What engine does the BMW i8 have?
3 Answers
The BMW i8 is equipped with a 1.5T twin-turbocharged engine and two electric motors, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 1.5T twin-turbocharged engine delivers a maximum power of 231 horsepower and a maximum torque of 320 Nm, while the electric motors provide a maximum power of 96 kW and a maximum torque output of 250 Nm. The BMW i8 is a hybrid-powered two-door supercar, with body dimensions of 4689mm in length, 1942mm in width, and 1299mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2800mm. In terms of exterior design, the rear wheel arches of the BMW i8 are positioned very close to the doors, and the fuel tank cap is placed on the wheel arches. For the door design, the production model will abandon the concept car's panoramic gull-wing glass doors.
I've been driving a BMW i8 for several years, and honestly, its powertrain is incredibly unique—it's not like those traditional high-displacement gasoline cars. It's equipped with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine, named the B38, but it's not just a conventional engine. It works in tandem with two electric motors (front and rear) to form a plug-in hybrid system. The combined system output reaches 369 horsepower, propelling the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 4 seconds, which is exhilarating. For my daily commute, I often use the all-electric mode, which allows me to drive over 30 kilometers on a single charge—quiet and fuel-efficient. When I switch to Sport mode for some spirited driving, the seamless collaboration between the gasoline engine and electric motors delivers exceptionally smooth power delivery. As for maintenance, thanks to its compact design and electric motor assistance, upkeep costs are slightly lower than those of pure gasoline sports cars, though it’s important to find a specialist familiar with hybrid systems. Overall, it’s a fantastic car that blends cutting-edge technology with impressive performance.
As a practical driver, the BMW i8's engine design is quite clever. At its core, it utilizes a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, forming a hybrid system concept. I find this idea highly efficient, especially in urban traffic jams where you can switch to pure electric mode, saving fuel and being eco-friendly. The engine delivers around 231 horsepower, and with the electric motor adding extra power, the combined output is sufficient for both daily driving and highway needs. I've also noticed the fuel consumption data, averaging just over 2 liters per 100 kilometers, which is super economical. However, due to the small size of the engine, it lacks the roaring sound of an eight-cylinder, but it responds quickly and offers agile handling. In terms of maintenance, regular checks on the battery and wiring are necessary to avoid minor issues. Overall, this system strikes a good balance between performance and efficiency.
