The form of BMW's first electric vehicle has finally been revealed: theBMW i3BMW i3". Following this, the BMW i brand has partially unveiled the latest information on the 2+2 seater plug-in hybrid sports car, the "BMW i8."

Its fundamental concept is the same as its sister model, the i3. Like the i3, which achieves overwhelming lightness for an electric vehicle, the i8 is lightweight and aerodynamically optimized with a Cd value of 0.26. It employs a structure where the passenger cell is made of CFRP, and aluminum is extensively used for the powertrain and chassis. The battery is mounted low in the center of the vehicle, achieving a low center of gravity and a 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution.

What sets the i8 apart from the i3 is its powertrain. It is a hybrid car that combines an electric device called BMW eDrive technology with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder twin-power turbo engine, which is essentially half of BMW's renowned inline-six engine.

The gasoline engine drives the rear wheels, producing a maximum output of 170 kW (231 hp) and a peak torque of 320 Nm. The front wheels are driven by an electric motor with 96 kW (131 hp) and 250 Nm. The distribution of drive and output from the two powertrains is variable, with the total system output and torque reaching 266 kW (362 hp) and 570 Nm. Its acceleration performance, advertised as smooth acceleration, is 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The set maximum speed is 250 km/h.

The interior, like the i3, extensively uses natural materials. Furthermore, weight reduction has been thoroughly pursued down to the smallest details, including the instrument panel, air vents, and streamlining of wiring. The glass is made of a chemically strengthened material used in smartphones, marking its first application in a mass-produced automobile. A double-layered glass is reportedly used for the partition separating the passenger space from the trunk.

It also features functions to adjust suspension settings and powertrain modes, with Sport, Comfort, and ECO PRO available.

The BMW i8 aims to become a member of the new generation of sports cars, offering BMW's signature "driving pleasure" along with high environmental performance. Further information is expected to be released. With its commercialization imminent in 2014, it will undoubtedly come to Japan as well.

BMW i8 | BMW i8
Body Dimensions | Length 4,689 x Width 1,942 x Height 1,293 mm
Wheelbase | 2,800 mm
Weight | 1,490 kg or less
Engine | 1,499cc Inline 3-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC Turbo
Maximum Output | 170 kW (231 hp)
Maximum Torque | 320 Nm
Motor Maximum Output | 96 kW (131 hp)
Motor Maximum Torque | 250 Nm
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 or less
Maximum Speed | 250 km/h
Maximum Speed in EV Mode | 120 km/h
Fuel Consumption | 2.5 L/100km
CO2 Emissions | 59 g/km
Driving Range | 500 km or more
EV Driving Range | Approx. 35 km