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BMW i8

BMW

BMW i8: The plug-in hybrid sports car (2014-2020). Scissor doors, turbo three-cylinder plus electric, futuristic desig
Photo: Vauxford / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

The plug-in hybrid sports car (2014-2020). Scissor doors, turbo three-cylinder plus electric, futuristic design.

The BMW i8 was a plug-in hybrid sports car that paired a turbocharged 1.5 liter three-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined output of around 369 horsepower in later cars. With its carbon-fiber construction, scissor doors, and dramatic styling, it looked like a supercar but emphasized efficiency and technology. Produced from 2014 to 2020 as a coupe and roadster, the i8 was a halo car for BMW i sub-brand. It prioritized futuristic design and hybrid innovation over outright power, and its striking looks have made it a modern design icon. On WhipJury, the i8 is a distinctive, head-turning submission.

i8 specifications

Plug-in hybrid: turbo 1.5 liter three-cylinder plus electric motor, around 369 horsepower combined (later cars). Carbon-fiber construction, scissor doors. Coupe and roadster, 2014-2020.

i8 on WhipJury

A futuristic halo car, valued for its design and hybrid technology.

Frequently asked questions about BMW i8

What engine does the i8 use?
A turbocharged 1.5 liter three-cylinder paired with an electric motor, for a combined output of around 369 horsepower in later cars. It is a plug-in hybrid, not a pure combustion sports car.
Is the i8 fast?
It runs to 60 miles per hour in around 4.2 seconds, quick but not supercar-fast. The i8 emphasized efficiency, technology, and design over outright power.
Does the i8 have scissor doors?
Yes, its dramatic upward-opening scissor (butterfly) doors are a signature feature, adding to its supercar presence.
Is the i8 reliable?
Generally yes for the hybrid drivetrain. As a low-volume halo car, some specialty parts and service can be expensive.
Is the i8 a collectible?
Its striking design, carbon construction, and role as a hybrid pioneer give it growing modern-classic appeal, especially clean low-mileage examples.

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