Guide to BMW i8 Specs, Engine, Top Speed, and Horsepower

The BMW Group has been notorious for producing cars with big engines, but the eco-friendly hybrid electric BMW i8 has given a whole new definition to BMW’s “sheer driving pleasure.” BMW came up with the plug-in hybrid, all-wheel-drive concept by combining the TwinPower Turbo technology developed for their infamous M models with the sustainable eDrive technology. Let’s explore BMW i8’s performance in detail.

BMW i8 Specs, Engine, Top Speed, and Horsepower Photo Gallery

BMW i8 Specs

The BMW i8 rocks a low stance, and the race-inspired 2+2 seater makes a striking impression. Weighing in at just 3,285 pounds, the BMW i8 measures at 184.6 inches in length, 76.5 inches in width, and 51 inches in height.

The suggestive proportion and power exhibition of the lengthy hood flows into the roofline and the rear overhang.  The enlarged wheelbase comes in at 110.2 inches fitting the 20-inch Light Alloy front and back wheels.  Composed of recycled, light, but sturdiest materials, the BMW i8 achieves a balanced weight distribution with a lowered center of gravity and enhanced safety.

BMW i8 Horsepower (HP)

The BMW i8 encompasses a total output of 357 HP, with 228 HP from the rear combustion engine and 129 HP from the front electric engine. It has an impressive 420 lb-ft of torque, of which 236 lb-ft is from the combustion engine, and 184 lb-ft is from the electric engine.

BMW i8 Top Speed

The BMW i8’s top speed is at 155 mph, and it completes the 0-60 mph dash in just 4.2 seconds. That is only 0.1 seconds shy of the BMW M4 with the 6-Speed Manual Transmission.

BMW i8 MPG

BMW i8 runs at a remarkable EPA estimated 76 MPG in hybrid mode with electric and gasoline engines combined. Under a casual driving condition, the BMW i8’s maximum combined driving range is up to an EPA estimated 330 miles with a full tank of gas and a fully charged battery.

BMW i8 Engine

The BMW i8 focuses on performance, functionality, efficiency, and it drives as good as it looks. The BMW i8 is fitted with two unique engines – the combustion engine and the hybrid electric engine. The electric and the combustion engines are respectively located in the front and back of the i8 body structure.

In the BMW i8, the front wheels receive their power from the electric motor via a two-stage automatic transmission. The rear wheels, on the other hand, are driven by a gasoline engine via a 6-Speed Automatic Transmission. This is the perfect combination of efficiency and power. Let’s take a closer look at BMW i8’s unique engine arrangement.

BMW X5 Ultimate Care+ Coverage Detail

BMW Ultimate Care+ covers the following maintenance items per the BMW Service and Warranty Information booklet. It includes everything in the BMW Ultimate Care, plus brakes, wipers, and clutch. Here’s the complete list of items under the “+” coverage:

• Engine Oil
• Engine Filter
• Brake Fluid
• Cabin Micro Filter(s)
• Engine Air Filter(s)
• Spark Plugs
• Remote Control/Key Battery
• Vehicle Check
• Fuel Filter (Diesel engines only)
• Brakes
• Wipers
• Clutch

Extended BMW X5 Maintenance Schedule – BMW Ultimate Care+1,2,3,4

BMW refers to its new, extended maintenance program as the BMW Ultimate Care+1,2,3,4. Please note, BMW Ultimate Care+ must be purchased first in order to be eligible to buy the BMW Ultimate Care+1,2,3 or 4.

BMW uses the +1, +2, +3, and +4 to denote the number of years the BMW Ultimate Care+ extended maintenance coverage runs. For example, “+1” means “plus one more year” in addition to the original 3-year BMW Ultimate Care+ maintenance program, and so on.

The BMW Ultimate Care+1,2,3,4 program covers extended maintenance of eligible BMWs for up to an additional 4 years or 89,000 miles after the original maintenance of 3 years or 36,000 miles expires. This is up to a total of 7 years or 125,000 miles of maintenance coverage provided by the BMW Ultimate Care+.

BMW i8 Combustion Engine

The i8 is fitted with a 1.5 Liter, 3-Cylinder Internal Combustion Engine. It produces 228 horsepower, which motorizes the rear axles. The engine is equipped with TwinPower Turbo technology based on the infamous BMW M Models.

The gasoline-fueled engine consists of a high-performance turbocharging system and direct high-precision gasoline injectors paired with VALVETRONIC Fully Variable Valve Control. The configuration comes with a 6-Speed Automatic Transmission and top speeds of approximately 75 MPH. The BMW i8 running on the combustion engine alone is rated at approximately 28 MPG.

BMW i8 Hybrid Electric Engine

The eDrive hybrid electric motor is exclusively developed for the BMW i8. The motor produces a maximum of 129 horsepower, top speed is at 75 mph and can run the vehicle independently through a lithium-ion high-voltage battery with liquid cooling.

The advantage of the electric motor is the instant and consistent availability of power from zero to any range of RPM. The electric motor provides added boost of power surges to the combustion engine during acceleration.

The capacity of the electric motor and battery are designed to ensure that the i8 can run and maximize efficiency on electric power alone. The BMW i8’s maximum driving range in the all-electric mode is up to an approximated 22 miles (right… because it is not the same concept as a Tesla).

BMW i8 Guide

BMW i8 Specs (Technical) at a Glance