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A closer look at the new BMW i8
The hybrid sportscar finally arrives in the Middle East
The world’s first sustainable sports car weighs a total of just 1485kg and retails for $173,500 at AGMC.
Both the exterior and interior of the 2+2-seater embody a futuristic design.
It features the BMW LifeDrive architecture, the world’s first body architecture specifically designed and purpose-built for series production of electric and plug-in hybrid cars.
The BMW i LifeDrive architecture is made up of two separate units: the upper Life module that consists mainly of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic, and the lower drive module which consists of a 100 percent aluminium construction and integrates the battery, electric motor and suspension system.
The supercar is powered by a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine which drives through the rear wheels.
The BMW i8’s intelligent hybrid system also capitalises on the electric motor which sends drive to the front wheels resulting in a combined power output of 362hp delivered to all four wheels.
When united, the dual motors (electric motor at the front and petrol engine at the rear) enable the BMW i8 to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds while using 2.1 litres of petrol per 100km and emitting only 59g/km of emissions.
The BMW i8 has a top speed electronically limited to 250km/h, and can be operated solely in all electric drive (zero emissions) for around 37km . The battery of the plug-in hybrid can be continuously charged by the petrol engine while driving.
Due to its lightweight of 1,485 kg, it provides a total drive range of more than 500km.
The German car manufacturer claims that the entire value chain of the BMW i8; carbon fibre production and vehicle assembly process use 100 percent renewable electricity.
The interior of the car utilises a high proportion of recycled materials and all materials manufactured are treated in an environmentally friendly manner.
