2019 BMW i8 Review
2019 BMW i8 Review





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Used i8 for sale
Appraise This CarBMW i8 types
- Coupe
- Convertible
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Edmunds' Expert Review

byCalvin Kim
Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.Pros
- Excellent integration of powertrain and in-car technology
- Futuristic design turns plenty of heads
- Clean interior that differentiates itself from other BMWs
- Odd powertrain and high price guarantee exclusivity
Cons
- Performance lags behind competitors
- Difficult to get in and out of
- Few available advanced driving aids
- Powertrain is a little unrefined for a car at this price
What's new
- More power and EV range this year
- New convertible model
- Part of the first i8 generation introduced for 2014
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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 BMW i8 2dr Coupe AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded and $0.14 per kWh for electricity in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$138/mo for i8 Base
i8 Base
vs
$170/mo
Avg. Midsize 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.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
7.5 / 10Sports cars were originally all about bravado. Now, they can't be one-trick ponies. The BMW i8 exemplifies the new generation by combining brains with brawn. A modern composite chassis and cutting-edge hybrid powertrain technology give the i8 dynamic performance as well as electric-only driving.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the BMW i8 Coupe (turbo 1.5L inline-3 plug-in hybrid | 6-speed and 2-speed automatics | AWD).
Scorecard
Overall | 7.5 / 10 |
Driving | 7.5 |
Comfort | 8.0 |
Interior | 7.5 |
Utility | 6.5 |
Technology | 6.5 |
Driving
7.5The 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
8.0From 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
7.5The 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
6.5No 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
6.5The 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.
Which i8 does Edmunds recommend?
After you decide on going topless with the new i8 convertible or keeping the carbon fiber above your head with the i8 Coupe, there's not much to choose from. We haven't tested an i8 with the optional laser headlights, but getting to tell your friends, "It has freakin' lasers!" could very well be worth the price of admission alone.
2019 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.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2019 BMW i8.
5 star(83%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
6 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Absolutely amazing experience into the future
Jim K, 09/06/2018
2019 BMW i8 2dr Convertible AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A)
I have been driving my i8 roadster for a month. What an experience! The handling has been much improved and extended battery certainly makes more sense now. Fit and finish has been stepped up and at he top in super car range. I find performance more than adequate. Other cars achieve better acceleration because of launch control. In daily driving no one uses launch control anyway; i8 … achieves optimal acceleration without launch control which is a plus. Handling is awesome and ride much better than any car similar in its class. This car rides like a coupe. Most convertibles suffer from structural rigidity which can affect handling and ride. The i8 roadster doesn’t; this is a huge plus!
5 out of 5 stars
Unique and Misunderstood
Thomas H., 06/30/2022
2019 BMW i8 2dr Convertible AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A)
I have now owned the i8 for seven months which for me is quite unusual. Typically, I grow tired of a vehicle after just a few months. This car has been different. I still go into my garage just to look at it and admire its styling. I really like owning a vehicle that is unique and that is rarely seen, and that is very true of the i8, especially my roadster model. So far, it has been … trouble-free, very economical to run (with the current high gas prices),and shows typical German build quality. I would have preferred if it was totally electric, but since most of my driving is local, I am able to mainly use the 30+ mile electric range without having to make use of the three-cylinder gas engine. It is comforting to know that it is available, and I have found it to be quite adequate for my needs. I do not understand all the criticism about its size. So far, I have been very pleased with the car and would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting something truly special.
5 out of 5 stars
Piece of Automotive History
Jstew, 03/06/2022
2019 BMW i8 2dr Convertible AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A)
The I8 what some may feel is a “douche car” so either people want a photo of it, gawk at it or literally think you are a yuppie or muscle car guys think you are a fool cause it’s not 550hp. The reality is it’s gorgeous looking. It drives and handles well. It’s fun in Sport Mode which helps recharge the battery to mitigate having to plug it in as often. It’s unique and you can say that … you are in an elite group who have owned a vehicle with butterfly lambo doors. It will def be a collectors car. It’s like a cross between super and GT but really neither. It is what it is. It’s in its own kinda category and makes a statement years after it’s debut. Now that’s a car that’s aging gracefully. With a 2024 full electric vehicle coming out in 2024 the ‘19-20 i8’s should retain their value give they are hybrids which will be more desirable as we move to full electric vehicles.
5 out of 5 stars
Increditable
Richardcg, 04/23/2022
2019 BMW i8 2dr Coupe AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A)
OMG, OMG Nice. It's a wonder to drive, nice, smooth and fast. Not as fast as my Z06 but a fun drive none the less.
2019 i8 Highlights
Coupe
Base MSRP | $147,500 |
---|---|
EV Tax Credits & Rebates | $4,000 |
Engine Type | Plug-in hybrid |
EPA Electric Range | 18 miles |
Combined MPGe (Electric + Gas) | 69 MPGeMPGe is the official metric that the EPA uses to measure the efficiency of alternative-fuel (including electric) vehicles. Just like regular MPG shows how far a car will travel on one gallon of gas, MPGe shows how far a vehicle will drive on 33.7kWh of electricity - the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline. Combined MPGe is the combined total of 45% city MPGe + 55% highway MPGe. |
Cost to Drive | $138/month |
Total Charging Time (240V) | 3.0 hours |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 4.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the i8 models:
- ConnectedDrive Services
- Lets you know about traffic and parking spots and, in case of accidents, can connect you to BMW's Accident Assistance for vehicle support.
- BMW Laserlight
- Helps drivers see farther down dark roads, with advanced laser projection technology.
- Active Driving Assistant
- Warns of potential front collisions with vehicles or pedestrians and if the i8 is about to leave its lane.
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