BMW moves deeper into electrification, plans to end production of plug-in hybrid i8

BMW will put an end to the production of its i8 lineup in April this year, as per confirmation by Autocar. The company plans to get deeper into electrification by focusing on its all electrified models like the iX3 crossover, i4 fastback, and iNext crossover.

The i8 was introduced in 2013 and featured layout 2009 Vision Efficient Dynamics as its USP in a concept car with a turbo-diesel plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Previously, BMW released the Ultimate Sophisto limited edition models based on the i8 and i8 Roadster. 

The initial production i8 was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, mated to an electric motor. The three-cylinder engine and the motors generated a maximum power output of 356 hp along with peak torque of up to 570 Nm. 

With a facelifted i8 in 2018, the initial 7.1 kWh battery pack was replaced by 11.6 kWh battery, increasing the electric range of the car from 37 to 55 km. 

Additionally, the i8 is rumoured to be replaced by a production version of the M Next concept, which represents a similar stance to the hybrid supercar. 

The M Next concept car features an all-wheel drive, plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The total power output of the car stands at 590 hp. With a maximum driving range of 100 kilometres in pure EV mode, the car is said to be capable of sprinting to a top speed of 100 km per hour from an ideal start in 3.0 seconds.

Lastly, according to various sources, the i8 successor will be featuring the designs and developments BMW made in Formula E. Also, the upcoming car will get a ‘race to road strategy’ where a car is initially developed for the track and then adapted for the road.

Also read: BMW reveals its i3 Urban Suite