BMW i8 launched in India for Rs 2.29 Crore

The BMW i8 hybrid supercar has been launched in India for Rs 2.29 Crore (All India ex-showroom). The vehicle was first shown as a concept car in 2009 and then in full production form in early 2013 with sales beginning for the European market later that year. During the 2014 Indian Auto Expo, BMW, under the auspices of master blaster Sachin Tendulkar, unveiled the i8 plug-in hybrid for the Indian market. It is the second hybrid vehicle from the Bavarian automaker after the 7 Series Active hybrid which was launched in India last year.

The external design of the BMW i8 harks back to that of the 8 Series range of cars that were sold in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This design is characterised by its low slung body style, large hood and stubby back, something that the i8 has managed to embody and yet, still look modern as possible. The front gets a flat twin kidney grille, oblong-shaped full LED headlights and a strange looking bumper that has aerodynamically enhanced wings just below the headlamps. The windshield is raked sharply and further adds to the low look of the car.
The side profile is low and characterised by the scissor doors which opens upwards and out providing the i8 with true sportscar credentials. It gets its own special design for the alloy wheels as well as various aerodynamic creases and lines for improved efficiency and to add to the futuristic appearance.
At the rear is a futuristic interpretation of BMW’s current tail lamp design and bits of body work that act as spoilers. The rear bumper appears to be wider towards the edges in a bid to maintain an even design over the flared wheel arches.

Inside, the i8 gets BMW's standard interior design right down to the layout and individual components. Some of the features include full digital gauges, leather trim and chrome garnish for the AC vents and buttons.
The i8 is a plugin hybrid vehicle which means that it is powered by two engines. The rear wheels get a 1.5-litre three cylinder twin-turbo petrol engine producing 213bhp and 320Nm of torque. Power is transmitted via a six-speed AT. The front wheels are connected to an electric motor via a two-stage AT box. This motor produces the equivalent of 131bhp and is mated to a 5kWh lithium-ion battery. This combination takes the total output to 362bhp and 570Nm of torque allowing the i8 to do 0-100kmph in 4.4 seconds. This setup also gives the i8 a very impressive 39.9kmpl (under European test conditions).
BMW’s i8 represents a quantum leap in terms of car design and gives us an idea of what sports cars will be like 10 years from now. The BMW i8 is being brought here via the CBU route and currently has no competition as it is the only vehicle of its class and design in the Indian market.