Here’s Why The BMW i8 Flopped

[@michaelc2254]

You have completely missed the boat on this. First of all, getting in and out is not an issue. Enter butt first, then swing your legs in. Getting out - one leg out, then push yourself out with the other leg. Olympic gymnast? Hardly. I am 72 years old and I get in and out as easily as as a normal car without even thinking about it and so does my wife. The back seats are very useful for storage, and can be used for passengers for short distances. Having space back there is way better than having nothing. I find the 20+ mile electric range very useful for local drives and I have done many without starting the gas engine at all. As a result. I get 50+ mpg overall, and I plug it in to charge - I rarely change using the gas engine. You get more range by plugging it in. As for power, the electric torque is instant and it’s plenty quick. 420 ft lbs of torque is a lot for the car’s relatively light weight. In 2015 Road & Track and Car and Driver tested the i8 at 3.8 and 3.6 seconds to 60 mph respectively. That’s quick enough for me. I love that it’s fast AND efficient. Not to mention that there is nothing on the road that looks like it. The car has character, is fun to drive and I think the interior is just fine. I have owned many perfomance cars over the years, and I have an electric car in the garage that is faster, but the i8 is still my favorite.

[@leegould8743]

Thanks for posting an older owners perspective. I am currently dreaming of this car but was worried about some of the negative feedback. Your take on living with this car has really helped. Now just need to save up!

[@shelbynamels973]

So you are married to a woman still limber and agile. Good on you, mate.😁😉

[@michaelc2254]

Thanks for the comments guys. I am probably not your typical 72-year-old. I used to be a competitive cyclist and I still ride regularly and exercise religiously. I weigh the same as I did in college 50 years ago - 6’ and 150 pounds …well I used to be 6’ until I started shrinking!😀 My wife is 69 and she was a competitive ice skater and runner - she stays in shape as well. She still teaches ice skating on the side (we both work full-time because we want to, not because we have to). We are doing as much as we can to put off the inevitable as long as possible. Regarding the i8 - we recently took a trip to Lake Tahoe (we live in the SF Bay Area) and the car got over 40 mpg overall on a 400+ mile drive and it was a joy on the mountain roads around the lake. I have owned the i8 for 6 years and I still look forward to driving it.

[@Nafis_____]

@@michaelc2254 sir i'm a 18 years old boy from Bangladesh and this is my dream car. i'm seriously addicted with this car, i spend half of my day watching i8 videos. In my country, i think there only 3 or 4 unit of i8 and cost double from US with tax . i wish i could afford one or at least take a picture with one . have a safe drive sir and forgive me for my poor english.

[@KidGamer2002]

That's amazing to hear brother. I'm glad you lived a great life and you're still having a good time! God bless. Young business owner here, looking to make the i8 my first sports car purchase in the near future!@@michaelc2254

[@rodgerlee7302]

Actually, this review is a flop, not the i8. I purchased a used 2019 Roadster with 15K miles on it two years ago and I've never loved or enjoyed any vehicle like I do my i8 Roadster. Everyone looks at it when it's moving and if it's standing still people want to talk about it... not just because it is so beautiful, but folks don't see them very often, especially a Roadster. I've had no needed repairs so far, after clocking 10,000 miles, just maintenance such as oil and spark plug changes. The section in this review about getting in and out of the car are not only ridiculous, but dead wrong. I am 68 and get in and out of it as easily as anything I own. You just have to learn how to do it correctly. My wife has no problem either. This car actually is like having four different vehicles. As a plug in hybrid, it gets me around town on errands with no petrol expense. When I want an exhilarating ride, kick into Sport mode and have all the petrol and electric ponies at my command. Lower the top and it's a "wind in your hair" dream car with a nice exhaust note or blissful silence in elec mode. It can also be an all wheel drive when driving with both powertrains at work. Many complain about the luggage/storage space. Granted, it's no large touring sedan or SUV with excess space for your stuff, but we have done several week long trips in the i8 by packing smartly and fully utilizing the space behind the seats and the rear trunk space. Flop, my ass! I will always own one of these beauties.

[@exzrt]

That’s awesome ❤

[@SKF358]

All show, no go, appeals to you. They saw you coming.

[@PamenterDoug]

All PHEVs are highly underrated. I have a 2021 Kia Niro PHEV SX (top trim) and absolutely love it. The styling is totally bland - the exact opposite of the i8. However, put it is Sport mode and Zoom, Zoom. One day, I will own an i8, but for now my sleeper (more practical) version will have to do.

