BMW i8 Review: Sexy, Superhuman Hybrid & Porsche 911 Eater

[@tommor5519]

the engine doesn't sound like that its the audio enhancement of the stereo

[@gamerN77]

So? You still hear an awesome sound while sitting in an even more awesome vehicle.

[@ivorproblem1332]

Yes it does. It is basically half a N54 / N55 engine as used in the 335i. All BMW use 500cc per cyl these days.

[@teukuamin2183]

bro go to BMW showroom ignite the engine, hit the gas pedal, put your ear in the exhaust and listen...

[@nikoyochum6974]

it doesn't come through the stereo, there are sound pipes from the engine. it isn't artificial noise. also, nearly every car has sound pipes these days

[@hmz01_]

was just about to comment that as i heard that b4 too lol

[@sonyviva308]

The idea of saving more fuel, driving more economically, is a target for most big car manufacturers nowadays, and this i8 really showed to the people that a fast powerful sports car doesn't have to be a gas guzzler. I think i'm gonna have one of these one day.. It's brilliant!

[@skateecho]

besides, 0-62 in 4.4 seconds is more then enough for a road car, not that far from supercar territory and with that crazy electric engine setup= no turbo lag! and 130+ mpg i may finally stop hating on hybirds! make this affordable someday and im buying!

[@Samson44444]

Bmw should offer a factory plate number that says i8911

[@Steven-lt2dm]

Blitzkrieg5100 i died

[@PlatinumNath]

Blitzkrieg5100 lmao

[@soumyadeepbhunia172]

YOU LEGEND

[@lobniklukas]

I get goosebumps everytime I watch the ending scene. "This is the future - and I'm in it." plus the epic landscape.

[@alexkersten1964]

So you've watched it more than once? Awesome :)

[@lobniklukas]

Alex Kersten I've watched it like ten times now and it's still amazing :D

[@AdamC3046]

This video alone has made me fall in love with this car

[@Hedgingandfruit]

Me too

[@goldpony]

Such a nice car. BMW nailed it with the i8!

[@dawgmanfat]

finally an interior from bmw that isnt overly complicated, car makers should follow suit with clean lines and not having a million buttons. Great review and car.

[@ActionJotaPe]

Dammit, i really can't unsee that 911 in the back, lol

[@copperman8401]

Neither can I

[@tysanborn375]

I must say, your newly ventured Car Reviews are terrific! CT is quickly becoming the go-to video site for petrol heads like me (you've got Drive beat IMO)... Wildly hilarious when you want to be & informative as well (not to mention the high video quality & tasteful direction)... Awesomely entertaining stuff, keep up the great work and we'll all keep watching!!!

[@FajiFox]

This is probably the best sports car around. I still can't get over the price tag over the car, but that 135mpg. I think I'm in love. I wouldn't be hatin on this car since these guys are the ones that actually use their brains when building a smart, fast, sports car. 1.5 liter 3 cylinder engine that makes an amazing sound, but you all would rather buy another car with the a couple hundred more horsepower at the same price tag, but gets 15mpg on a v10/v12. Think about that. It's about the drive in an amazing car, not how fast you can go when you know you can't go fast anywhere without consequences.

[@dude464]

When the technology continues to progess we will expect that price to drop, i'd imagine. Don't forget there are usually government incentives that make the actual price cheaper (i think they still do that in the US).

[@dude464]

***** It really is considering that engine is hardly bigger than a large motorcycle engine!

[@Photonenshizzl]

you're totally right. still there are people who think money for cars is measured in BHP...as if they are 4 years old playing trumps

[@Photonenshizzl]

***** yes they do, because they probably got some other cars as well that have done the job they were build for and this is one very different car. nobody who "just" wants a sportscar will buy this car...only people that are interested in its technology and I mean all aspects of it, like you said, the economical side of the car....because this car is all about exactly that.

