BMW Malaysia today unveiled the New BMW i8 Coupé, the new iteration of the ground-breaking BMW i8 that epitomises the revolutionary combination of extreme power and absolute efficiency.
The 2+2-seater stands out with its proportions, lines and surface design mark. The flat bonnet, visible aerodynamics measures, short overhangs, a long wheelbase, large track widths and an elongated roofline create an aura of dynamism, lightness and efficiency. The streamlined and flat silhouette of the New BMW i8 Coupé is combined with a pronounced wedge shape to give the car its classic sports-car look – an impression that is accentuated by its unmistakable scissor doors that open forward and upward in the most stylish gesture.
The New BMW i8 Coupé’s optimised aerodynamics means that air is channelled extremely effectively as it hits the car, due to the combined effects of the low bonnet, air flap control system, Air Curtains in the front apron, sealed underbody, contoured side skirts, “Stream Flow” lines of the car’s flanks, and air ducts between the rear lights and roof frame. The flow of cooling air at the front has now been rerouted. Instead of rushing out through the outlet in the bonnet, the air escapes at the sides of the car near the wheel arches and into the underbody. The New BMW i8 Coupé is fitted with the 20-inch BMW i light-alloy wheels in radial-spoke style and 516 jet black paint.
The acclaimed drivetrain of the New BMW i8 Coupé consists of an electric motor on the front axle and an internal combustion engine on the rear. The engine’s power is channelled to the rear wheels through a six-speed Steptronic transmission, while the electric motor drives the front wheels via a two-speed automatic gearbox.
The high-voltage battery is located centrally in the car’s underbody to provide a low centre of gravity, with an increased cell capacity of 33 Ah from the previous 20 Ah. The electric motor output has increased by 9 kW to 105 kW, and the electric range now extends to 55 kilometres, broadening the reach of all-electric mobility well beyond the city limits.
The turbocharged three-cylinder combustion engine featuring direct injection and VALVETRONIC variable valve timing extracts a maximum output of 231 hp from its displacement of just 1.5 litres, plus peak torque of 320 Nm. It is pleasantly refined and generates a distinctive soundtrack that now has an even sportier note. The engine also comes equipped with a particulate filter as standard that effectively absorbs all the particulate matter contained in the exhaust gases.
The combined system output produced by the electric motor and engine acting in unison has also increased to 374 hp in the New BMW i8 Coupé. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, with a fuel consumption of 1.8 litres per 100 km.
The number of driving situations where the electric motor is solely responsible for powering the car has been significantly increased. By contrast, the combustion engine is only brought into play when accelerating hard and is switched off again far more frequently with a measured driving style.
In eDrive Mode, the electric-only driving mode, acceleration and deceleration can be smoothly executed with the gas pedal only. If the driver takes the foot off the gas pedal, the electric motor assumes the function of a generator that converts the car’s kinetic energy and feeds it back into the high-voltage lithium-ion battery. This process of regenerating brake energy creates braking momentum that effectively slows down the vehicle.
In hybrid mode, the electric motor provides a power boost to assist the engine when vigorous acceleration is required. The electric motor is also able to recuperate energy and feed it to the high-voltage battery on the overrun and under braking. The petrol engine’s high-voltage starter-generator can similarly generate additional reserves of electricity, thereby ensuring that sufficient energy is on tap at all times for the electric drive system in the new BMW i8 Coupé.
The interior of the New BMW i8 Coupé continues the progressive design of the exterior with a classic BMW i8 drive orientation in line with the sporty, dynamic concept. The upper centre console to the instrument panel curves toward the driver in a very acute 12-degree angle. All controls and display elements are within perfect reach of the driver and easy to read.
The cockpit is fitted out with the BMW Head-up Display that changes to a sports display that includes revs, gears and shift lights when performing manual gear changes in SPORT mode. The Navigation System Professional features the most up-to-date user interface, including a modern tile display with live mode. It is controlled using the iDrive operating system, comprising both a Touch Controller on the centre console and an 8.8-inch freestanding Control Display screen.
Adding a futuristic touch to the interior are the open-pored CFRP Carbon trim on the centre console, door handle and dashboard inlay, the ceramic controls with an embossed i8 logo on the iDrive Controller, and the ceramic finish on the gear selection lever. The immediately impactful environment gives the driver the impression of being one with the car.
The BMW Connected links the New BMW i8 Coupé with its owner’s digital life, aided by the Remote App – which allows them to check and control their vehicles, and to stay extra-efficient even when they are on the go. BMW Connected offers a range of conveniences, including showing the current charge status, the range and departure time to ensure the vehicle is charged for the next trip, helping the driver search for charging stations and have the location sent directly to the vehicle for them, as well as access to the efficiency rating of the last trip, tutorials for particularly efficient driving and the CO2 calculator. Remote functions such as Remote Door Lock & Unlock, Remote Light Flash and Remote Horn Blow can also be activated.
The New BMW i8 Coupé’s exterior comes in Crystal White with a Frozen Grey highlight, or the new BMW Individual special paintwork Donington Grey, with the interior in Black Amido or Accaro respectively. The New BMW i8 Coupé will be available at all authorised BMW i dealerships nationwide from Tuesday, 14th August 2018.
