We all know what keyfobs tend to look like: small, clunky and largely rectangular in shape that serve the sole purpose of having built-in authentication mechanisms, but this one’s unlike anything you’ve seen from a gadget like this.
Ordinarily, key fobs don’t do much in the way of cutting edge design. But the i8 keyfob is different in so many levels, it’s hard too imagine not getting caught up on what it can do.
It can start the BMW i8, that’s for sure. It can also serve to contain lock/unlock buttons, a trunk opener, and sometimes, its own alarm. But the i8’s keyfob’s function doesn’t just end there. It also contains a high-resolution display screen that’s similar to what you can see on a lot of instrument clusters these days. This screen houses some pretty useful information, especially for a hybrid sport car like the i8.
Based on the photo of the i8 keyfob, you can see the range of the sports car before recharging and re-fueling, pretty important information that will allow you to not overcharge your sports car too much. Look closer and you’ll also notice that all-important information on when the car was last charged and whether or not the key fob itself is connected to the i8. On those important capabilities alone, you can already surmise just how revolutionary this keyfob is. Or, as those familiar with those Japanese toys: a Tamagochi, it is not.
But it doesn’t just end there; the i8 keyfob also has a handful of buttons that can be customized specifically to the needs of the owner. It really is tantamount to a mini smartphone with its own re-programmable functions.
For the price it commands a replacement key fob will cost at least USD1,000 you would be wise to keep this small yet incredibly sophisticated piece of technology as close to you as possible. That, in a nutshell, is how best to describe the BMW i8 key fob: small yet incredibly sophisticated…and really, really expensive.