[@rodgerlee7302]

@@PamenterDoug I agree. Thanks for weighing in.

[@shelbynamels973]

To anybody complaining about the backseats in these types of cars, you have to realize that's a tax dodge. In a number of countries a car has to seat four in order to qualify as a business vehicle. Cars in the six-figure range ( which the MSRP of this car was) usually don't get sold but leased thru a business entity, with the cost treated as a tax write-off. So in order to keep this sales aspect alive, the car has to officially offer seating for four, even if two of them are midgets.

[@Gadne92.5]

Just like in Porsche 911 has always had and no one is complaining about those.

[@Rsadidit]

Interesting, I own one and use it as a daily driver….and I absolutely love it. Getting in and out isnt difficult and I’ve NEVER hit my head once. If I were to critique anything I wish the battery had been larger capacity. But it works pretty well for my local commuting. The back seats are actually extremely useful when rarely need to transport 4 ppl whereas most supercars have zero chance.

[@Gadne92.5]

Exact my thoughts! I used mine as my daily driver, only car. During "summer season" I drove over 10k miles until winter (and road salt) came and had 0 issues with the car. The battery could be larger (capacity) but for that you'll need to get the "LCI" model, 2018 onward. They can actually make around 50km / 30ml in real life driving conditions. Only thing I agree with the reviewer is the interior. Its way too much like BMW 3 or 5 -series from that era and yeah, much plastic - way more than they used much cheaper 911 at the time for example.

[@SKF358]

All show, no go, appeals to you.

[@Rsadidit]

@@SKF358 weird my friend just drove it last night and said “holy sh_t” when he hit the gas pedal must be all show I guess

[@LegendaryTru]

Owned mine for a few years now and I still get all kinds of reactions. I put a 360 camera on mine and tuned it up so it’s faster than the norm.

[@thinline8504]

LMAOOO DAMN RIGHT.. car is still beautiful ... I live in the wealthiest town in the US ... all I see are 200K plus cars... however, when I see an I8 MY HEAD IS STILL SNAPPING.. it's such a beautiful car. would I buy one HELLLL NO.. aint touching a BMW. I sold my Mercedes after a year of owning it...

[@LegendaryTru]

@@thinline8504 I have an AMG CLA45 and I will say I like the way my Benz drives compared to the i8……I drive the i8 to work and special occasions. The Benz is for having fun and racing. I’m gonna put my 360 camera on my Benz next time I ride out…

[@LegendaryTru]

@@thinline8504 the sound in my AMG is way better than the sound and sensation I get from the i8…..my i8 is still a better looking car but performance wise. AMG hands down

[@Panthagone]

Coming from an owner how's the reliability and cost of Maintenace? I'm thinking about getting either an i8 or an Alfa Romeo.

[@LegendaryTru]

@@Panthagone The i8 is super reliable. In the past 3 years I’ve only had to change the tires and the AC compressor because it started blowing only hot air after a year of owning it. I bought the car with 12,000 miles on it and it currently has 38k miles. So I do drive it heavy and no major issues

[@TravisFabel]

Its interesting to see the perspective of someone that has never owned a sports car (or 2+2)... he doesnt know how to get in it. He doesnt understand how manufacturing works. He doesnt understand mid engine accessibility... I think the boat BMW missed is that they marketed to people like him instead of a more appropriate target audience.

[@datacipher]

The coping in the comments is hilarious. 😂

[@REXae86]

Keep coping 😂

[@tecno8335]

Just here to say the I8 is iconic and never flopped they just stopped making it 😊

[@datacipher]

Yeah why they’d stop making this mega hit?? 🤔

[@lewis7515]

- they stopped making it, *because* , practically nobody bought it. Ie: it flopped.

[@imperfekt_zen]

20k sold in 6 years total failure and lost half its value first year

[@TonyNguyen-xe8fl]

Owned i8 for a few years still loving it. Over 60k miles no issues.. fingers crossed..

[@funkyguy0]

Congrats, I'm at 45k miles. I love this car. I plan on driving it until it dies completely, and then I'll replace it with another one.

[@firstlast9813]

Still want one

[@koopapro]

Me too but you gotta remember to keep 10k in cash to the side for random maintenance or have really good warranty

[@kentmaf]

Owned one for 4 years now and we have a garage full of electric and gas vehicles. The i8 is something different and unique not a flop.

