Driven: BMW i8 Prototype

Autocar has driven the BMW i8 prototype, and the preliminary impressions are positive. Read their review and you’ll see phrases like “fantastically addictive”, “utterly intriguing”, and “unreservedly fun”.

Though Autocar heaps a load of praise on the i8, they stop short of saying it will be a track-day hero, but an exciting new car, nevertheless. Just like many in the press were pleasantly surprised by the BMW i3’s driving manners, it appears the i8 is of the same fate.

BMW expects the i8 to cost about the same as its direct competitor, the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S; that’s a bargain considering how much carbon fiber and aluminum this futuristic sports car uses. Let’s also remember the i8 generates 362 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque when its 1.5L three-cylinder engine and electric motors are at full boil. It will dash to 60 in 4.5 seconds, do 155 mph, weigh 77 fewer pounds than a Z4, seat four, and it will be one of the most fuel-efficient cars ever built. That is a tremendous amount of accomplishments for one car, so if you have been hating the concept of the BMW i8, begin to let your hatred go because the more you learn about this car, the more you’ll like it.

via [Autocar]