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Introduction to the BMW i8
The BMW i8 Coupe and BMW i8 Roadster represent a significant chapter in the history of BMW’s electrified vehicles. Although these models are no longer in production, they remain a testament to BMW’s innovation in the realm of plug-in hybrid sports cars. The BMW i8 was part of BMW’s electrified fleet and was marketed under the BMW i sub-brand. The i8 was a groundbreaking plug-in hybrid sports car that combined high-caliber performance with locally emission-free mobility. The i8 Coupe was a 2+2 seater, while the i8 Roadster offered an open-top two-seater experience, adding a new dimension of freedom to the driving experience.
BMW i8 Coupe and BMW i8 Roadster Overview
The BMW i8 Coupe and BMW i8 Roadster were part of BMW’s “i” sub-brand, which focused on sustainable mobility. The i8 was the world’s highest-selling plug-in hybrid sports car since its launch in 2014. The updated version of the i8 Coupe was joined by the new BMW i8 Roadster in the lineup. The open-top two-seater with an electrically operated soft-top added a new sensation of freedom to the combination of locally emission-free mobility and high-caliber performance. The i8 Roadster allowed for virtually silent motoring with zero CO2 emissions, enhancing the experience of open-top driving pleasure.
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BMW i8
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LifeDrive Vehicle Architecture
Like the new BMW i8 Coupe, the new BMW i8 Roadster was based on the LifeDrive vehicle architecture, which features an aluminum chassis and a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell. The BMW eDrive technology employed in both models included a high-voltage battery with significantly expanded cell capacity and energy content, as well as an electric motor generating a higher peak output. This resulted in a noticeable increase in dynamic performance, operating range, and the amount of driving possible using purely the electric drive system.
Design and Aesthetics
The proportions, lines, and surface design of both the BMW i8 Coupe and BMW i8 Roadster marked them as belonging to a new breed of sports cars. The BMW i8 Coupe was an extremely sporty 2+2 seater, while the BMW i8 Roadster offered open-top motoring for two. The two models featured “Coupe” or “Roadster” lettering on their C-pillars. The choice of exterior paint finishes included new options such as E-Copper metallic and Donington Grey metallic.
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BMW i8
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BMW i8 Roadster Design Highlights
The BMW i8 Roadster carried over the BMW i design language into another vehicle concept, featuring individual highlights that radiated elegance and fired the emotions. The soft-top roof had a visual lightness to go with its low physical weight and served as a defining element of the silhouette, reinforcing the road-hugging impression made by the car’s low center of gravity. The body’s dynamic wedge shape was best appreciated when viewing the two-seater in profile.
When opened, the BMW i8 Roadster’s broad roof retracted fully into the rear end. A unique mechanism allowed the soft-top to be folded into a compact package and stowed away in a perpendicular position, creating around 100 liters of additional storage space behind the seats. The all-electric roof opened and closed very quietly in 15 seconds, a process which could be initiated while traveling at up to 50 km/h. Dropping down the roof raised the rear window by around 30 millimeters into a comfortable position where it could serve as a draught stop.
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BMW i8
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Lightweight Design Measures
The familiar lightweight design measures used for previous BMW i models were meticulously adapted to the specific requirements of the i8 Roadster. The open-top