2018 BMW i8 Roadster

BMW’s first step in the direction of sustainable automobiles was implementing “Project i” marketed as a sub-brand for their all new electric fleet. After 4 years of EV concepts at motor show’s globally and the Vision Efficient Dynamics concept featured in the film “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol” the BMW i8 was released at the 2013 German International Motorshow making it one of the very few manufacturer vision concept cars to make to the real world.

As if designed by an extra-terrestrial the i8 is a lot to take visually, the contrast between the paintwork and the blacked-out panels, the split C-pillar that channels air over the rear hip and through the lamp cluster plus the side skits that push air under the car, all of this aero design help the i8 achieve a drag of 0.26 Cd for further running efficiency.

Opening the butterfly doors that hinge upward from the A-pillar make every entry an event, the interior cabin features a head up display, carbon interior trims, digital dashboard, a beautiful swooping leather dash, familiar BMW style air vents and equipment with an added sci-fi awe of Blue LED lighting throughout the cabin.

Its passengers are sat within a carbon fibre constructed cell and the body panels are made from aluminium giving the car a total weight of just 1485kg. It’s electric motor powers the front wheels through a 2-speed electric transmission and the rear is powered by it’s 1.5 litre TwinPower 3-Cylinder Turbo Petrol Engine through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Whilst the car will drive predominately with its electric motor, the petrol engine will engage when the lithium ion battery is nearing its minimal range or if you select the gear lever into sport… a rorty exhaust note will be heard and all the dials will turn red.

Combining both motors, the Roadster produces 369 horsepower and will achieve 0 – 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 250km/h. The soft-top is capable of dropping in just 15 seconds up to 50km/h along with a pop-up rear window that can be dropped or raised in closed or open-top configuration to cut down on buffeting at speed.

Available here we have a 2018 BMW i8 Roadster ordered in Donington Grey Metallic paintwork contrasted with a Gloss Black c-pillar and bootlid and optioned with the desirable Halo Design Interior Package.

Virtually new this BMW has travelled just 2,657 kilometres and includes the following features:

• Halo Design Interior Package

• Special Order Donington Grey Metallic

• Seat Belts in BMW I Blue

• 20-inch Radial-spoke Styling 516 Alloy Wheels

• Travel Package

• Connected Drive Service Package

• Driving Assistant

• Lights Package

• Head Up Display

• Harman Kardon Premium Hifi

• Brake Calipers Painted

• BMW Display Key

• Dry Carbon Interior Trim

• Velour Floor Mats

• Interior and Exterior Mirror Package

• Driver and Passenger Heated Seats

• LED Headlights with Extended Features

• Concierge Services

• DAB Tuner

An exciting drive due to its 50/50 weight distribution and its immediate assisted-electric power delivery along with its civilised, comfortable and luxurious behaviour for day to day driving, this BMW i8 truly symbolizes the future of the supercar.