The BMW i8 stands out as a groundbreaking hybrid sports car, effectively challenging the perception that hybrids are unexciting, a notion previously associated with vehicles like the Toyota Prius. This vehicle masterfully blends performance with efficiency, housing a sophisticated powertrain that redefines what a sports car can be. Positioned between the axles is a robust 1.5-liter, turbocharged, three-cylinder engine, delivering 231 horsepower to the rear wheels. Complementing this engine is an electric motor, powered by an enhanced 11.7 kWh lithium-ion battery, generating 143 HP and driving the front wheels.
The combined power of this system culminates in an impressive total output of 374 HP, a notable increase from the earlier i8 models which offered 357 HP. This upgrade enhances the vehicle’s performance capabilities, making it even more responsive and dynamic on the road.
Upon starting, the 2019 Bmw I8 defaults to Comfort mode, intelligently utilizing the electric motor to drive the front wheels up to speeds of approximately 37 mph before seamlessly engaging the gasoline engine. For those prioritizing efficiency, Eco Pro mode adjusts engine and climate control settings to maximize fuel economy, maintaining battery power until the same 37 mph threshold. In both Comfort and Eco Pro modes, drivers have the option to activate the eDrive button, compelling the car to operate solely on electric power until the battery is depleted. BMW estimates the i8’s all-electric range to be around 75 miles, making it practical for daily commutes and city driving.
For a more spirited driving experience, Sport mode can be engaged by simply shifting the gear lever to the side. This mode transforms the driving dynamics, indicated by a shift from cool blue to an assertive orange dashboard illumination. In Sport mode, the gasoline engine remains continuously active, amplifying the three-cylinder engine’s sound and significantly sharpening throttle response. While Sport mode reduces reliance on the electric motor, it maintains a degree of electric assist, suggesting that the 2019 BMW i8 is designed to always leverage its hybrid powertrain. This integrated approach also allows for battery charging during driving, supplementing regenerative braking and engine-driven charging.
Recharging the battery can be efficiently achieved via the gasoline engine, regenerative braking, or through external charging. Using a 240-volt charger, a full recharge can be completed in approximately two hours. However, as a hybrid, many 2019 BMW i8 owners may find that regular charging is not always necessary, especially for shorter trips, thanks to its efficient hybrid system. The 2019 BMW i8 effectively blends performance and sustainability, making it a compelling option in the sports car market.
