The technical highlight of the BMW i8 is undoubtedly BMW eDrive, drive technology developed by BMW for use in all electric and plug-in hybrid models. This is supplemented by the completely new 1.5-liter, three-cylinder petrol engine. Power from the two motors (electric at the front and petrol at the rear) is transferred to the road without any noticeable interruption of traction and, in SPORT mode, using four-wheel drive technology. Thanks to an overall system power output of 266 kW/362 hp, the BMW i8 offers the performance of a sports-car: 0–100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, with top speed being electronically limited to 250 km/h. Average fuel consumption of the BMW i8 as per ECE test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles is 2.1 litres/100 kilometers, coupled with a CO2 emission level of 49 grams per kilometer. Maximum possible vehicle range in solely electric operation is approximately 35 kilometers, whereby the battery of the plug-in hybrid can also be constantly recharged by the three-cylinder petrol engine during the journey. This means that during overland journeys for example, the BMW i8 can be driven through towns and cities at any time entirely by electric power, whilst outside built-up areas, the battery is recharged by the combustion engine so that sufficient capacity is available to drive through the next town using only the power from the electric motor.

As in the case of the BMW i3, there is significant worldwide customer interest in the BMW i8 as well. The first units are scheduled for delivery in May.

360° ELECTRIC and BMW Connected Drive make electric mobility simple.In addition to the actual vehicle, the 360° ELECTRIC program from BMW I offers customers an extensive range of products and premium services guaranteed to satisfy all needs and provide answers to all questions. These include recharging at home using the BMW i Wallbox, recharging at public charging stations, mobility assurance and the integration of innovative mobility services offered by BMW Connected Drive. The program supports the comfortable, reliable and flexible use of the electric vehicle and provides answers to all questions pertaining to electric mobility. As a result, the 360° ELECTRIC programme plays a significant role in making a BMW icustomer’s everyday life considerably easier.

Innovative driver assistance systems such as the Traffic Jam Assistant, Parking Assistant or the Collision and Pedestrian Warning Assistant with City Braking Function, as well as BMW Connected Drive mobility services exclusively adapted to suit purely electric drive technology, help cope with emission-free driving in everyday traffic conditions. In addition, navigation services especially developed within the framework of 360° ELECTRIC for the demands of electric mobility complement the proven range of BMW Connected Drive products.

Every BMW i is fitted as standard with a SIM card and a navigation system, the range of functions of which is supplemented by BMW Connected Drive services that have been specifically developed for BMW i. The Dynamic Range Assistant accompanies route planning and the current journey. If the destination chosen in the navigation system is outside the vehicle’s range, the driver is assisted by the recommendation to change either to the ECO PRO mode or the ECO PRO+ mode and by the calculation of an economically more favourable alternative route. Should it become necessary to recharge the battery at a public charging station, the respective stations available within the vicinity are then displayed to the driver.

BMW i vehicles achieve a new dimension in the networking of the driver and the car. The BMW i Remote app also provides useful mobility planning data on the customer’s smart phone. Both inside and outside the vehicle, BMW i Connected Drive offers intermodal routing that is unique worldwide and incorporates public transport connections, parking spaces and footpaths into mobility planning. From travelling in the BMW i to the search for a parking space or taking the bus or the subway right up to the final stage of the journey covered on foot, BMW Connected Drive services for BMW i guide the customer accurately and efficiently to any desire destination.