The new BMW i8 sports car is both efficient and powerful, featuring a drivetrain with a combined 362 hp from an electric motor and a turbocharged three-cylinder engine. That’s enough power to push this coupe to 62 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Those are sexy numbers for a car that can provide up to 94 mph on short trips, an attractive combination of performance and efficiency. That also presents a rare improvement over the concept version– here’s our report back in 2009: Not only has hybrid electric performance evolved in the last four years, so have the non-driving features. The BMW i8 can charge its batteries from a 110v outlet in under four hours, while a BMW Charging Station can do the job in 90 minutes. On electric power alone, those batteries will provide a 22 mile range for local trips, a nice option for an urban commuter or round trip on date night. Read More: BMW i8 and i3 Plug-in and Hybrid Vehicles Revealed The new BMW i8 will be available in early 2014 with a starting sticker price of $135,925. It joins the electric-only BMW i3, which will also arrive in 2014 at a lower starting price of $41,000. Unlike the urban family car that is the i3, the BMW i8 is built for driving excitement, for sporty performance and futuristic styling with an eco-friendly pulse. We’ve covered this story since it first broke four years ago, and we’re thrilled to see it come full circle with the brand-new BMW i8 plug-in electric hybrid.
BMW i8 | Gallery
