Refreshed BMW i8 Coupe arrives
BMW Malaysia has unveiled the BMW i8 Coupé, the new iteration of the ground-breaking BMW i8 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that epitomises the revolutionary combination of extreme power and fuel efficiency.
The new car, priced at RM1.3mil (on-the-road with 0% GST, without insurance and SST).
The high-voltage battery located centrally in the car’s underbody, gets an increased cell capacity of 33Ah from the previous 20Ah.
The electric motor output is also increased by 9kW to 105kW, and the electric range now extends to 55km (previously 37km), broadening the reach of all-electric mobility beyond the city limits.
The three-cylinder 1.5-litre turbo engine featuring direct injection and Valvetronic variable valve timing, delivers the same output of 231hp and peak torque of 320Nm.
The 2+2-seater luxury sports car with swing up doors, stands out with its low-slug silhouette, sexy proportions and lines.
Engine power is channelled to the rear wheels through a sixspeed Steptronic transmission, while the electric motor drives the front wheels via a two-speed automatic gearbox.
The combined system output produced by the electric motor and engine acting in unison has also increased to 374hp (previously 366hp) in the i8 Coupé.
It accelerates from 0-100kph in 4.4 seconds which is similar to the previous car but returns a lower fuel consumption of 1.8l/100km (previously 2.1/100km).
Built with an aluminium chassis and a carbon fibre reinforced plastic passenger cell, the i8 Coupe is pleasantly refined and its distinctive soundtrack has an even sportier note now.
Meanwhile, the Navigation System Professional of the i8 Coupe features the latest user interface, including a modern tile display with live mode.
It is controlled by the iDrive operating system, comprising both a Touch Controller on the centre console and an 8.8-inch freestanding Control Display screen.
The BMW Connected feature links the i8 Coupé with its owner’s handphone with a Remote App – which allows them to check and control their vehicles.
BMW Malaysia head of sales Raymond Tan said BMW redefined the concept of a supercar with the i8 in 2014.
“In its looks and appeal, the sports car arrived from the future but more than this, the i8 told a bold and ambitious story of the BMW Group in shaping the future of the automotive industry with Electro Mobility,” he said.