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January 13, 2015
Driving the BMW i8 Along the American West Coast | BMW
BMW i8 | BMW i8
Creativity, Innovation, and Style Shared with Louis Vuitton
Driving the BMW i8 on the American West Coast
The BMW "i8," a car that embodies creativity, technological innovation, and style, has impressed Louis Vuitton enough to inspire the creation of a dedicated bag. This plug-in hybrid boasts a cutting-edge powertrain, a carbon-fiber chassis, and a complex exterior design. BMW even launched a new sub-brand, "BMW i," to underscore the i8's boundary-pushing nature. Tatsuya Kushima took the i8 for a spin in California to experience it firsthand.
Text by KUSHIMA Tatsuya
The i8 Draws Attention Even in the City
It had been about two years since my last drive on the Pacific Coast Highway. Looking around the city, it seemed a bit different from before, with Priuses everywhere, including taxis. Even among eco-cars, there were more luxury models like Tesla'sModel S and Lexus'sRX450h, suggesting the economy might be improving.
Amidst this, driving the BMWi8 caused quite a stir. At every stoplight, people in adjacent cars would loudly ask questions, regardless of whether the windows were up. What was interesting was that they recognized the i8 as a hybrid. Most of the questions were about fuel efficiency. Naturally, I couldn't answer immediately in gallons.—.
It was in this environment that BMW chose Santa Monica, California, as the starting point for the international test drive of the new i8. This location, with its stringent emissions regulations, is a key market for the car. Furthermore, the styling alone made it clear how popular the i8 was with Americans, even after just a short drive.
The BMW i8 has three main highlights: its supercar-like styling with dihedral doors, advanced carbon technology, and plug-in hybrid technology. The passenger cell is made of CFRP (carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic), achieving both high rigidity and light weight. The powertrain combines the familiar BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor, delivering a combined maximum output of 362 horsepower (231 hp + 131 hp).
BMW i8 | BMW i8
Creativity, Innovation, and Style Shared with Louis Vuitton
Driving the BMW i8 on the American West Coast (2)
Controlling This Body with Precision
So, what is it like to drive?
Opening the dihedral doors, I carefully stepped over the high sill. The trick is to enter with your rear first. If you try to put your legs in first, your head might hit the door. Once seated, the eye point is indeed low, but it doesn't feel particularly awkward. All controls are smooth and quiet, so despite its appearance, it lacks the raw, exotic feel of a supercar.
However, once I started driving, I realized the engine and exhaust notes were incredibly good. The sound that reached my ears was surprisingly racy.
When I inquired about this with the development team, I learned that the sound had been intentionally tuned. They explained that the engine sound is deliberately channeled into the cabin and then amplified through the speaker system, a technique also used by cars like Mazda'sAtenza. They also mentioned that a three-cylinder engine, essentially half of a six-cylinder, produces a good sound inherently.
Acceleration is incredibly rapid thanks to the electric motor's substantial torque, providing that familiar EV sensation of being pushed back into the seat. Yet, BMW controls this with their unique technology. While the motor typically delivers maximum torque upon acceleration, it's set up here for more linear power delivery. This is a characteristic BMW touch.
In Sport mode, the engine is actively engaged, and the dedicated motor supports it. So, don't underestimate the 1.5-liter three-cylinder. The 0-100 km/h sprint is under 4.4 seconds, and the top speed of 250 km/h is more than adequate. Some say it can go faster, but it's deliberately limited for thermal management.
The handling is pure BMW. The 50:50 front-rear weight distribution is perfectly achieved. The steering response is superb, reflecting the lightness of the front and the cabin. The driver can control this car with absolute precision.
BMW i8 | BMW i8
Creativity, Innovation, and Style Shared with Louis Vuitton
Driving the BMW i8 on the American West Coast (3)
Louis Vuitton created a specialcarbon-fiber travel bag specifically for this car. While not a complimentary accessory and carrying a significant price tag, these exclusive items are a welcome gift for owners. The collection includes two travel bags and a business case, as well as a garment bag, all designed to fit the luggage dimensions.
Regarding this collaboration, Patrick Louis Vuitton, head of Louis Vuitton's special order department, reportedly said, "This collaboration perfectly encapsulates the shared values of creativity, innovation, and style that both brands hold."
This sentiment, perhaps, reflects the shared understanding of a long-standing brand that never stops evolving. Personally, I feel this elevates the BMW i8 beyond being just a niche vehicle. It possesses a fashionable appeal recognized even by a maison brand. The collaboration with Louis Vuitton is certainly news that would generate buzz, especially in places like California.
BMW i8 | BMW i8
Body Dimensions | Length 4,689 x Width 1,942 x Height 1,298 mm
Wheelbase | 2,800 mm
Weight | Under 1,490 kg
Engine | 1,499 cc Inline 3-cylinder, Direct Injection DOHC Turbo
Maximum Output | 170 kW (231 hp)
Maximum Torque | 320 Nm (32.6 kgm)
Motor Maximum Output | 96 kW (131 hp)
Motor Maximum Torque | 250 Nm (25.5 kgm)
System Maximum Output | 266 kW (362 hp)
System Maximum Torque | 570 Nm
Transmission | 6-speed Automatic
Drivetrain | 4WD
Tires Front/Rear | 195/50R20 / 215/45R20
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 4.5 seconds
Maximum Speed | 250 km/h
Maximum Speed in EV Mode | 120 km/h
Fuel Consumption | 2.5 L/100 km (approx. 40 km/L)
CO2 Emissions | 59 g/km
Driving Range | Over 500 km
EV Driving Range | Approx. 35 km
Price (incl. tax) | 19.17 million yen