Why Was the BMW i8 Discontinued?
4 Answers
The BMW i8 was discontinued due to poor sales. Here are the specific details about the BMW i8: 1. Model Positioning: The BMW i8 is a 2-door, 2-seater soft-top convertible, with dimensions of 4689mm in length, 1942mm in width, and 1282mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2800mm. 2. Powertrain: The engine is a 1.5T L3 with twin-turbocharging, delivering a maximum horsepower of 231ps and a maximum torque of 320nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. 3. Suspension: The front suspension is a double-wishbone independent suspension, the rear suspension is a five-link independent suspension, the steering assistance is electric power-assisted, and the body structure is a unibody design.
I'm an experienced driver who has driven many cars, and I know quite a bit about the discontinuation of the BMW i8. When the i8 was launched in 2014, it was very popular because it used a plug-in hybrid system, offering both the thrilling acceleration of a sports car and fuel efficiency, with a super avant-garde design and an eye-catching carbon fiber body. However, it was discontinued in 2020, and I think the main reason was that its technology couldn't keep up with the times. Electric vehicles have developed rapidly in recent years, but the i8's pure electric range was only about 30 kilometers, making it unsuitable for long trips. Additionally, replacing the battery after aging was too expensive, often costing tens of thousands of dollars. Market sales also weren't as high as they were initially. BMW recognized the trend toward fully electric vehicles, such as the more advanced and slightly cheaper iX series, and decided to discontinue the i8 production line. In fact, the i8 was a milestone for BMW's hybrid technology, but the automotive industry changes too quickly, and pure electric is the clear direction. This reminds me of other hybrid cars I've driven in the past, which have gradually been phased out as well.
As a car enthusiast, I've been closely following BMW's developments. The main reason for the discontinuation of the i8 was declining market demand. When it was first launched in 2014, it attracted many wealthy buyers, but sales were mediocre in later years due to increasing complaints from owners. For instance, the maintenance costs were too high, and the engine and battery systems were prone to malfunctions, resulting in expensive repairs. Additionally, its range couldn't compete with newer all-electric vehicles like Tesla, which offers a more practical 500-kilometer range. Another key factor was BMW's shift toward a pure-electric strategy with the i-series. With limited company resources, it made more sense to focus on new models like the iX. After production ended in 2020, the used i8 market remained active, but the glory days of the new car were over. This reflects the rapid electrification of the automotive market, where consumers now prefer cost-effective models. I think BMW's decision was quite wise—staying ahead of the times is crucial for long-term success.
As an average car owner, I'm not too surprised by the discontinuation of the BMW i8. The i8 was simply too expensive, with a new car price tag exceeding 1 million yuan, making it unaffordable for most people. After its production ended in 2020, I guess BMW realized they couldn't recoup their investment. Low sales volume was a major factor—many friends said it wasn't cost-effective, as its battery range was limited. It worked fine for city driving but couldn't compete with pure electric vehicles on long trips. Additionally, maintenance was troublesome, and spare parts were scarce. BMW likely decided to focus on newer models like the iX to cut costs. The discontinuation has turned the i8 into a collector's item, but new car buyers are now shifting toward electric vehicles.
