BMW I8

On the inside too, the BMW i8 is a wonderful blend of futuristic elements along with BMW’s typical dashboard layout. One does get the options of customizing the interior dashboard layout with the choices of dark brown with ivory white and walnut brown with ivory white on offer.
The three-spoke steering wheel design is a tweaked version from BMW’s lineup of M division cars, with silver and blue accents covering up the whole wheel. Sitting behind the steering is a full-colored TFT screen which shows all the details and data of vehicle’s performance in a futuristic manner. The centre console is typically BMW-ish with an asymmetrical design for AC vents, music system and climate control buttons, and the familiar infotainment i-Drive screen popping up on the upper portion of the dashboard.
As expected, you do get all the top-of-the-line features one gets in a BMW, and since it’s the flagship product, the i8 gets all the bells and whistles. Apart from the generous use of carbon fibre on the outside, the i8 gets 6-way powered front seats which come equipped with memory and heating functions. We also get an 11-speaker Harman Kardon music system with Sirius satellite radio and navigation, an 8.8-inch touch-screen panel for the music system, reverse camera, navigation and BMW i-Drive system. Cruise control, heads-up display, dual zone climate control, engine start-stop button, ambient lighting, memory key with display function and many more features also make their way to the BMW i8.

One look at the low-slung BMW i8 might make you believe that the future is here. The overall styling is a beautiful mix of both smooth curves and distinctive design elements, fused brilliantly with BMW family’s design language.
At the front, the BMW i8’s low stance is well complemented by two sleek looking full LED headlights with characteristic U-shaped daytime running LEDs. The familiar kidney-shaped grille setup is also present on the i8.
Coming to the side profile, the long and wide doors and the door-mounted sleek rear view mirrors look nice. Adding in some wow factor to this side profile is the fact that the i8 has scissor door design with lifting and turning function upward, towards the front.
At the rear, the distinctive appeal of the i8 is further enhanced by the sloping down roof as well as the blackened out back pillar. It also gets full LED taillamp assembly with blue accents to make remind that it’s a plug-in hybrid car.

Underpinning the BMW i8 is a suspension setup consisting Double-wishbone-type front suspension and a 5-link rear suspension. It also gets the assistance of hybrid-specific Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), including all-wheel-drive functionality for independent drive sources, Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant, Brake Drying and Brake Stand-by features with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Dynamic Damper Control. All these equipment, along with the lightweight aluminium and carbon fibre structure, make the i8 super agile and keeps it planted.

Under the hood of the BMW i8, you get the best of both the worlds of gasoline and electric power. Powering the BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid engine, which is a combination of a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder and an eDrive 11.6 kWh lithium-ion battery.
In conjunction, this powertrain produces a maximum power output of 372PS of maximum power and 670Nm of peak torque. These output figures make the BMW i8 capable enough to do the 0-100 kmph sprint in just 4.4 seconds, with the top speed electronically limited to 250 kmph.

In the BMW i8, you get front, side, and knee airbags, seat belts with automatic locking retractors, the very acclaimed Active Driving Assistant with Surround View, Speed Limit Info, Frontal Collision Warning, Pedestrian Protection and City Collision Mitigation, BMW Assist eCall which includes Emergency Request (SOS button) and Enhanced Automatic Collision Notification, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC).

With a futuristic looking design as well as plush and luxurious interior cabin and equally futuristic powertrain, the BMW i8 delivers a driving experience which no other cars in its category can provide with right now. Clearly, it is one of the more distinct and unique supercars one can get in the world today.