It has been over 4 years since BMW ceased manufacturing of the i8 sports activities automotive, and whereas there have been talks of a possible successor, nothing important has materialized. Regardless, BMW provides a spread of high-performance automobiles for fans, together with the M2, M5, X5 M, and the $185,000 XM Label. Moreover, there’s the Z4, which, although not a hardcore M automotive, is a succesful and extra reasonably priced various to the Porsche Boxster.
A Distinctive Place in BMW’s Historical past
Nonetheless, the i8 holds a particular place in BMW’s historical past. It was an engineering and design marvel that served because the model’s halo mannequin for a number of years. Whereas it could have lacked the uncooked sports activities automotive really feel of the Audi R8 or Porsche 911, the i8 was by no means supposed as a direct rival to these automobiles.
Just like the i3, the i8 debuted at a time when electrification was nonetheless in its infancy—nicely earlier than the Tesla Mannequin 3 or Porsche Taycan period. Whereas the i3 was a completely electrical city compact automotive, the i8 showcased applied sciences that BMW envisioned for its future efficiency fashions.
To that finish, it featured a 369-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain, superior aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.26, a carbon-fiber-aluminum platform, and a cutting-edge all-wheel-drive system. This mixture made it an pleasant driver’s automotive, notably as a grand tourer. Nonetheless, with a 0–60 mph time of ‘solely’ 4.2 seconds, some criticized it for missing energy and claimed that its gross sales success was primarily resulting from its hanging design.
Accolades and Recognition: Awards for the BMW i8
Even so, BMW garnered quite a few awards for the i8, together with High Gear’s Automobile of the 12 months, Autoblog’s Expertise of the 12 months, the World Inexperienced Automobile of the 12 months, and the Worldwide Engine/Powertrain of the 12 months. Whereas the i8’s styling was undeniably its distinctive promoting level, it provided extra than simply visible attraction.
In truth, the i8’s daring design enabled BMW to execute memorable advertising and marketing campaigns. As an illustration, the Bavarian automaker partnered with French style home Louis Vuitton to create i8-inspired baggage. The i8 additionally featured prominently within the Mission: Inconceivable movie sequence as a part of BMW’s model promotion and product placement methods. Whereas hybrid supercars just like the Ferrari SF90 Stradale and McLaren Artura have since demonstrated what BMW may need achieved with a higher-performance i8 successor, it’s price noting that this was BMW’s first mid-engine sports activities automotive for the reason that M1—so a steep studying curve was inevitable.
Furthermore, BMW’s present lineup of electrified fashions exhibits how a lot the corporate has progressed for the reason that i8. Plug-in hybrids just like the M5 and XM are something however underpowered or gradual. The M5 produces 717 horsepower and accelerates from 0–60 mph in 3.4 seconds, whereas the XM Label generates 738 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque, finishing the identical dash in 3.6 seconds.
Nonetheless, the XM’s polarizing design and steep price ticket have deterred some patrons.
BMW’s Electrification Success Tales Publish-i8
BMW’s electrification push has been so profitable that the i4 M50 is now its best-selling M mannequin and ranks as the highest premium automotive in J.D. Energy’s Electrical Car Expertise Possession Examine, forward of the Rivian R1T, R1S, and Tesla Mannequin 3.
Maybe BMW missed a chance by not introducing a extra succesful successor to the i8 or enhancing it with ALPINA’s efficiency experience, which could have silenced some critics. But, it’s laborious to fault Oliver Zipse and his group—the supercar market is notoriously difficult. Even Audi has discontinued the R8 (although a alternative is reportedly within the works), whereas manufacturers like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin more and more depend on SUVs for development.
Finally, BMW can take delight in promoting over 20,000 models of the i8—greater than every other car in its section. Given its significance to BMW’s heritage and its groundbreaking position within the model’s historical past, the i8 is poised to change into a future basic. Whereas it wasn’t with out flaws, it stays an icon.
