BMW i8
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a supercar that breaks all the rules? The BMW i8 might just be the most forward thinking sports car ever built. This revolutionary hybrid combines stunning futuristic design with cutting edge technology, proving that eco friendly doesn’t have to mean boring. It’s the car for drivers who want to make a statement while still caring about the environment.

From the first glance, the i8 looks like it drove straight out of a science fiction film. Its dramatic butterfly doors and flowing lines create a presence unlike anything else on the road. Rivals like the Audi R8 or Porsche 911 follow more traditional supercar formulas, but the i8 dares to be different. Step inside and you’ll find a cabin that matches the exterior’s futuristic theme, with a driver focused cockpit that feels genuinely space age.

The driving experience is unlike any other sports car. The combination of a turbocharged petrol engine and electric motors delivers instant torque while remaining surprisingly refined. It handles with precision and poise, yet can run silently on electric power alone through city centers. While it may not have the raw performance of traditional supercars, the i8 offers something more valuable: a glimpse into the future of high performance motoring. It’s a technological showcase that happens to be brilliant to drive.

What's the BMW i8 Like to Drive?

The BMW i8‘s hybrid powertrain is a masterpiece of engineering sophistication. The 1.5 litre turbocharged three cylinder petrol engine works alongside electric motors to produce a combined 369 horsepower. This unique setup delivers 0 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, which feels genuinely rapid thanks to the instant electric torque. The i8 can run on pure electric power for up to 23 miles, making it perfect for silent city driving or dramatic entrances.

What sets the i8 apart from conventional sports cars is how it delivers its performance. The acceleration is smooth and relentless rather than violent, with the electric motors filling in perfectly while the petrol engine builds boost. The handling is sharp and engaging, with precise steering that gives you confidence through corners. The suspension strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control. You get supercar thrills with everyday usability, something traditional rivals struggle to match.

How Comfortable Is the BMW i8?

Step inside the i8 and you’re transported into BMW’s vision of the future. The cabin design is dramatically different from conventional cars, with a flowing dashboard that wraps around the driver. The materials are exceptional, mixing sustainable components with high tech finishes that feel genuinely premium. The digital displays are crisp and clear, while the unique gear selector and drive mode controls add to the futuristic atmosphere.

The front seats are supportive and comfortable, perfect for longer journeys despite the car’s sporting intentions. The seating position feels special, like sitting in a fighter jet cockpit. Road and wind noise are well controlled, especially in electric mode where the silence is almost eerie. Standard equipment includes a premium sound system and comprehensive connectivity options. The rear seats are more suited to children or storage, but that’s typical for this type of vehicle.

The BMW i8 is a remarkable achievement that successfully combines supercar drama with hybrid efficiency. It proves that environmentally conscious cars can be genuinely exciting and desirable. The futuristic design still looks cutting edge years after launch, while the hybrid powertrain delivers impressive performance with excellent fuel economy. The build quality and interior design are exceptional, creating a truly special ownership experience.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the BMW i8 Expensive to Run?

The i8’s hybrid powertrain delivers remarkable efficiency when used as intended. Official figures claim 134 mpg, though real world driving typically sees 40 50 mpg depending on your driving style and charging habits. Insurance costs are high due to the car’s supercar classification and expensive repair costs, typically falling into the highest insurance groups. Servicing requires BMW specialist knowledge, making maintenance more expensive than conventional cars.

The biggest consideration is depreciation, as early i8 models have lost significant value from their original £100,000 plus price tags. However, this makes used examples more accessible to buyers seeking cutting edge technology. Reliability has generally been good, though some early cars experienced issues with the complex hybrid system. With car finance options available, the i8 becomes more attainable for those who appreciate its unique combination of performance and efficiency.

BMW i8 Practicality & Boot Space

For a supercar, the BMW i8 is surprisingly practical for daily use. The 154 litre boot is small but adequate for weekend bags or shopping trips. The unique carbon fibre construction keeps weight down while providing excellent structural rigidity. Inside the cabin, there’s reasonable storage for a sports car, with door pockets and a useful space behind the seats for smaller items.

The real practicality comes from the hybrid system’s versatility. You can cruise silently through residential areas on electric power, then unleash full performance when the road opens up. The ride quality is good enough for daily commuting, unlike some more hardcore rivals. However, the butterfly doors can be awkward in tight parking spaces, and the rear seats are really only suitable for children. For buyers considering used BMW cars, the i8 represents the brand’s most innovative model, offering a unique blend of efficiency and excitement.

The BMW i8 stands as one of the most innovative sports cars ever produced. It successfully combines stunning futuristic design with hybrid technology that actually enhances the driving experience. While traditional supercars focus purely on performance, the i8 offers something more sophisticated: the ability to be both environmentally responsible and genuinely thrilling to drive.

You choose the i8 because you want a sports car that breaks the mold entirely. Its dramatic looks, advanced technology, and unique hybrid powertrain create an ownership experience unlike anything else. It proves that the future of high performance cars doesn’t have to sacrifice excitement for efficiency.