“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.”
BMW i8: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid sports car sold as a coupe and, in later years, a convertible Roadster. It is known for futuristic styling, lightweight construction, all-wheel drive, and a blend of short electric driving with gasoline power for longer trips.
The i8 spent its single generation showing that an efficient sports car did not have to look or feel ordinary. Its dramatic shape, upward-opening doors, carbon-fiber-heavy structure, and unusual plug-in hybrid system mattered more to its character than outright speed. Later cars strengthened the same idea with more power and electric range rather than changing the formula.
Strengths
- Its low, sculpted shape and upward-opening doors still give it a distinctive, futuristic presence.
- The plug-in hybrid system supports short electric trips while the gasoline engine makes longer drives easier.
- Standard all-wheel drive and carbon-fiber-heavy construction make advanced engineering central to the car’s character.
- The updated 2019 and 2020 models produce 369 horsepower and were rated for 18 miles of electric driving.
- It delivers sports-car drama without relying solely on a large engine or outright speed.
Who it's for
The i8 suits someone who wants a visually dramatic sports car with unusual engineering and enough flexibility for everyday drives. It makes the most sense for a buyer who values design, electric driving around town, and rarity more than maximum performance or generous passenger and cargo space.
BMW i8 lineup
The i8 did not have a conventional trim ladder; the core lineup centered on a single Base model. Earlier cars were coupes, while the Roadster joined in 2019 for shoppers who preferred open-air driving and did not need the coupe’s small rear seating area. The Coupe is the better fit for someone who wants the original i8 shape and occasional extra seating, while the later Roadster trades that flexibility for a convertible experience. Both retain the same basic plug-in hybrid, all-wheel-drive identity.
BMW i8 generations
From 2014 to 2020, the i8 spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2014.
1st Generation (2014–2020)
The i8 paired dramatic sports-car styling and a lightweight carbon-fiber structure with a plug-in hybrid AWD system. It launched as a coupe, then gained the Roadster and a stronger hybrid system for 2019.
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2020
The Coupe and Roadster carried over with the 369-hp plug-in hybrid system. This was the i8’s final production year.
2019Mid-cycle update
The Roadster debuted, and the full lineup received a larger battery, a stronger electric motor, 369 hp, and updated touchscreen software.
2017
The limited Protonic Red Edition joined with unique paint and trim details; the standard coupe was otherwise unchanged.
2016
Optional laser headlights were added, but the core coupe and plug-in hybrid system carried over.
2015
Keyless entry became standard. The styling, structure, and plug-in hybrid system were otherwise unchanged.
2014New generation
The all-new i8 launched as a plug-in hybrid AWD coupe with a carbon-fiber passenger structure and upward-opening doors.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the BMW i8.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW i8 fully electric?
No. The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid. It combines an electric motor and rechargeable battery with a turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine, so it can drive short distances on electricity and use gasoline for longer trips.
Does the BMW i8 have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every BMW i8 uses all-wheel drive, with an electric motor powering the front and a gasoline engine working through the rear of the car.
Did BMW make the i8 as both a coupe and a convertible?
Yes. The i8 began as a coupe, and BMW added the two-seat Roadster convertible for 2019. Both body styles continued through the end of production in 2020.
How practical is the BMW i8 for passengers and luggage?
Space is limited. Depending on body style, the i8 seats two or four people, with only 28.2 inches of rear legroom where a back seat is fitted. Cargo capacity ranges from 2.3 to 4.7 cubic feet.
What makes the BMW i8 different from a conventional sports car?
The i8 focuses on efficient performance and unusual engineering rather than outright speed alone. Its plug-in hybrid system, carbon-fiber passenger cell, aluminum chassis and dramatic design give it a different character from a traditional gasoline sports car.
How much electric range does the BMW i8 have?
Updated 2019-2020 i8 models are rated for up to 18 miles of electric driving from an 11.6-kWh battery. Earlier cars use the original, smaller battery and have less electric range.
How did the BMW i8 change over its production run?
The i8 had one generation from 2014 through 2020. Its biggest update arrived for 2019, bringing the Roadster, a larger battery, a stronger electric motor, 369 combined horsepower and newer touchscreen software.
Who is the BMW i8 a good fit for?
The i8 suits someone who wants dramatic sports-car styling with short-distance electric driving and gasoline backup. It is less suited to shoppers who need generous rear-seat room or cargo space.
BMW i8 Reviews
What owners are saying about the BMW i8.
4.5
BMW i8
(114 reviews)
“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.”
“The BMW I8 is the ultimate driving machine and there is no other vehicle that can compare to its designed and signature status. The I8 is well designed, powerful performance and just a pleasure to drive.”
“Electric part is very minor as you only get 15 miles on a charge, doors should be powered, should be handles at top of headliner to help get out of car, there is no wood dash, air conditioning doesn't work well, radio increases in volume on its own for some reason. No option for alternative radio, the car has problems when phone is plugged into charge while on blue tooth, no place to place phone in dashboard,”
“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.”
“The electric-only range of the 1-8 needs to be increased 30-50%. The current range is too short to be meaningfully useful.”