More electric range for BMW i8 Coupé and Roadster introduced
BMW has revealed the production version of the new i8 Roadster and new Coupé at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
New BMW i8 Roadster and updated Coupé revealed at LA Auto Show
With the introduction of the new Roadster, BMW has taken the opportunity to mildly improve the powertrain of the i8 Coupé, as well as introduce a few new features.
The plug-in hybrid drive system has been improved with a lithium-ion battery change from 20 to 34Ah, which increases capacity from 7.1 to 11.6kWh. In turn, this offers a greater electric range of 55 kilometres for the Coupé and 53 kilometres for the Roadster.
In addition, the electric motor powering the front wheels has received a modest update of 12hp to 143hp and 250Nm torque, which aids the electric motor to drive independently of the 1.5-litre petrol engine at speeds up to 105km/h in normal driving mode, while in eDrive electric-only mode speeds up to 120km/h are possible.
Despite changes made to the electrical components, BMW says the petrol engine remains untouched with an output of 231hp and 320Nm torque.
However, the improvements to electrification bode well for company buyers who will benefit from reduced overall CO2 emissions of 42g/km for the Coupé and 46g/km for the Roadster. Official combined fuel consumption is 1.9l/100km for the Coupé and 2.1l/100km for the Roadster. BMW states all figures are provisional and based on NEDC derived WLTP equivalents.
Performance remains brisk at 4.4 seconds for the 0-100km sprint for the Coupé and 4.6 seconds for the Roadster.
The Roadster suffers a 60kg weight penalty over the Coupé, due to added torsional stiffness required after removing the roof, and the added loss of the rear-two seats. The roof is, of course, electric and can fold away in 15-seconds at speeds up to 50km/h. When lowered, the roof is stored in a vertical position within the body, which BMW says adds around 100 litres of storage behind the seats.
Externally, new paint colours will be offered and both the Coupé and Roadster receive name badges on the C-pillars.
At the time of writing, BMW has not yet stated pricing for either the revised Coupé or new Roadster, but has said that market launch is expected to begin from May 2018.
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Jonathan Musk
Jonathan turned to motoring journalism in 2013 having founded, edited and produced Autovolt - one of the UK's leading electric car publications. He has also written and produced books on both Ferrari and Hispano-Suiza, while working as an international graphic designer for the past 15 years. As the automotive industry moves towards electrification, Jonathan brings a near-unrivalled knowledge of EVs and hybrids to Fleet World Group.