[@enntense]

Photonenshizzl Yes those fools! Of course every single high end exotic on the planet happens to also be a high BHP car...Those dang 4 year olds...

[@rafael123loek]

There are speakers that make the engine sound that way dude

[@JigSilver]

+Éliphas Lévi which is future, at least over here in Europe. Street cars are already getting downsized and supercharges v4 motors, where earlier v6 oder v8 motors have been, caused by EU restrictions. somehow it's sad, but it's the future - sound will be generated by soundsystems. Also most of todays motors are in such closed systems that other sports cars already use soundgenerators like this. A very loud motor is a lack of engineering skills those days.

[@rafael123loek]

thats why i drive a car from the '90s

[@wsp2408]

+JigSilver turbocharged ;)

[@nikoyochum6974]

it's not speakers, there are sound pipes

[@porroapp]

So far the best video and review you've made! Well done chaps! Really love the way you poetically describe the car and the experience. I really felt like I was there with you.

[@philtespo]

Every video from these guys impresses me more and more! Love the channel, love the reviews, awesome content!

[@pumpkineater23]

Amazing car. May have been worth mentioning though that the sound he was praising so highly is in fact the *artificial* Active Sound Design audio system both inside and outside the i8.

[@WK-zb3ly]

Who else yawned when alex did at 2:57 ?

[@lobniklukas]

Fuck me, your reviews are so good nowadays!

[@eviltobias]

Virgin

[@theinternetm8]

Pewdiepie watches car throttle?!

[@samhicks97]

Ryan Howard Technically any youtuber watches anything, hell even Vannos gaming might even watch this too! but it would be absurd if a Male did not have any interest in cars, i know you did not ask for my opinion but... I'm more into classic cars, since i got one myself and my sister has one too! and i'm proud to say that. :3 Oh yeah and just saying, This *"pewdiepie"* channel you see here is a fake, it only has one video posted with 23 subscribers.

[@satriabagaskara4198]

3:52 i honestly have never seen that before... a bmw with a blinker, and it's turned on... just how?

[@PTMxCh00bX]

Somebody save the poor 911!

[@rishis6548]

lol

[@SocksWithSandals]

You just want to grease up your forearm and pull it out like a fawn from its overdue mother.

[@kolideoskope]

If you bought this car, I don't think it would be for the performance. The person who buys this would be someone who wants the mileage and emissions but wants something a little sportier than a Prius. The same person would probably never even consider a 911. These cars fill completely different roles. This car seems like a halfway point between a Prius and a Porsche 918.

[@jordytt5677]

Amazing review, filming and editing! More of this please!

[@rg0]

I'm calling it now, Alex is gonna be the next Top Gear presenter

[@JamezE36]

i love the i8 in every way. that co2 and economy whilst getting a 0-60 in less than 5s is incredible, that noise from 3 cylinders is great and in itself a achievement, i love the looks and the horn is the perfect sound haha

[@imJGott]

Some of the body lines of the i8 remind of the LFA sort of.

[@kingnfs1]

wat? pfft when I saw it, i8 is out of this world.

[@mikeoxmaul_2121]

i'm JGott, Reminds me of the Honda nsx

[@mueedk2]

3:38 except it's being pumped through the speakers...

[@JustTahmid]

The BMW i8, rebirth of the of M1

[@homeofthemad3044]

no

[@danbarnettmedia]

That's a car that emits less CO2 than a human, and it goes like that. BMW have made something seriously impressive here.

[@AsifLicious]

Now all they need to do is replace that 3cyl with a 6 and make a 500hp M version

[@danielbjors8460]

thats not the point of the car

[@alexanderforsgren1533]

That's the point of the M though

[@LordLauderdale]

What a review, what a car

[@Orcjura]

Did i just saw turning signal blinking on BMW?!?!?! Illuminati cumfirmd

[@RurouniNikos]

i am a bmw fan.never was and i thought that i never will be!but now with this car i loved the brand.even the i3 made me love the brand.those 2 cars are the future ahead of us ppl!

