“The handling/acceleration/performance and the driver interface is unlike anything I've owned before. The entirety of the driving dynamic is thrilling and makes every drive feel like an adventure. The appeal of the i8 is near universal and creates opportunity to discuss the car and other's perception of it.”
2019 BMW i8: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2019 BMW i8 is its upgraded plug-in hybrid system, which brings a larger 11.6-kWh battery, 369 hp, and up to 18 miles of electric range. This is a major update year that also introduces the first i8 Roadster.
About the 2019 BMW i8
1st generation (2014-2020), major 2019 update year and first Roadster; second-to-last model year.
BMW positions the i8 as a plug-in hybrid sports car that mixes supercar looks with usable electric driving. The appeal is not outright track-car speed; it is the blend of striking gullwing-door design, carbon-fiber construction, all-wheel-drive traction, and the ability to do short trips quietly on electric power alone. Against other exotic cars, the i8 stands out by making efficiency part of the performance story instead of treating it as an afterthought.
The 2019 i8 is a plug-in hybrid AWD sports car offered as a Coupe with tiny rear seats or a two-seat Roadster with a folding roof. Both use a carbon-fiber passenger compartment and feature adaptive suspension, an 8.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, and Harman Kardon audio.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A larger 11.6-kWh battery and stronger electric motor raise combined output to 369 hp. Electric-only range increases to as much as 18 miles, and the i8 can remain in electric drive at higher speeds than before.
Styling
BMW revises the front-end airflow details.
Tech
The infotainment system moves to newer iDrive 6.0 software.
Structural
The two-seat i8 Roadster joins the Coupe, bringing a folding-roof body style to the lineup for the first time.
2019 BMW i8 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 1.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Plug-In Hybrid |
| Horsepower | 369 hp |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 2.3–4.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 28.2 in |
| Seats | 2–4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Electric Range | 18 |
| MPGe Combined | 69 |
| Alarm System | |
| 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
Was the 2019 BMW i8 a major update over the 2018 model?
Yes. The 2019 BMW i8 receives a stronger plug-in hybrid system, a larger battery, more electric range, updated infotainment software, revised front-end airflow details, and the first Roadster body style.
How much power does the 2019 BMW i8 have?
The 2019 BMW i8 produces 369 hp from its turbocharged three-cylinder engine and electric-motor system. Power goes through an AWD system.
How far can the 2019 BMW i8 drive on electricity?
The 2019 BMW i8 has an electric-only range of up to 18 miles. Its larger 11.6-kWh battery also helps it stay in electric drive at higher speeds than the previous model.
Did the BMW i8 Roadster debut for 2019?
Yes. The two-seat 2019 i8 Roadster is the first convertible body style in the i8 lineup, while the Coupe retains its tiny rear seats.
What technology changed in the 2019 BMW i8?
The 2019 BMW i8 moves to BMW’s newer iDrive 6.0 infotainment software. It retains an 8.8-inch touchscreen with navigation and Apple CarPlay.
2019 BMW i8 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 BMW i8.
4.3
2019 BMW i8
(24 reviews)
“Owning a bmw i8 roadster make me feel I am on a summer vacation all the time somewhere in Europe Out of all the vehicle that I owned in my life and I owned over 75 vehicles the I8 roadster is my favorite drive”
“It is TOTALLY IMPRACTICAL! It's hard to get in and out of. It has less storage than an envelope, the visibility in traffic is terrible, BUT it has 'drop dead styling and is great 'restaurant jewelry'. It' also relatively 'pricey'.”