“The i8 is a great car. It is very usable yet looks stunning. The performance is very good yet it combines a level of practicality that the exterior styling wouldn't suggest.”
2016 BMW i8: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 BMW i8 is largely a carryover from 2015. The one noteworthy update is newly optional BMW Laserlight headlights; the coupe’s plug-in hybrid hardware and core equipment otherwise remain unchanged.
About the 2016 BMW i8
1st generation i8 coupe (I12, launched in the U.S. for 2014), early pre-refresh year.
BMW positioned the i8 as a futuristic sports coupe that blended dramatic styling and quick acceleration with plug-in hybrid efficiency. Rather than acting like a traditional exotic built only for weekend driving, the i8 was sold as a technology showcase: lightweight carbon-fiber construction, short all-electric commuting ability, and all-wheel-drive performance in one package. Its core appeal was getting something visually special and technically unusual without giving up everyday drivability.
The single i8 coupe trim represents the full model rather than a basic entry version. It pairs a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with a front electric motor and all-wheel drive, while a carbon-fiber passenger cell helps keep the structure light. Notable equipment includes an 8.8-inch navigation display, a head-up display, adaptive suspension, Harman Kardon audio, and a safety suite with forward collision warning and automatic braking.
What changed, by category
Tech
BMW Laserlight headlights became an option for 2016.
2016 BMW i8 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.5T |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Sequential Md |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Plug-In Hybrid |
| Horsepower | 357 hp |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 4.7 cu-ft |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| MPGe Combined | 76 |
| Alarm System | |
| Park Assist | |
| 360 Camera | |
| Alloy Wheels | |
| LED Headlights | |
| Navigation System | |
| Premium Audio | |
| Smartphone Interface | |
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |
| Heated Front Seats | |
| Leather Seats | |
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |
| Push-Button Engine Start | |
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2016 BMW i8 compared with the 2015 model?
Optional BMW Laserlight headlights are the only noteworthy update for the 2016 BMW i8. The single-trim coupe lineup, plug-in hybrid all-wheel-drive system, and core equipment otherwise carry over from 2015.
Was the 2016 BMW i8 redesigned?
No, the 2016 BMW i8 was not redesigned. It is an early, pre-refresh version of the first-generation i8 coupe and has no major structural or styling changes.
Did the 2016 BMW i8 get a different powertrain?
No, the 2016 BMW i8 keeps the same plug-in hybrid all-wheel-drive setup. It combines a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with a front electric motor.
Were BMW Laserlight headlights standard on the 2016 i8?
No, BMW Laserlight headlights were optional on the 2016 i8. Cars without that option retain the regular headlight setup.
What driver-assistance features does the 2016 BMW i8 have?
The 2016 BMW i8 has a safety suite with forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic braking. There was no lineup-wide safety update for this model year.
2016 BMW i8 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 BMW i8.
4.5
2016 BMW i8
(28 reviews)
“Truly an exhilarating vehicle. Whether simply looking at it parked or driving, it gets me excited. Even close friends with half million dollar exotics can't get enough of how amazing the car is.”
“If you want to be the talk of the town and have everyone show you instant admiration and respect when they see your car, then get the I8.”