We've just witnessed the launch of what is probably the most exciting hybrid car there has ever been: the BMW i8 is here, and you can buy one for a stratospheric ₹2.29 crore (ex-showroom, India). But then, the i8 looks other-worldly, too.
BMW says this is the most forward-looking of all sportscars, and you can't disagree. It's got the typical low and slinky sportscar stance, along with those handle-free scissor doors. But then, you've got layered surfaces inside out, full LED headlights, and if the front still conforms to BMW values, the rear end is completely mad. We quite like it.
This is a ground-breaking project - only BMW's second 'i' model, the i8 brings in stuff like a super-stiff passenger cell moulded entirely out of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), a material stronger than most others, aluminium-CFRP doors, a full aluminium chassis, a slim piece of glass separating the seating area from the boot, and optional CFRP wheels, all made from a majority of recycled materials. The result of all this new-age trickery is that even though the i8 is a hybrid, it only weighs 1,490kg and boasts of perfect 50:50 weight distribution. And, those numbers aside, the i8 can seat four at a pinch.
There's more new tech that has filtered through to the i8. BMW's new 1.5-litre, three-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol motor makes its debut, and it sends 228bhp and 320Nm of torque to the rear wheels through a six-speed auto 'box. Giving it company is an eDrive synchronous electric motor that churns out 128bhp and 250Nm of twist, which drives the front wheels through a two-stage transmission. Together, both these powerplants send drive to all four wheels, and provide the i8 with a total output of 356bhp and 570Nm of torque. BMW claims this will take the i8 from 0-100kph in 4.4 seconds, and on to a top speed of 250kph. No doubting its sportscar credentials, then.
Using the Driving Experience Control switch and eDrive button, the driver can choose from a total of five driving modes - electric only, in which case the i8 will do up to 35 kilometres on electric power alone with a top whack of 120kph, Comfort to balance efficiency and power, Sport mode, where the electric motor provides instant boost, and Eco Pro mode to maximise efficiency. Driven with sufficient caution, the i8 will offer a combined range of 600km. BMW also quotes a fuel efficiency figure of 47.45kpl for the i8 in Indian conditions.
As standard, you get satellite navigation, a full-colour head-up display, fully-digital instrument display, BMW iDrive with a freestanding Control Display, a Harman Kardon stereo with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, cruise control with braking function, and front and rear parking sensors with a reverse camera. BMW's also providing - as standard - the i Wallbox to let owners charge their car at home in just two and a half hours using a 220V mains socket.
Shipped in as a completely built unit, the i8 will be available in four colours: white, silver, blue and grey, and will be sold only through BMW i dealers in Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. Want one?
No comments:
Post a Comment