[@Mysteryboy0007]

whats ur 2 fav car tho?

[@funkyguy0]

I own one and this has to be the best car I've ever owned. Getting in and out is not hard. Butt first like others have said then swing your legs in. Very comfy in there especially on long road trips.

[@todd5082]

This guy needs to just go back to his Hyundai Elantra, simple & the hood opens up. No compromise between an Elantra & this guy’s personality

[@danielbarton6434]

Hello. Great video. Thanks for sharing man. I have owned 3 porsche 911s (I still own a 2018 GTS) and I'm on my second i8. I loved my first one so much that I bouth a 2019.So, more or less everything you said in this video is wrong. Sorry to say, because I like your videos, but... a couple of facts if you don't mind me sharing.. 1. It's quick. As quick as a base Audi R8 and 911 when it came out. Caur and Driver got 3.6s 0-60. I get 4 dead on my AiM on flat roads with all stock. Last time I checked that was around the same as Mercedes GT, Aston Vantage etc. Door sills are high, but it takes a day to learn, plus opening them are, in fact, easier (and need no more space) than normal doors. On a hill they are a massive advantage. Interior, compared to what car for its age? Bentley, Aston? yes more leather but the tech. kills them. Back seats? Male adults, no. Children yes, shopping yes, medium suitcase - yes! Looks? 10/10, ride? 10/10. Fuel economy, for a car that goes 0-60 in sub 4 s ... I'm driving mine right now with 63 mpg! You DON'T have to drive in sport to charge. You can charge anywhere, including at home. It's like you don't know what e-hybrid cars are. Thanks for the video, but as a car guy who loves petrol cars and manuals, this is my favorite car. Would I be wrong saying you went into this video looking for clicks? I wish that wasn't your job but I guess that's the internet. Anyone out there who is looking at an i8, I'm a 911 GTS owner, former owner of M5, AND Aston Martin Vantage 2011, and I promise you, if it were down to my 2018 Prsche GTS, as brilliant as it is, I would choose the i8 with a gun to my head.

[@kentmaf]

You totally hit the nail on this one, actually many people say negative things about the i8 without owning one.

[@Gadne92.5]

Only thing this i8 really lacks is the *real* petrol engine "note" or sound. That's literally only downfall of this car, at least for me. I've owned "997" 911 and Ferrari 360 among other things and for overall experience I'd choose this anytime: Really cheap to own / run / maintain / insurance / tax bracket ... All these are so huge things in Europe that average US viewer would never believe. The electric motor gives *instant* hit when pressing gas pedal, there's literally Tesla like initial acceleration. Super cars with petrol engine will never give similar "instant hook" kind of feeling, not even Nissan GT-R. I cant describe it, feels like your acceleration pedal would have direct contact to tyres. All the normal driving, accelerations up to ... 40-50mph you'll smack much faster / bigger horsepower cars in their face. 4 wheel drive, electric motor -> the thing just hooks. Car looks really good even its well over decade old styling, the shape is originally from late 2000's! And I bet no one believes but its actually quite engaging to drive "sports car" or "super car" in city center, suburbs etc. areas with total silence. It will turn more heads than your average boy racer in a VW GTI type of exhaust note.

[@KraKra-Ah]

YES! I got my eye on one. The i8 is nearing the bottom price these coming years so I see it as an investment (as long as I don't crash it) because that price will go up. I have seen it with multiple cars that I had my eye on like the Opel Speedster and even the Fiat Coupe. That 20 miles is more then enough for me for daily commute since I live in Holland. Driving this car you need to see it as party. Getting in getting out is trick you need to learn and you are forced to be a gentlemen all the time because you got to give your lady a hand. Parking this car is difficult since the doors can't open when you are in a tight spot. But the love, happiness and the big small that never leaves your face this great forever give you is worth every penny. The model will never get out of date... I got to have it... Like Tony Stark said: 'Buy it. Store it. I need it...'

[@benjaminhawthorne1969]

Skinny tires GREATLY improve acceleration and fuel economy. I put 31" BF Goodrich All Terrain tires on my truck and they killed my acceleration and MPGs. My motorcycle with skinny tires accelerates like a rocket and gets 44 MPG!