[@davidmitchell5638]

its crazy to see this car made it to mass production! it looks like it's came from the future now let see what Audi and M-B got? ohh am i the only who think it looks kinda awkward from some angles ? maybe that look will grow up on me, which is why i like BMW they always look weird when they are new but then with time you realize how well their cars age!

[@veyronparmar6648]

If future cars are going to be like this then I can't wait!

[@The_Hunter879]

Dude thats Not the engine its an soundgenerator

[@areitu]

It's actually a sound that augments the existing engine noise. Increases the low frequencies and the "growl" etc. the same way as the ones in the M5 and M6 work. It may be off-putting to automotive enthusiasts like us, but it's no different than using a tuned tube to pipe engine sound into the cabin like other car companies.

[@heilong79]

Good review dude

[@petrolheadsam1653]

Porsche 911 all the way! This is MY opinion so don't get mad at me over opinions :-)

[@BreakItLikeItsHot]

What are you, gay? :D This is MY opinion so don't get mad at me over opinions :-)

[@disorderlyconduct97]

turboman1505 And your a sad little man, but again. Just opinion

[@giovannifurfaro9647]

Alex -- just like to say I've been subscribed for a while now and I really do thoroughly enjoy your reviews and your 2G1C bits. You have a certain presence a lot of other car reviewers do not have on KZbin and I appreciate that. Keep doing what you're doing.

[@alexkersten1964]

Cheers John. Nice of you to say so.

[@USASPORTSCARDS]

Funny, Chris Harris said he wouldn't ca this a sports car and it couldn't hold a candle to a 911 turbo, or even standard 911. Shows the difference in reviews and the BMW loving. Every other video is a BMW video man, nice car, but best sports car for the money? Hello Porsche 911 turbo, hello Maserati MCstradale, hello Mercedes SL63, hello Nissan GTR. Instead of claiming this is the best sports car money can buy, claim this is the best hybrid car money can buy, because I can believe that. With overdone styling, you said it yourself, and an impressive, but still 3 cylinder, and 4 wheel drive, it's hard to see how this, for 140 grand, is the best sports car money can buy. We know you like BMW's and you would like to continue for them to send their cars to you for reviewing, however it harms professionalism when the review seems childish and googley eyed towards the car. All complaints aside on the review, keep it coming guys, I appreciate everything your doing for car culture.

[@BreakItLikeItsHot]

They never said, that it's the best sportscar money can buy. Not a single time and to be honest, this is a different league.

[@o00osimbasmateo00o]

BreakItLikeItsHot 5:45 "It's the best sportscar money can buy"

[@dude464]

This kind of transcends sports cars man, most of what you listed will be classified as super cars. This isn't meant for the same market, why does it seem like nobody knows what a target market is or market niche? This is meant for people who want fuel economy with performance to boot, and it has both in leaps and bounds above any other car i can think of being produced.

[@sinoperture]

SL63 is a GT not a sports car. Ditto the Maserati.

[@NassK44]

o00osimbasmateo00o Yeah, I think what he's trying to say is that if you look at everything (fuel econemy, the attention you'll receive, etc.) this car is one of the top choices. I mean I'd prefer different cars too, but the i8 is a car EVERYBODY turns their head for, even non-petrolheads.

[@BISHOOO1]

Amazing review !! first time to notice the side mirror looking through the wing

[@leok8183]

To all the people crying about how "weak" the engine is and how "it should be a v10 or v12" : You are obviously too stupid to understand the i8. It is not meant to be a supercar or even hypercar in a traditional way. It is the future. Most of you crybabies can´t even afford a supercar, or have ever driven one. because if you would have you´d know that it SUCKS HARDCORE to drive supercars slow. BMW is smart enough to build a hybrid sportscar that is usable on a daily basis. So why hate on the i8? And btw imagine the successors to the i8. They will be even more awesome.

