The BMW i8 improved features announced prior to customer delivery in June

With the completion of the development work and final preparations for production at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig, the launch of the BMW i8 approaches its peak. Delivery of the first customer cars will start in June 2014, beginning with the main European markets. The start of series production of customer vehicles will commence in April. Customers have already been able to place pre-orders for the BMW i8 in all major markets since autumn 2013.

Improvements to the BMW i8 specifications

In parallel to the completion of the statutory type approval the BMW engineers were also able to achieve a further improvement of driving performance and fuel consumption data. Thanks to its novel powertrain concept BMW eDrive in plug-in hybrid configuration, the i8 combines a 0–100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 4.4 seconds with an  EU test cycle average fuel consumption of 2.1 liters/100 km and CO2 emissions of 49 g/km. The related electricity consumption was measured at 11.9 kWh per 100 km.

Fuel economy improvements

Although the results achieved in the EU test cycle allow for quick comparisons with other vehicles and despite their relevance ​​for a favorable taxation in many countries, the BMW i8 engineers had a particular focus on low fuel consumption in real life.[image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”center” alt=”BMW i8 in real traffic conditions” title=”BMW i8: 2.1 l/100 km fuel consumption in urban driving conditions” height=”402″ width=”600″]https://www.car-engineer.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/BMW-i8-in-real-trafic-conditions.jpg[/image_frame]

In typical everyday commuting, with the battery fully charged at the beginning, the BMW i8 can return a fuel consumption below 5 liters/100 km around town.  If the commute includes extra-urban or motorway driving, 7 liters/100 km are achievable. Even in longer-distance operation at higher speeds, drivers can keep their average fuel consumption below 8 liters/100 km.

BMW eDrive powertrain

The BMW i8’s plug-in hybrid system comprises a 170 kW/231 hp, 320 Nm three-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a 96 kW/131 hp, 250 Nm hybrid synchronous electric motor. The BMW eDrive system also includes a lithium-ion high-voltage battery (with a usable capacity of 5,2 kWh) and intelligent energy management that uses the combined output of 266 kW/362 hp to provide the given performance and efficiency, while taking into account the driving situation and driver requirements. The balance between driving pleasure and fuel economy is aided by a vehicle weight of 1,485 kg (DIN kerb weight) and an drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.26.[image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”center” alt=”BMW i8 side view” title=”BMW i8 will feature an drag coefficient of 0.26″ height=”398″ width=”600″]https://www.car-engineer.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/BMW-i8-side-view.jpg[/image_frame]

In zero-emission all-electric mode, the BMW i8 has a top speed of 120 km/h and a range of 37 kilometers within the EU test cycle. Depending on whether the plug-in hybrid sports car’s lithium-ion battery is recharged at a household power socket or BMW i Wallbox, or at a public charging station, charging times range from two up to three hours. In Sport mode the BMW i8 offers mid-range acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h in 2.6 seconds. The electronically governed top speed is 250 km/h.

Source: BMW

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