2019 BMW i8

Which i8 does Edmunds recommend?

Overall rating

In almost every way, the 2019 BMW i8 is a supercar. Its outrageous and futuristic styling draws looks from down the block, its wild flip-up doors announce your presence whenever they're opened, and the entirety of BMW's performance catalog is crammed into its low-slung carbon-composite frame. Yet, it also goes one step further — it's also a green-oriented car.

The i8 has a plug-in hybrid powertrain that's used to generate both impressive performance and high fuel economy. A turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine produces 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque and drives the rear wheels. An electric motor that peaks at 141 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque drives the front wheels. In total, the i8 develops a total of 369 hp. Powering the motor is an 11.6-kWh battery, which allows the i8 to go up to 18 miles in pure electric mode. But mainly, it's used to fill in gaps in torque from the small engine and augment traction coming out of corners.

Two body styles are available for the 2019 i8: a 2+2 coupe and a new soft-top convertible. Unsurprisingly, the coupe's rear seats are small and ideal for kids, or kids at heart. The convertible model forgoes the rear seats and uses an electric system to enable the top to fold or deploy in about 15 seconds. It can even do it while the car is in motion at speeds of up to 30 mph.

There's just one problem. Supercars are known for their bold appearances and outrageous performance, but the i8 comes up a little short on the latter. It has a top speed of 155 mph and a claimed 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.2 seconds. Those are certainly fun-inducing numbers, but they're nowhere near what similarly priced sports cars can do. Handling capability is also underwhelming for the class. And as neat as those upward-opening doors are, it's difficult to squeeze yourself between them and the high, wide doorsills.

If all you're looking for are performance numbers, the i8 is probably not the car for you. Instead, consider the i8 a rolling technology showcase, one that shows that a complete reliance on fossil fuels for propulsion is not needed to have a good time.

BMW i8 models

The 2019 BMW i8 is available as a coupe or soft-top convertible. The i8 Coupe features 2+2 seating, while the i8 Roadster subs out the seats in exchange for the roof mechanism. Both models use the same plug-in hybrid powertrain that produces a combined 369 horsepower. A turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission power the rear wheels, and an electric motor drives the front wheels through a two-speed automatic transmission.

Standard features include 20-inch alloy wheels, a driver-adjustable suspension, LED exterior lighting (headlights, foglights, running lights and taillights), automatic headlights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and driver-seat memory settings.

You also get a head-up display, a navigation system, BMW's iDrive infotainment interface with an 8.8-inch central display screen, a USB port, a Harman Kardon audio system, satellite radio and HD radio. Also included are BMW Apps (smartphone app integration), BMW Remote Services (remote-based functions done from a smartphone) and Apple CarPlay (subscription-based).

The optional Tera World package adds special interior trim and unique cloth and leather upholstery. Laser headlights are also available.

Trim tested

Driving

The BMW i8 has exotic styling and the performance to back it up ... mostly. Acceleration is quick as long as you've got the car placed in Sport mode. In our testing, the i8 sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. In the other driving modes, it becomes more ordinary. It's also worth mentioning that a lot of other performance cars these days are quicker still.

The i8 can seem clumsy in city traffic because of its grabby brakes and noticeable transition from electric to gasoline engine power. It's just not a particularly smooth car to drive. Out on the open road, the i8 is more fun to drive. The car's handling limits are easily approachable, even if they are a bit modest.

Comfort

From the outside, the i8's sleek styling might make you think it's a car that will take quite the commitment to put up with. The seats, too, look uncomfortable. But looks can be deceiving since the i8 offers comfortable seating (for two, anyway) and, at least as performance cars go, a reasonably compliant and smooth ride quality.

There's not much wind noise, but the road noise more than makes up for it. It's constant, especially on the highway. To drown it out, you'll have to crank up the sound system. We do like the climate control system. The A/C is strong, and there are plenty of air vents.

Interior

The simplicity of the i8's interior can, at first, be underappreciated. BMW has kept the controls basic, and anyone who has spent any time in a BMW over the past 10 years will immediately be comfortable interacting with the i8. The interior is not as space-age as the exterior, but that's just fine by us. You can just concentrate on the fun part: driving. The driving position is excellent and caters to a variety of body types. Forward visibility is excellent.

Getting in and out is something you'll either look forward to or dread. The upward-opening doors are easy to open and close. But getting in requires a bit of a slide down, and climbing out can't really be done gracefully. But if you just think the doors look cool, it's probably worth the effort.

Utility

No one's going to accuse the i8 of being overly practical, but it can function as a daily driver thanks to its efficient use of cargo space. Three grocery bags can fit in its 4.7 cubic feet of trunk space. That's less than what you get from an Audi R8 or Mercedes AMG GT but more than the Acura NSX.

The i8 benefits from having back seats no matter how impractical they might be. They do double duty as an interior storage shelf for larger items such as backpacks and jackets. There's even a bit of storage in the center console — just don't expect it to hold more than a phone, charging cables and some sunglasses.

Technology

The i8's older iDrive system might not offer the flash of a newer competitor's interface, but it certainly gets the job done. Navigation is quick to use and easy to read on the road, and the audio system does a good job of getting loud while maintaining clarity and balance.

The i8 falls short on other fronts, especially in this price range. Android Auto isn't supported, and even Apple CarPlay requires a subscription after a free one-year trial. The i8 is also lacking in some now nearly ubiquitous driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and high-speed emergency braking. You do get forward collision warning and low-speed emergency braking. Thankfully, both of those systems are not overly sensitive.