2014 BMW i8: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2014 BMW i8 is an all-new model and the first i8 sold in the US. Its headline feature is a 357-hp plug-in hybrid system that combines a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, a front electric motor, and AWD.
About the 2014 BMW i8
1st generation i8 coupe (I12, 2014-2020), first model year.
BMW positions the i8 as a sports car for buyers who want exotic looks and real pace without giving up efficiency. Its core appeal is the mix of plug-in electric driving, lightweight carbon-fiber construction, and dramatic styling in a 2+2 coupe. Compared with more conventional sports cars, the i8 stands out as a technology showcase: it is meant to feel advanced, environmentally aware, and unmistakably different every time you walk up to it.
BMW positioned the sole 2014 i8 trim as a complete technology showcase rather than an entry-level version. It is a 2+2 sports coupe with upward-opening doors, a carbon-fiber passenger cell, full LED exterior lighting, an 8.8-inch navigation display, and a digital instrument display.
What changed, by category
2014 BMW i8 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3-Cyl, Hybrid Turbo, 1.5L |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Sequential Mode |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Plug-In Hybrid |
| Horsepower | 362 hp |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 4.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 28.2 in |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| MPGe Combined | 76 |
| Alarm System | |
| Park Assist | |
| Alloy Wheels | |
| LED Headlights | |
| Navigation System | |
| Premium Audio | |
| Smartphone Interface | |
| Leather Seats | |
| Push-Button Engine Start | |
Frequently asked questions
Is 2014 the first model year for the BMW i8?
Yes. The 2014 BMW i8 is the first model year of the first-generation i8 coupe and marks the model’s US launch.
Is the 2014 BMW i8 a plug-in hybrid?
Yes. The 2014 i8 is a plug-in hybrid with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and a front electric motor. Together they produce 357 hp.
Does the 2014 BMW i8 have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every 2014 BMW i8 has AWD through its combined gas-and-electric powertrain, including an electric motor that drives the front wheels.
What makes the 2014 BMW i8’s construction unusual?
The 2014 i8 uses a carbon-fiber passenger cell over an aluminum chassis structure. Its lightweight construction is a defining part of the launch-year design.
What technology is standard in the 2014 BMW i8?
The 2014 i8 has standard navigation with a freestanding 8.8-inch screen, a digital instrument display, LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, and electronically controlled suspension.
2014 BMW i8 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2014 BMW i8.