Welcome to the BMW i8 Forum! Dedicated to all things about the i8, this forum is for prospective buyers, owners, and enthusiasts alike.

As part of the My Electric Car Forums group of sites, this forum is part of the largest network of electric vehicle enthusiasts on the internet.

First introduced at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, the BMW i8 was originally called the BMW Concept Vision  Efficient Dynamics. The BMW i8 was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show and was announced that it was destined for production.

Although specs on the production version of the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle are not available, BMW has released figures on the concept version of the i8. Using a 7.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the i8 has an all electric range of 22 miles. The top speed is electronically limited to 160 mph and can sprint from 0 mph to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The i8 is expected to deliver 80 mpg in normal driving conditions (on the European test cycle).

The i8 PHEV combines the drive system of the BMW i3 with a 129 hp electric motor powering the front wheels. The rear wheels are powered by a 1.5 liter 3 cylinder gasoline engine producing 220hp for a combined total of 349 hp.

BMW was very careful in designing this vehicle to have a low center of gravity to enhance aerodynamics and handling – they were able to locate the battery in the energy tunnel. With a front and rear motor, weight distribution is at 50/50.

Expected cost of the BMW i8 is more than €100,000 (GB£78,000 or US$122,800), according to BMW head of sales and marketing, Ian Robertson.