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This article was first published 9 years ago

BMW i8: The best electric car in the world

June 30, 2014 10:45 IST


Photographs: Courtesy, BMW

BMW, the Bavarian manufacturer is one of the top luxury carmakers in the world and there is hardly any doubt over it.

The company has been producing brilliant vehicles right from the luxury to sportscar and supercars time and again.

One of the incredible products to show its mettle in the coming times is BMW i8 which will soon be launching around the world.

BMW i8 is a new breed of cars evolved from company’s project ‘I’ known as ‘Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics’.

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BMW i8: The best electric car in the world


Photographs: Courtesy, BMW

Under the concept, BMW i8 and other similar plug-in hybrid cars will be produced.

The luxury automaker, after the grand success of its ‘M’ and ‘X’ cars, is gearing up to launch BMW i8 very soon.

The car first world premier of i8 was done at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show and the production version was unveiled two years later at the same auto show.

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BMW i8: The best electric car in the world


Photographs: Courtesy, BMW

BMW i8 will usher in company’s new design language never seen before and will inspire future cars that would be built upon this platform.

It also became more popular when it appeared in the Hollywood flick Mission Impossible 4.

BMW i8 boasts of a commanding aerodynamic design which is touted to be the first real sustainable sports car ever launched.

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BMW i8: The best electric car in the world


Photographs: Courtesy, BMW

The outer monocoque is based on new platform “Life Drive Architecture” which comprises of plastic elements strengthened with carbon-fiber and aluminium components in the chassis.

The dual kidney grille with two huge air intakes and sharp looking LED headlamp cluster form the front facade.

The front bonnet has bold lines and creases that pose a strong stance.

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BMW i8: The best electric car in the world


Photographs: Courtesy, BMW

Side profile of the car is beautified with wing styled doors that moves in upward direction when opened and the 20inch light alloy wheels.

The car appears three dimensionally vibrant right from the front to the rear portion.

BMW i8 will be available in four exterior paint finishes.

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Tags: BMW , com , India

BMW i8: The best electric car in the world


Photographs: Courtesy, BMW

The interiors of the car are equally charming where seating arrangement is made in 2+2 layout.

Talking about the design it seems that it has been adopted from a science fiction movie with all vibrant displays and knob.

The layering design pattern can be seen at the instrument cluster and the central console where all the elements are precisely placed.

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Tags: com , BMW , India

BMW i8: The best electric car in the world


Photographs: Courtesy, BMW

The car will be available in three different trim level ‘Neso’, ‘Carpo’ and ‘Halo’ that will define the quality of material used inside.

The car will offer a cocoon of comfort for the passengers. Most of the comfort aspects will be controlled by iDrive computer system with 8.8inch display that will offer switches to AC with heater, navigation and advance music system.

BMW i8 will also offer SIM card slot for Intelligent Emergency call feature, mobility services and music online.

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BMW i8: The best electric car in the world


Photographs: Courtesy, BMW

The safety features of the car include Park Distance Control, Rain Sensor, Cruise Control with braking functionality, Dynamic Brake Control, Brake Drying Function, Cornering Brake Control, Three point inertia seat belts, Front and side airbags, Pedestrian Warning, Collision Warning, etc.

The carbon-fiber monocoque design will further boost the safety of the occupants.

As per the ride and handling are concerned, the car has been fitted with double-wishbone front axle and a five link rear axle supported by electric power steering and dynamic damper control for safe and smooth ride quality.

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BMW i8: The best electric car in the world


Photographs: Courtesy, BMW

The engine of BMW i8 is a 1.5L inline 3-cylinder which is a subdued version of its popular 3.0L 6-cylinder engine.

The gasoline engine is coupled with 7.2 kWh lithium ion battery pack, which jointly develops 362bhp of power and 370Nm of torque paired with 6-speed automatic transmission system.

The car with twin-turbo and eDrive system shows its wild attitude on roads rushing from 0-100 in mere 4 seconds of time attaining the top speed of 250kmph.

On pure electric mode the top speed is claimed at 120kmph.

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Tags: BMW , com , India

BMW i8: The best electric car in the world


Photographs: Courtesy, BMW

For diverse driving capability, the car will offer four different modes COMFORT, SPORT, ECO PRO and eDrive. In terms of mileage, the combination of twin-turbo technology and lithium ion battery pack delivers excellent fuel economy of 95 MPGe (40kmpl) while on the pure electric mode the car can run upto 35kms.

The battery can be fully charged in three hours of time from a regular garage outlet.

From competition's perspective, two important factors should be stressed upon; one is the sports and the other is environment factor.

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BMW i8: The best electric car in the world


Photographs: Courtesy, BMW

Considering sports factor in mind, it will complete with hybrid cars like Audi R8 e-tron and Mercedes Benz AMG SLS E-cell.

While considering environmental aspect, i8 will compete with Tesla Model S. BMW has plans to sell i8 in 50 nations and such a mass production of a plug-in hybrid cars will be for the first time in the history of Bavarian Motor Works.

India is one of the fortunate countries to get this car at the end of this year but in limited numbers.

The car has gone in the production line a few days back, let's see when the production ready BMW i8 meets the world.

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