The BMW i8 has served as the brand’s attention-grabber since it first emerged in concept form. The stunning supercar is on stage this week at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, looking particularly seductive in a charcoal gray coat with brilliant pops of blue.

The 2014 BMW i8 emerged back at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.  Since that time, the futuristic exotic has only gotten better.

The BMW i8 has taken many powertrains, from a fuel-efficient diesel to a petrol sipper to a plug-in petrol hybrid. While the powertrain remains quite versatile, the look has stayed close to its concept form, which is rare. The latest BMW i8 boasts the brand’s LifeDrive architecture, with a life module passenger cell crafted from carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

The powertrain of the 2014 BMW i8

This model derives power from a 3-banger 1.5-liter petrol engine infused with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. It is a bit low in the horsepower arena, coming out of the stable with just 231. The addition of an electric motor sends an additional 131 much-needed ponies to the front wheels while the six-speed automated transmission sends power to the rear wheels. The total of 362 combined horses enables the hybrid BMW i8 to achieve a 4.4 second 0-60 mile per hour sprint. Fuel economy for the luxury hybrid is an outstanding 113 miles per gallon, which I am uncertain is a claim or a fact at this juncture.

Kudos to BMW for continuing down the super hybrid path with the jaw-dropping i8 model. Each year the BMW i8 evolves a step further and it will be no surprise when they become more commonplace in showrooms around the world.

 

Post by Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals