Overview

If you are fortunate enough to see one, you will notice a BMW i8 rolling down the street. 

Unfortunately, the plug-in hybrid powertrain of the i8 can't pay the checks that its supercar design has signed for it. The fastest sports cars and the best plug-in hybrids on the market can outperform the i8's 369 horsepower and estimated 18 miles of all-electric range. But none of it may matter for motorists who place a premium on exclusivity and curb attractiveness.

Engine, Transmission, Performance

The i8 from BMW has just one available powerplant. This vehicle has a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged gas engine, an 11.6-kWh battery, and two electric motors. With their combined 369 horsepower, the trio of engines can move all four wheels. It's not the quickest supercar around; the roadster we tested needed 4.1 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. The same mild steering we've questioned in many recent BMWs is present in the i8. More feedback is preferred, especially in a vehicle designed for sporting purposes. Surprisingly, the ride is smooth, and road imperfections are felt but never sharply.

Interior, Comfort, Cargo

Even though the i8 prioritizes design over utility, front-seat occupants won't experience a tight fit. Due to the folding top occupying the coupe's jump seats, the i8 roadster only has enough for two occupants. Power-heated seats and leather accents are included as standard inside elements. There are no choices for heated seats, a power-adjustable steering wheel, or lumbar support in the passenger seat. Owners of less luxurious BMWs will be accustomed to the i8's infotainment system. The 8.8-inch touchscreen mounted atop the dashboard is a sharp-looking display for the design, which is essentially user-friendly. On any i8 model, Apple CarPlay is standard, but Android Auto is not. As you might anticipate, the i8 has minimal capacity for luggage and a tiny cubby area for modern conveniences. Because there is no storage in the front, unlike some mid-engine sports cars, the i8's rear baggage area is long but shallow, and we could only fit one carry-on suitcase inside.