BMW Group India recently launched the long-awaited new sub-brand BMW i in India and also its first product demonstrating the Future of Urban Mobility: the i8. The high-performance plug-in hybrid burns more adrenaline than fuel with revolutionary BMW eDrive system, innovative LifeDrive Architecture and latest BMW EfficientDynamics technologies. Ammar Alvi has more.
BMW Group India introduced the new sub-brand BMW i in India with the launch of the BMW i8, the most progressive sports car in its segment, at an exclusive event in Mumbai. The first plug-in hybrid vehicle from the sub-brand BMW i, the BMW i8 is available at BMW i dealerships in Mumbai, New Delhi and Chennai as a CBU (Completely Built-Up).
The BMW i8 features a completely new, exciting sports car design that includes comprehensive, sophisticated aerodynamics features and environment friendly materials. The fluid lines and flat silhouette of the BMW i8 give a distinctive impression of powerful forward -thrust that reveals its intriguing dynamics even when it is at a standstill. The extremely broad BMW kidney grille stretches over to the slim headlights, accentuating the width of the BMW i8 and its road-focused stance. Highlights such as the handle-free ‘scissor’ doors and strongly expressive LED headlights reveal at the first glance a compelling vision.
An exterior designed to perfection signals an interior that is similarly compelling to the last degree. The interior of the BMW i8 takes its cue from the fluid, dynamic exterior with a reprise of the layered surfaces that underpin the unique design of this car. The centre console is angled towards the driver at 12 degrees, putting all displays, instruments and controls in their direct line of sight.
The intelligent plug-in hybrid system in the BMW i8 combines the benefits of an electric motor and a petrol engine into an extraordinary driving experience: highest efficiency and maximum dynamics are simultaneously possible. The electric drive, a powerful 96 kW (131 hp) lithium-ion battery, is located on the front axle. The rear axle is driven by BMW TwinPower Turbo 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with 170 kW (231 hp) of peak performance. The petrol engine combined with the electrical boost of the hybrid system guarantees typical BMW driving pleasure. The two units deliver a total of 362 hp, accelerating the BMW i8 from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds using all four wheels in the process. Running on battery power, it achieves the top speed of 120 km/h with a maximum range of 35 kilometers. In conjunction with the combustion engine, the electric motor takes the e-powered supercar to up to 250 km/h, and depending on driving style the driving range can be up to 600 kilometers. Another impressive characteristic is record low-fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, at an average of 47.45 km/l and emission of 50.36 g/km.
The BMW i8 was conceived from the very beginning to meet the demands of a hybrid sports car. A distinctive feature conceived exclusively for BMW i is the LifeDrive vehicle architecture which significantly contributes towards weight optimisation. It includes the Life module comprising passenger -cell made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and the Drive module comprising an aluminium frame for the combustion engine and electric motor, the battery pack and the suspension. With BMW eDrive, the new BMW drive technology, the battery can be charged from any mains socket with a BMW i Wallbox or while driving. The BMW i Wallbox enables the high-voltage battery to be recharged in less than two-and-a-half hours using a conventional 220 V mains socket.
According to Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India, “Most of the futuristic technologies used in the BMW i8 are already implemented in current BMW models in some form or the other that enable enhanced performance and lower emissions.”
The BMW i8 is available at an all India ex-showroom price of Rs 2,29,00,000.
BMW i8
Engine: 131 hp lithium-ion battery; 1.5-litre petrol engine, 231 hp Performance: 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds
Mileage: Average of 47.45 km/l Price: Rs 2.29 crore (ex-showroom)