[@enntense]

Because only a twit with income they didn't work for would buy one. Any super car enthusiast who had to actually save their hard earned money for years for the dream of owning a super nice car, is not going to buy this..If you had to save for 10 years to buy this, would you indeed buy one? Or go get a Porsche 911?

[@leok8183]

So people with high income don´t work for their money? that´s just stupid. People with good jobs mostly earned them. just put in the right amount of effort at the right time. That´s how i had an C63 AMG when i was 24. Don´t hate on people just because they make more money than you. Now to the I8... people who have to save money for years to afford supercars are not the typical buyer. wealthy people are. So i´d say they buy whatever they thinks is more interesting, which in my case would be the i8.

[@enntense]

Leo K ...The average 997 owners family income is 200-300k..Thats only 100-150k per person, I'm not sure who you think is driving these cars, or I guess you think that's rich...It's not. The I8 is a very nice looking pointless exercise. And thanks for letting me know you had a nice car while you lived at your dads house..

[@leok8183]

It´s kinda different here. First hand Porsche owner are usually pretty wealthy, be it high income or money they inherited. But anyway, it´s more interesting what you think you know about me. Let me tell you it´s wrong. I graduated from school with 19, studied until i was 22 and got a nice job. I found a nice 2-room appartment and started saving money. And 2 years later i could afford a used, low-mileage C63 Wagon with a ton of options for 36k€. What did you do with your life?

[@kvamme4598]

the i8 is a Great car but the price is just to much. If BMW put the price more like 50k they would have sold so many, but they didnt, but hopefully the price will drop

[@TheSlashfan21]

Finally a production-car that actually looks like the concepts!

[@blueswin3]

I'm actually mad that this sports car is going for mpg and such..... This car would be so much better if a big ol v10 or v12 was slapped in there. It could compete with Ferrari /Lamborghini

[@ravesilly]

Yes but then it would be priced well over 200k

[@blueswin3]

whats the price now? im sure 80k plus...

[@MrCbike]

Blueswin3 the car isint designed to compete with lambos or ferraris its ment to be a good economical sports car. something that we have not seen. and thats what they did.

[@kanob6440]

If you can't afford it, it really doesn't matter bro lol

[@USASPORTSCARDS]

140k

[@4wheelonline]

Love what BMW's done here.

[@alchoholicsementhful]

Drop the M5's V8TT/V10 into this, tune that for more power, and you have an M1/M8!

[@alexkersten1964]

No, then you have a death wish and bleeding ears.

[@alchoholicsementhful]

BMW needs to lay the middle finger on Merc and Audi every once in a while. And this platform should do nicely when fitted with a proper engine.

[@oscartapiero4563]

best idea ever!

[@rightfight100]

I hope the engine fits.

[@BreakItLikeItsHot]

Bailey Nguyen it doesn't, that's the whole point of my answer...

[@my31and37]

Saw one today, blue in color, like the video, ...and it looks incredible in the flesh....I wouldn't have imagined BMW could produce something with styling this cutting edge...I'm not totally on board with the hybrid thing...but it is the future, and BMW just may make me change my mind with this one.

[@TheOccTher]

I am going to Hell for this comment: 3:37 this man is so excited, he has errect nipples!

[@alexkersten1964]

My nipples are always erect. Seriously.

[@FernandoEidPires]

LOOOOOOOOOOL

[@PrinceRafa2024]

Can you blame him? LOL

[@luizhenriquemarcondesvieir1322]

Nice review. Congratulations! You're keep pushing channel's quality with this kind of videos.

[@anothersiguy]

I really like this car, brings some of the hybrid hypercar tech to a much more reasonable price point. Sure they could have made it faster with a V8TT, but that wouldn't have been innovative. This competes more with the Tesla then anything else. Though that sound Alex is hearing is 95% fake I imagine, it's is a BMW after all.

