BMW i8
BMW wrapped a carbon-fibre passenger cell around a tiny turbo engine, an electric front axle and the shape of a science-fiction supercar.
2014 BMW i8 at the Geneva Motor Show · Ank Kumar · CC BY-SA 4.0
More than a set of wheels.
BMW presented the production i8 in September 2013 and launched it in Europe in 2014. Its plug-in hybrid system combined a rear-driving 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder with an electric motor driving the front wheels. The two systems could work separately or together, giving the 2+2 coupé electric city driving and all-wheel-drive performance without using a giant engine.
Look a little closer.
The i8's centre of gravity sat less than 460 mm above the road—lower than many pure sports cars—even though it carried both an engine and a battery.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
Two powertrains, one all-wheel-drive system
There is no mechanical driveshaft joining the axles. Software blends the front electric motor with the rear gasoline engine, so the i8 can be front-wheel drive in electric mode, rear-wheel drive in some conditions, or all-wheel drive when both work together.
Source: BMW Group PressClub · production BMW i8 technical press kit ↗Lightweight construction carried the idea
BMW split the car into an aluminum Drive module for battery, powertrains and chassis, plus a carbon-fibre Life module for the cabin. The result was a 1,490 kg DIN kerb weight despite the dual powertrains and four-seat layout.
Source: BMW Group PressClub · BMW i8 specifications ↗Where these facts come from
- BMW Group PressClub · production BMW i8 technical press kit
- BMW Group PressClub · March 2014 BMW i8 specifications
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed September 30, 2026.