]

It is a beauty, if you're still interested in the BMW i8, our Vehicle Experts can find you the best deal 👍 Fill-in this quick form, and we'll get in touch: bit.ly/39YHCml

[@erolcoulson9194]

Great review 👏

[@rivervalegroup]

Thanks for watching 👍 Subscribe for the latest in-depth reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@retbul001]

great review

[@rivervalegroup]

Thanks for watching! Subscribe for the latest in-depth reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@g.j.bouwman1779]

He likes to open and close the doors a lot of time. With every subject door open, door closed 😂 But i gave him a thumbs up.

[@jayz3022]

Can I have one and never need to recharge it via plug. Will having it in sport mode be enough all the time ?

[@rivervalegroup]

While you can drive it without ever plugging it in, doing so would limit your use of its electric-only capabilities and reduce overall efficiency. Using sport mode frequently will recharge the battery through regenerative braking, but this won't provide the same electric range as charging via a plug. For the best performance and efficiency, we recommend plugging in the i8 regularly 👍

[@seehayz]

You can drive it indefinitely in sport mode and unless you are constantly accelerating you will not flatten the battery. Driving at a constant speed or braking will charge the battery. Even stopped at a red light with the engine running in sport will charge the battery. The downside is the fuel consumption is massively reduced.

[@alsius9162]

If the car isn't charged, does it lose power from the electric engine portion of the horsepower?

[@tomhanhart5921]

Theoretically, yes. But that doesn't happen once you understand the car. If the battery tends to run down, you recharge it in Sport mode. And that happens pretty quickly with the powerful generator. You can play creatively with this option, and an empty battery never happens that way.

[@leewilliams5560]

Does it have a nose / front axel lift, or can it have ?

[@dickyboyryw]

So wished I had one. It looks like a great white shark from the front. Kind off. It has a striking look. I've found companies that sell them in the USA, from 8 to 15 grand. The Roadster is great. But not practical. I'd need the back seats of the COUPE *

[@urbansoldier1]

only thing to blame... you enter the car wrong....stand back to the i8, bend your knees slightly, pop your butt in, pull your leg up and turn it in (in the direction of travel🙈). It works even if the steering wheel is in the glove compartment of this i8. (possibly a badly done total loss? - who knows)

[@katoy9976]

Bu arabanın direksiyonunda problem var. Alttan traşlasaymışlar hiç inip binmek problem olmayacakmış.

[@logical_lb3059]

if these mfers had given it even a 6 cylinder it would have had supercar performance

[@unowen-nh9ov]

0-60

[@gideonmuteti1524]

Lexus lc500h competitor