The BMW i8, first introduced as the BMW Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics, is a plug-in hybrid under development by BMW. The initial concept car was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and the BMW i8 concept car destined for production was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The i8 has a 7.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which delivers an all-electric range of 35 km (22 mi).
In 2010 BMW announced the mass production of the Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics in Leipzig beginning in 2013 as the BMW i8. The i8 is part of BMW’s “Project i” and will be marketed as a new brand, BMW i, sold separately from BMW or Mini. The BMW i3 and the BMW i8 will be the first models available from 2013. Other i models will follow.

Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics

The Vision Efficient Dynamics concept car is a plug-in hybrid with a three cylinder turbodiesel engine. Additionally, there are two electric motors with 139 horsepower. It allows an acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (160 mph).
According to BMW, the average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle (KV01) is 3.76 liters/100 kilometers, (75.1 mpg imp), and has a carbon dioxide emission rating of 99 grams per kilometer (1,3 l/100 km and 33g CO2/km ; EU-PHEV ECE-R101). The estimated all-electric range is 50 km (31 mi), and the 24-litre diesel tank extends the total vehicle range to up to 700 km (430 mi). The lightweight chassis is made mainly from aluminium. The windshield, top, doors and fenders are made from polycarbonate glass, with the body having a drag coefficient of 0.22.

Pre-production version

The BMW i8 concept plug-in hybrid electric vehicle unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show has a 7.2 kWh (26 MJ) lithium-ion battery pack that allows an all-electric range of 35 km (22 mi). Its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (160 mph) and is expected to go from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in 4.6 seconds. Under normal driving conditions the i8 is expected to deliver 80 mpg-US (2.9 L/100 km; 96 mpg-imp) under the European cycle. A full charge of the battery will take less than 2 hours using 220V.
The i8 combines the electric drive system of the BMW i3, with a 96 kW (129 hp) electric motor located in the front axle powering the front wheels and at the rear is a turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine producing 164 kW (220 hp) and 300 N·m (220 lbf·ft) of torque. The result is a combined output of 260 kW (349 hp). All four wheels provide regenerative braking. The location of the battery pack in the energy tunnel gives the vehicle a low centre of gravity, enhancing its dynamics. Together with the positioning of the motor and engine over the axles, the result is an optimum 50/50 weight distribution.

Price

The BMW i8 is expected to cost more than €100,000 (US$122,800 or GB£78,000), according to BMW head of sales and marketing, Ian Robertson.

Awards and recognition

In July 2011 the BMW i8 won the 2012 North American Concept Vehicle of the Year.