Expect only limited units to be allocated for India.
Ahead of a launch that is reported to take place next month, the BMW i8 hybrid sports car was spotted at a dealership in Mumbai. The car spotted here is the first example of a right-hand drive i8 in India (the Auto Expo showcase car was a left-hand drive unit).
The i8's 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine is assisted by an electric motor. The engine alone is good for 231 PS (227.74 bhp) and 320 Nm of torque, but the motor adds an additional 131 PS (129.15 bhp) and 250 Nm. Combined, the i8 produces 362 PS (356.9 bhp) and 570 Nm of torque.
That may not sound like too much, but when the car's relatively light 1,485 kg kerb weight is factored in, the numbers do look better. 0-100 km/h takes only 4.4 seconds while the i8 will hit an electronically limited top-speed of 250 km/h, just like a V8-powered M5. It can even run on pure electricity for 37 km with speeds reaching 120 km/h.
Also see: Old vs New - 2016 BMW 7 Series vs older model
With demand having far exceeded production capacity, expect BMW India to sell only limited units of the i8 in the country, adding further to its exclusivity.
Launch date: Next month
Expected Price: INR 2 crores, ex-Showroom
BMW i8 – Spyshot Gallery
[Spyshots from BharathAutos]