[@prolific2111]

If they put a V10 from M Sport greatest sports car of the decade. The roadster is still a beauty

[@Booking35]

He's wrong the BMW owners spent a lot of time making that car and working at company's is actually a way to get money that's why it costs $150.000

[@662ninety6]

“ you pull the seat back and you just wanna die” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😅

[@lknanml]

2+2 Design means lower insurance and adds if you really need too you can haul 4 people which can end up being the last "pro" on the list for someone to purchase the car. Otherwise it would have just been for storage and well.. Why not make it into the least useful space for humans but still a space for humans.... I've often thought about buying one. I might next year as the price has gone low enough to add it to the fun car for a year or two list.

[@power4things]

The Italian exotics have just as many nonsensical quirks and inconveniences but seem to escape this kind of flaming ...

[@ricky4673]

I would love one to convert the rear seats to an 80 kw battery

[@Djpaul-lo1px]

To say a lot of this is “reaching” would be an understatement....

[@BabacarJDiop]

🤣🤣 the seat back kills me sorry I was laughing a lot watching your face and trying to making it😂

[@steventhepig3173]

Wait he's SERIOUS?

[@yvesparis7556]

Got one and LOVE it!! This poor dude doesn't know what he's talking about. In Canada, only a few dozen left of this great car. Price will climb back up, big time IMO.

[@cerberus30700]

This car was never meant to be built..it was a concept car and then after there was demand for it - BMW decided to put it into production.. unfortunately - the concept (which was never engineered to be taken apart) went straight to production..

[@Czechbound]

*New Subscriber* : That was great content, filming and editing. You're very good at presenting to camera. I guess they put the back seats in to make it more insurance friendly ( a 4 seater attracting a lower insurance quote than a 2 seater sports car ). I love these things. But with only a 7 year warranty on the battery, I'd be terrified of having to spend $15,000 ( I guess it must be that much ) on a replacement battery. Maybe when their worth only $25,000 it would make sense as if the battery went, total cost of $40,000 for such a great car could be digestible. All the best and greetings from Prague CZ

[@dannymimms1988]

Bmw i8 is a nice looking car. I do agree like any sports or super cars 2 seats would just do fine and as for the engine could of done with a better electric motor output and miles and they could of done with a better mini engine like the 1.6 supercharge just make it with a bigger head and a turbo could easily get 500 / 600bhp

[@HappyMatte]

If you repeatedly hit your head on a door that might be a completely different issue and not the cars fault after a while 😂😂

[@gabaknegocios]

you forgot to mention the speaker and the sound of the engine

[@magicmike1122]

To the ones like me that really love it, now we get to buy them for 50 cents on the dollar!

[@Agostinho86]

Imagine buying a 150k car and being worried about reaching the engine 😂 I want to enjoy the car. Let the mechanic enjoy the engine

[@Southlife28]

2girls can filt in the back

[@mentsu.3308]

Is most of this video satire? How is driving more aggressively to recharge the battery counter-intuitive? The kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy and the greater the input the greater the output. But then again I guess you must grasp what common sense is before understanding whether things are intuitive or not. Secondly, most of your scrutinies paired up with your backhanded compliments go to show how much of an uncouth reviewer you are. This car is iconic and your palate is simply not suited towards the caliber of that of the i8.

[@imperfekt_zen]

to use the battery to save gas you have to charge it by driving hard which wastes gas...... i8 fans are cooked

[@Atomicpasi]

Sorry, you have no idea what you're talking about!! You didn't really understand the car or the concept behind it!!

[@tudorgoina9997]

In my opinion, the i8 is a failed star. It really does not have a soul. It looks beautiful, but it does not have any bark to its bite. I think they should have a frunk, more carbon fiber and a v10, it would be awsome. Also get rid of those useless backseats.

[@rodgerlee7302]

Have you ever actually driven one?

[@SKF358]

Corey Feldman has this car.

[@DashKourt]

They made these cars for rappers

[@imperfekt_zen]

made to be rented for a day

[@nielp91]

Def a flop

[@CambodiaShareFeeds]

absolutely on your idea.

[@JPNox]

If this interior is not exotic enough, which cars would you say have exotic interior? I must say I kinda like it The other car I was thinking about is Ford Mustang and its interior (before 2024) is super dated, i8 looks like a spaceship cockpit in comparison

[@Gadne92.5]

Too much BMW 3/5 series stuff, nothing "special", nothing super car alike. And really cheap feeling plastic, not even "premium" feel. The much cheaper Porsche 911 at the time had much less plastic and the plastic in it was more "quality feel". I used to own one.

[@nascarpj5723]

@:42 U need abilties just to get out, not "to be ABLE TO get out!!!"

