A revelation when launched, the i8 is still a mesmerizing piece of design today, sitting low to the ground and with its two-tone paintwork. Of course, those gorgeous buttresses and the butterfly doors will never get old. The visual theatrics are boosted by 20-inch bi-color light-alloy wheels and a roof made from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic. The heated side mirrors have a power-folding feature, the doors and hood are made from lightweight aluminum, and the slim LED headlights have integrated LED daytime running lights. The Ultimate Sophisto uniquely gets 20-inch alloy wheels that are finished in E-Copper, black-painted brake calipers, and Ultimate Sophisto Edition door sills, giving the new BMW i8 variant a unique look.
The i8 measures 184.9 inches in length (with a 110.2-inch wheelbase), has a width of 76.5 inches (excluding mirrors), and stands just 50.8 inches from the ground, dimensions that contribute to its low, wide stance. Ground clearance works out to just 4.6 inches, which adds to the drama but requires caution when pulling into and out of steep driveways. BMW quotes a figure of 3,501 pounds for the i8 Coupe's curb weight.
BMW i8 Coupe Trims | Coupe |
---|---|
Max Width | 76.5 in. |
Length | 184.9 in. |
Height | 50.8 in. |
Wheelbase | 110.2 in. |
BMW i8 Coupe Trims | Curb Weight |
---|---|
Coupe | 3,501 lbs. |
Front Tire | P215/45YR20 |
Rear Tire | P245/40YR20 |
Wheels Type | Aluminum Wheels |
Front Wheel Size | 20" x 7.5" |
Rear Wheel Size | 20" x 8.5" |
With its gloss black panels and blue detailing (a signature of BMW's 'i' range), the primary color on every i8 dramatically alters its appearance. Six metallic color/accent combinations are available: E-Copper with Frozen Grey accents, Sophisto Grey with Frozen Grey, Sophisto Grey with BMW i FrozenBlue, Donington Grey, Crystal White Pearl with Frozen Grey, and Crystal White Pearl with BMW i Frozen Blue. The last two options cost an extra $1,800. While any i8 looks amazing, the Frozen Blue accents are tastefully applied and work well with the unusual curves and slashes. Sophisto Grey with E-Copper accents adorns the exterior of the Ultimate Sophisto Edition.