[@Marseille210]

how in any way would it be fake? please explain you tinfoil hat theory!

[@anothersiguy]

Marc Bredtved www.slashgear.com/bmw-i8-will-force-fake-engine-noise-and-howl-at-pedestrians-31323128/

[@Marseille210]

AgentHydra did you at all see the video in the link you commented? the engine sound is the same, so sorry it's not fake

[@anothersiguy]

Marc Bredtved Okay, you're right, 95% is an exaggeration. But the fact remains that some of the i8's sound is coming from speakers. To be clear I'm not saying the car is bad because of it, this kind of technology is becoming the norm (GLI/GTI, M5, etc.). It's just something I think car enthusiasts would want to know about and wasn't mentioned in this video.

[@Marseille210]

AgentHydra Sure but that would be an in dept review, which enthusiast should look for, personally i don't care if there are speakers, but i see your point and, you're right about that. :D

[@blarg1027]

this video have gotten really professional real quick! Good Job Mate!

[@buca9696]

Waiting to win at lottery...

[@ValSX]

it's not that expensive only 130k

[@ValSX]

+Ahmad Ranj pounds ish

[@robertdunsmore]

In case anyone's wondering, that road is the A832 to Gairloch, Scotland. Beautiful road.

[@qfina]

Amateur review. Trying too hard to be something you're not...funny for example.

[@alexkersten1964]

You need a hug, my man.

[@dahorn100011]

Its funny when people like you criticise and then haven't uploaded anything themselves.

[@qfina]

Ah well, at least you found humour somewhere, certainly wasn't any here.

[@Mipocomoto]

i agree, at times it was hard to watch

[@skateecho]

Alex Kersten nice reply to the criticism! i really like your reviews! and trying to be funny? you keep that for the 2 guys one car series =D please keep these up! top gear of the future?!

[@FELiPES101]

If you think about it this is giving you the technology of the laFerrari, 918, or P1 for less than 1/10 the cost while still looking like a supercar and keeping up with a decent number of sports cars.

[@sanjaynandalall2260]

man, I need to say. when I saw this concept, I thought they couldn't pull off the looks. this is something that someone would DRAW!!! and its a production car. OMFG. I would like to see this with 600plus hp though

[@mob1235]

3:20 ehm you know that the noise is not coming totally from the engine? from the speakers also

[@AutoReviewCom]

Well done, I would recommend you guys continue with this kind of videos instead of those joke/funny stuff. This is good, nice footage, good commentary and kept compact and entertaining. Greetings from Dubai (I am testing cars too, but not as exciting as this i8, still some way to go).

[@TheGhost5800]

Do you think about the life of batteries? Do you think what materials and how much electricity is necessary to create and recycle after 5-10 years?

[@DuffBerlin]

I love it how you don't mention the fact, that this "great sound" is made by a sound generator, not the tripple in the back. Also nice not to hear was that the mpg ist much lower, even if you try to drive carefull and not agressive. And the best fact which you missed in your "review" is that if you put your foot down for a 0 - 100 in a row (from one traffic light to another) the car losses power each time and you get slower. The car even asks you to do a 5min break so the car can recharge!!! A really good sportscar indeed! Sry for my bad english.

[@PlayerNineteen]

Wow, this was excellently written. Great review.

[@felixaitken768]

Thanks, I am not unseeing that Porsche at the back

[@backandforth4649]

3:54 There is no driver?

[@bryanhachey]

i love that shot at the end, those roads look awesome

[@latibes]

Bought this exact spec and colour. Love it so far

[@pleaseimpoor]

Think i might buy one just before i go a head any better alternatives i could look at ?

[@thelifeofjessejames]

Once I realized that this was thr guy from 2 Guys, 1 car I was amazed but respecting. Good job man!

[@allenparayil]

I wanna see how this will go against the new Acura NSX when it comes out. Who do you think will win?