[@michelleyvettetemplo2195]

The car looks great

[@MrDahkilla]

4:05 lol

[@pr33tu_]

bc they put a 3 cylinder. okay nice saved myself 6:30..

[@verticalleap3911]

This video is satire, right? Why do you want the hood where batteries are stored to be easier to open? Have you ever seen other 2+2 cars with backseat like the 911 or Z cars?

[@marianelavega453]

Got one live it

[@grahamtricker4103]

No wonder you only have 826 subscribers. BMW have sold over 20,000 i8's which for a hand built carbon fibre car is good so I am not sure why your video is about it being a flop. Its also had amazing reviews around the world, so all I can say is "don't give up your day job!"

[@AminduUmayangaKule]

It's a nice car🔥❤

[@shevshev3390]

Did he say bmdaddiw?

[@R0TB]

hey keagan where's your pal jordan peele? lmfao

[@mujionomujiono6954]

Mobil yang keren. Tapi sedikit warna biru di mobil itu begitu mengganggu. Akan lebih baik jika dihilangkan

[@geraldmayerhofer4843]

ich muss immer lachen, weil oft angedeutet wird, wie schwer es ist einzustiegen. ich als toppilot und mit Topbeifahrerin sind 165 und 140 cm.hahaha Meine frau kann sogar im Fiat Unos stehen. hahaah. also kein Problem mit dem einsteigen.

[@demigodt34]

flop who is this guy lmao

[@imperfekt_zen]

theres a reason theres no aftermarket for this car...... the corvette zo6 sold more cars in 1 year than the i8 did in 2. and the zo6 costs more. this car died on release nobody wants a 3 cyl lol

[@nascarpj5723]

OMG SHUT UP WITH ABLE TO!!! @1:55 Juts to get to it, not to be able to get to it!!!

[@BenjaminMukwaira]

Did it flopp ???? Yu know nothing about cars then

[@eliasnyc1]

sounds like u dont know what u talkin about

[@lertub]

Click bait

[@CookieCurls]

This is a parody right?

[@sofiacariaso]

That looks like x car

[@Snowwhitepro]

THIS CAR NOT A FLOP. LMAO I HAVE ONE. THE LOOKS I GET IS CRAZY

[@johnmann7o2]

“Why this channel is a flop”

[@DaBeast1012]

you honestly do not know cars and much about the i8

[@stevecballard]

honestly the worst reviewer of an amazing car I get 37 miles in full electric, and my mpg is currently 79 using eco Pro mode, also the car is faster than an M4 and as fast as an m3 of its time read the comments people have put then I would suggest you do another review, firstly getting in and out AGIF..ARSE GOES IN FIRST. rear seats are a tax dodge or for kids only, why bother to look at the motors, you might touch something electrical and kill yourself..crap review I have 2 ferrari and 3 porsches, and I use the i8 more than all of the rest..its FUN

[@Liam-h6q3s]

If it had a v8 it would have made it

[@urbansoldier1]

i am 61 and enjoy the i8 lots of days in a year.. (the others are M8convert., Z8 and H1alpha btw is harder to enter the H1) but if you complani how hard it is to enter and exit the car your physical constitution must be horrible even when you look as half of my age... btw you are not the usual i8 driver ...better to "test-report" some tesla sor prisuses.... btw i wonder witch bots give the 404 thumbs up... when i read the comments - ridiculous.

[@miguelj23]

He sounds like Kermit the frog

[@bangals32]

Maaaate this take is so lame… some of the things you say in this video can be debunked (I’ll leave you to read some of the comments) you must now own a AMG 😂😂

[@toomanydiscs1056]

Terrible uninformed review. Definitely never watching this channel again.

[@zooteraudio]

Don't give up the day job. You haven't got a clue.

[@DevinWilliams-w4k]

Hater!!

[@FreeLunchFreddy]

Who made this guy a car reviewer..he looks like a brain but yet can't figure out how to get in..lol..obviously he's never owned a cool car

[@Iceeatinagasmr]

4:16 was funny (just wanna die)💀

[@robertdavis5714]

It is funny to watch people get in and out. However, this car is a copy of a F1 Car, small engine in rear driving rear wheels and elec. motors driving front wheels. Is why I like this car.

[@imperfekt_zen]

its nothing like an f1 car lol its a 3 cyl. a stock civic has more cylinders and displacement but the i8 is supposed to be a 140k super car?