Becomes a Two-Seater Open-Top

BMW has unveiled the i8 Concept Spyder ahead of the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. Its basic specifications remain unchanged from the already announced coupe version, the i8 Concept. To recap, the i8 Concept is a plug-in hybrid sports car that drives the front wheels with a 96kW (131ps) electric motor and the rear wheels with a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine producing 154kW (223ps), featuring a drive system that can switch between front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive. The combined output is 260kW (354ps) with a maximum torque of 550Nm.

The design, which BMW calls "Life Drive Architecture," achieves high rigidity, excellent crash safety performance, lightweight construction that offsets the weight increase from the hybrid system, a low center of gravity, and ideal front-rear weight distribution. This is realized by using different core materials depending on the part: plastic reinforced with carbon fiber for the cockpit, and aluminum for the drive unit, chassis, and safety-related structures.

However, the i8 Concept Spyder's weight has indeed increased to 1,630kg from the i8 Concept's 1,480kg, and the 0-100km/h acceleration has also regressed from 4.6 seconds to 5 seconds. Nevertheless, it retains its combination of sporty character and ecological performance, with fuel consumption of 3ℓ/100km and an EV driving range of approximately 30km using its lithium-ion battery and electric motor. The top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h, the same as the i8 Concept.


The i8 Concept Spyder inherits distinctive design features from the i8 Concept, such as laser headlights, which are more compact and have higher luminous efficiency than LED lighting, and doors that open upwards. In addition to becoming an open-top, the i8 Concept Spyder has undergone several exterior modifications compared to the i8 Concept: the doors, which were covered in glass on the i8 Concept, are now conventional doors; it is a two-seater without rear seats; and two electric kickboards are stored under the transparent tailgate. Furthermore, according to BMW, its wheelbase is 2,650mm, overall length is 4,480mm, and width is 1922mm, making it slightly shorter and narrower than the i8 Concept's 2,800mm, 4,632mm, and 1,955mm respectively.

BMW has also released the following video, allowing you to see it in action. Although it is a concept, it is being considered for sale, and its market introduction is anticipated in 2014.