Is the BMW i8 a Supercar?
2 Answers
BMW i8 can be called a supercar. BMW i8 Powertrain: The new BMW i8 is equipped with a high-performance hybrid powertrain, highlighting the vehicle's exceptional dynamic performance. The plug-in hybrid system used in the new BMW i8 consists of two electric motors and a turbocharged gasoline engine, with a maximum output of 345 horsepower and a maximum torque of 800 Nm. Among them, the 1.5-liter displacement three-cylinder gasoline engine utilizes direct fuel injection and variable intake turbocharging technology, delivering power to the rear wheels of the vehicle. BMW i8 Spyder: The new concept version of the BMW i8 Spyder will feature a convertible body structure. The new concept version of the BMW i8 Spyder will be very close to the design of the production version, and its production version is expected to be officially launched within 12 months at the earliest. The powertrain of the new car will be equipped with a hybrid system composed of a 1.5T engine and an electric motor, and has undergone partial upgrades in terms of charging compatibility, safety systems, power, and battery pack compared to the current BMW i8 model. Its pure electric range will be higher than the current i8's 37 kilometers.
As an enthusiast of high-performance cars, I find the BMW i8 truly unique—it's not a strict supercar, but it's not far off. The reason is simple: purebred supercars like the Ferrari 488 emphasize track performance, boasting extreme acceleration and exclusivity, while the i8's hybrid system, though capable of 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds (fast, but not sub-3-second supercar territory), prioritizes fuel efficiency and a balanced driving experience. It feels agile and smooth to drive, yet its design includes rear seats and a trunk, making it suitable for daily commutes—unlike traditional supercars that focus solely on wild styling. BMW positions it as a "progressive sports car," priced around 1.5 million yuan, slightly more affordable than supercars, with lower maintenance costs. In short, it's an innovative creation that bridges the gap between sports cars and supercars—stylish and practical, but lacking that final step in raw speed and track pedigree.