BMW announces pricing and specification of new i8 Roadster and Coupe.
IF YOU’RE WORKING OUT ways to SKI (spend the kids’ inheritance), BMW have just made it a lot easier by announcing the pricing and specs for the new i8 Roadster and Coupe.
The new i8s feature further improved eDrive technology for even higher all-electric capability.
The i8 Coupe LCI starts from $318,900 with the Roadster kicking off at $348,900.
Strictly a two-seater (if you can’t be selfish now, then when?), the all new i8 Roadster shares with the Coupe the defining flat bonnet at the front and almost closed BMW kidney grille, along with the distinctive scissor doors, all reminiscent of the original design, along with aerodynamic refinements such as the open air channels between the roof frame and taillights. It retains the Coupé’s signature frameless scissor doors with comfort access fitted as standard.
At the press of a button, the fully automatic soft top roof can be lowered and stowed in 15 seconds, at speeds of up to 50km/h.
The rear window can be opened independently of the roof for additional air flow, without fully exposing driver and passenger to the elements. When the soft top is down, the rear window raises 30mm, to act as a wind deflector.
Unique to the i8 Roadster is a Travel Package, which includes electric seats with additional memory functions, a storage compartment that includes a Nappa leather map carrier with embossed i8 identifier and a specifically-designed rear storage section with separating elements for additional convenience.
The Travel Package provides 92 litres of storage overall.
Another distinctive Roadster feature is the Lights Package. This system projects the i8 logo from underneath the exterior mirrors .
The i8 Roadster has new 20-inch bi-colour light alloy wheels in Radial spoke design with mixed-size tyres.
Added distinction
New to both models are the redesigned Air Curtains. The cooling air no longer escapes through the bonnet outlet but instead flows laterally through the wheel arches and along the underbody.
The two-plus-two Coupé also features 20-inch bi-colour Radial spoke light alloy wheels, a b-pillar ‘Coupé designation and painted brake callipers. An extended array of 20-inch light alloy wheels are available as no cost options across the range. Each wheel weighs around one kilogram less than the lightest wheels previously available for the BMW i8.
Further personalisation can be achieved with Dry Carbon interior trim, BMW i Blue seat belts and Anthracite roof liner available as no cost options.
Both E-Copper metallic and Donington Grey metallic have been added to the choice of exterior paint finishes with both featuring Frozen Grey metallic highlights.
Innovative and sophisticated interior design
As with all BMWs, the cockpit is driver-orientated, and it’s a very intuitive driving environment.
A choice of three bespoke interiors can be delivered as standard. Opting for the Carpo’ design brings ‘Spheric’ perforated leather seat upholstery and a natural ‘Walknappa’ leather for the instrument panel.
Further personalisation can be achieved by specifying Ivory White for the i8 Coupé interior, or bi-colour Ivory White/Black for the Roadster. A Satin Silver contrast ring features on the black leather steering wheel.
Choosing the ‘Halo’ interior world offers combination natural leather ‘Exclusive’ with Dalbergia Brown cloth contrasts and a double lapped seam in BMW i Blue.
The dashboard is also covered in combination Dalbergia Brown natural leather and ‘Walknappa’ leather, while the door trims also feature natural leather trim. A distinctive BMW i Blue contrast ring highlights the Dalbergia Brown leather steering wheel.
Finally, the Accaro interior offers ‘Exclusive’ natural leather in bi-colour Amido/E-Copper, with complementary natural leather highlights to the door, side and dashboard trims.
Contrasting ‘Walknappa’ leather sections complete the door panel and dashboard finishes and the steering wheel is in black leather with a contrast ring in Satin Silver.
The centre console is canted 12 degrees towards the driver and the head-up display now incorporates a shift light projection when in Sport mode. The sat nav is displayed on a 10.25-inch colour display. BMW’s ConnectedDrive brings intelligent emergency call, TeleServices, ConnectedDrive Services, Remote Services, Real-time Traffic Information and Concierge Services.
Sports car performance with EV efficiency.
BMW claims real-world fuel consumption and emission figures approximately 50 percent lower than equivalent sports cars. The storage capacity of the battery has been increased by around 70 percent (to 11.6kWh gross). This becomes a 9kW increase in peak output from the electric motor, increasing the all-electric range from 37 to 55 kilometres. The electric motor output can be deployed up to 120km/h.
The 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine produces 170kW/320Nm. It works with an uprated 105kW/250Nm synchronous electric motor that drives the front wheels. Combined power and torque outputs are 275kW/570Nm. Fuel consumption is a claimed 2.2L/100km for the coupe, 2.4L/100km for the roadster.
The battery pack is located in the central position and low for optimum centre of gravity, the lowest in the current range of BMW cars. It can be recharged using a conventional household power socket or at a public charging station. Eighty percent capacity can be attained in two and a half hours at a maximum of 3.7kW.