[@L3THLM1G1T]

How far will it go till you got to charge it

[@guguigugu]

a grown man shouldn't know what a pokemon looks like!

[@50kent123hi]

03:55 no driver???

[@XxMrMarquesxX]

You guys are getting really good. Good work I will test drive this in Monaco in September... btw if you guys want to come down here and shoot a film of some sort like you did in the Goodwood festival just give a shout, will be happy to show you arround good material to do one even better :D (Tought most of the jokes in that film were a bit forced and out of your amazing contest but the rest of them are getting better each time) keep it up

[@MrStride]

Why No MAUNAL

[@specific57]

Great review, love the car.

[@pleaseimpoor]

What looks better in person BMW i8 or audi r8

[@hakhedre]

who is driving on 3:53 !

[@titorlfc1987]

Does the BMW i8 come with an iPhone 6?

[@TheSanpletext]

Did I miss hear it, or can it really get 1,7l/100km? 135mpg? Srsly?

[@Hugosales89]

wich music of tom kent is that of the video?

[@TheeDrunkunMunky]

Ok.. Im lost.. One minute you say its a 1.3 then a 1.5.. Then you're saying its rear wheel drive the four wheel drive? Am I missing something here

[@Crozier25]

Love that road. Hope you went down the wee single track road to torridon as well while you were in the area.

[@Contresenss]

Great shots and review!!!

[@vinokev]

but does it come with a boot?

[@carsofmtl]

very nicely done guys! Great review!

[@kushalchak]

The engine noise is mostly from the speakers. It is a very quiet car

[@ebrahimdindar7189]

Couldnt believe what a nice car it is until i maxed one out 3 years ago

[@gankema1979]

I love the car and hope it will be in the show this season

[@soundseeker63]

I'd be interested to know how these cars are holding up reliability and maintenance wise. There's no doubting the blend of speed and economy is impressive. But equally that is a very complicated drivetrain setup with an awful lot to potentially go wrong very expensively. Is it still an economical choice 5-10 years down the line?

[@ahmedp800]

My God 135MPG!!! o.O This is indeed the future. But what about charging the batteries of the electric motor?

[@ThePCCs]

Engine is doing it :) i guess

[@michaelz1330]

It uses 120 or optional 240 volt electricity charger cx and while the engine is running through the 3 cylinder, the electricity is also being charged.

[@DwainDwight]

awesome car. getting one for sure. driven a couple and completely awesome.

[@hashim11989]

Damn you for the i8 eating a 911 comment, I'll never unsee that. Damn good review though, keep up the good work.

[@R33Racer]

Wonderful, finally a spiritral successor to one of my fave BMW's, the 850!

[@VanillaProd]

The noise is aesthetic is it not? as in most of it is just from some speakers on board?

[@RyoFox630]

I hope they sell it in the US, it looks amazing

[@BunkerBlog]

Damn, this is a Top Gear quality review! Impressive indeed!

[@mrgoodf50]

so its this car gonna offical in showrooms ?? cause i saw lot of hypird we cant get it ?

[@MrGolferguy13]

Why is this ad coming up under "Top Gear" ???????

[@woooster17]

I like it, I'm glad BMW is being brave enough to push the design envelope a little.. It's also one step closer to actually having a 'Mr Fusion' installed under the bonnet!

[@editingthevideo]

You know that the sound is pumped in through the speakers

[@santerixdxd]

The engine sound is produced with speakers and soundgenerator

[@moroczmisiak]

Really nice Review man, Thanks :)

[@vhlemos1]

Amazing car! It looks astonishing. Awesome review as well ;)

[@TheSnoopy1750]

For all of you complaining about this being an electric instead of a V8 or V12. This is a great way for BMW to utilize technologies that can filter into lower priced cars in the future. Personally, given it's a sports car, I would rather have a Cayman GTS for $50K less but the i8 will benefit the 3 series in 5 years when it uses hybrid power to achieve performance similar to today's 335i but with 35mpg.