The BMW i8 – Bavaria’s hybrid sports car from the future – has finally arrived in India.
The BMW i8 brings in the ‘BMW i’ line to India and features never before seen in a car. Thus, the price-tag of Rs 2.29 crore (ex-showroom) may or may not come as a shock. Using every cutting-edge technology available and loaded to the gills with EfficientDynamics, the i8 is built from light-weight materials, including extensive use of BMW’s carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP). It not only looks extremely attractive, but is also aerodynamically sound and environmentally conscious. ConnectedDrive allows the car to literally connect with you and be a part of your life, allowing route data and destination information to be communicated via mobile phone.
The two-door, 2+2 seater will no doubt be a head-turner everywhere it goes. Power comes from a plug-in hybrid driveline. A 1.5-litre TwinPower Turbo three-pot petrol motor makes 231 PS and 320 Nm. This is accompanied by three electric motors: one for the front, one for the rear and one to provide supplementary power for vehicle functions. The net peak output is 362 PS and 570 Nm, allowing for a 0-100 km/h sprint of 4.4 seconds with a top speed limited to 250 km/h. Furthermore, fuel efficiency is a claimed 47.45 km/l. The i8 can also travel up to 35 km at up to 120 km/h on pure electric mode.
The BMW i8 was launched in grand fashion by Sachin Tendulkar and Philipp von Sahr and is now available to order at a Bimmer showroom near you.
Story: Jim Gorde
