The latest BMW i8 hybrid which rolled off the production line in Leipzig celebrates a significant milestone. Since its launch in in 2014, there were 20,000 BMW i8 units manufactured and delivered to markets around the globe. This makes the BMW i8 one of the most successful plug-in hybrids in the world. The anniversary vehicle is a BMW i8 Roadster Ultimate Sophisto Edition of which only 400 units are built – 200 Coupés and 200 Roadsters. The BMW i8 number 20,000 is intended for a customer in Germany.
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According to BMW, both the i8 Coupe and Convertible feature Sophisto Grey metallic paint with E-Copper accents applied to the 20-inch radial-spoke BMW i light alloy wheels, kidney grille inserts and side skirt accent. The tailgate inlay is finished in High-gloss Black while C-pillar trim elements in Shadowline. The brake calipers are also painted High-gloss Black and feature blue detailing and BMW i badging.
Furthermore, the door sill plates display the words “Ultimate Sophisto Edition” and an interior badge adds the car’s status as being “1 of 200”. E-Copper detailing carries into the i8’s interior. But despite its futuristic appearance and great success, the BMW i8 will reach the end of its lifecycle next year. A successor is in works already and we’ve already seen what it might look like from the BMW Vision M Next preview.
Hans-Peter Kemser (Head of BMW Plant Leipzig): “The BMW i8 is a very special automobile that stands for driving pleasure in Leipzig in a unique way. We at the factory are all very proud to produce this flagship of the BMW brand. Presenting this combination of highly innovative materials and forward-looking drive concepts in a stable and efficient production process is still unique in the automotive industry worldwide. Only the employees of the BMW Group Leipzig plant have this competence and experience. ”
The i8 Coupe and Roadster BMW Ultimate Sophisto Edition feature as standard equipment:
- Sophisto Grey exterior paint with E-Copper accents
- E-Copper Leather upholstery
- Exclusive 20-inch Style 516 wheels finished in E-Copper
- Ultimate Sophisto Edition 1 of 200 interior badge
- Ultimate Sophisto Edition door sills
- Black painted brake calipers
- Head-Up Display
- Navigation with Apple CarPlay Compatibility
- Harman-Kardon Audio System
- Ceramic controls
- Anthracite headliner (i8 Coupe)
TEST DRIVE: BMW i8 Roadster Review – The Superstar Treatment
Such a gorgeous car. If it only had the performance to match its design and price tag.
Admittedly, for it’s price class and
performance, it’s an overpriced car. Only it’s sports car like appearance with the double wing doors and the use of carbon, makes it so expensive.
If it’s overpriced, why do I see it in my neighborhood & NEVER a VAG, Daimler, Ferrari or McLaren hybrid? Do they exist? i8 does. In 2 body styles.
Maybe because the cars you mentioned are twice as expensive as the i8?
exactly meaning the i8 isnt overpriced …you are so contradicting
For it’s price you can get cars like M8, Porsche 911, M5.
But, you get zero percent electric drive experience.
A Premium Luxury Feature.
More. Do they exist? Have never seen one. While I have seen multiple i8.
Just the construction of this car (and the i3) is exotic. No other mass produced car in the history of the automotive industry has a CFRP chassis.
You say overpriced, I say sought after future classic. Exotic BMWs are never popular when in production, only years later people ‘get’ them. This will be the same with i3 and i8.
Performance isn’t lacking, unless you compare it to super cars, which it ain’t.
i8 biggest problem is, it looks like a super car but it ain’t, performance wise.
That is true. But one shouldn’t exactly see that as a negative. That’s just silly.
its a environment friendly supercar…and if you dont understand it then I just assume you are retarded
Supercars do hit from 0-62 in under 2.5 secs.
0-60<4 secs.
i4, yes.
i8, yes, for years, Motor Trend included it on their list of Top 10 quickest cars on debut.