Description

Model History

Serving as one of the first models under  BMW’s ‘i’ sub-brand next to the compact i3, the i8 was BMW’s first plug-in hybrid sports car to offer a glimpse into how high performance and low emissions could be offered without compromise. Based on a combination of concept cars and the M1 Homage concept, the BMW i8 was unveiled in 2013, featuring butterfly side doors, head-up display, and as a first for production vehicles: laser headlights. The powertrain consisted of a transversely mounted 1.5L three cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, mated to a 98 kW electric motor – total power output of the hybrid powertrain was rated at 357 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque, with an update released for models after 2018 that increased the power output to 369 hp. Production of the BMW i8 ran from 2014 to 2020 – over 20,465 units were made worldwide.

History File

This is a 2015 BMW i8 Coupé, finished in White with an Mega Carum Spice Grey Leather w/Cloth Highlights interior. Originally sold as a new Hong Kong market car via BMW Concessionaires HK Ltd, this BMW i8 was bought as is by the current owner – they made no further modifications to it during their ownership. Hence, this BMW i8 was bought with the blue PUR wheels with its current White vinyl wrap (this i8 was originally Black), BMW M brake calipers, as well as the carbon fibre trimmed steering wheel. Recent service includes a replacement of the electric motors that was carried out by the BMW Service Centre in To Ko Wan – the invoice will be provided as proof. The owner would like to highlight that this BMW i8 has served as their daily brilliantly – running purely on electric power is good enough for their daily drives without having to recharge until the end of the day, and when refuelling is needed for the petrol powered engine – it costs less than $1 HKD per km to top up! This i8 Coupé has had three previous owners, currently has 33,237 km of mileage, and its current road license is good until 5th October, 2022.

Exterior

While the White vinyl wrap applied onto this i8 is starting to peel away on some surfaces (e.g under the door mirrors), the rest of the exterior wrap currently on this car has held up fine and is all in one piece with no serious tears or portions peeling off – ensuring the original Black exterior paint finish is well protected. The butterfly side doors and the rear trunk lid open and close without any faults. Both front and rear lights – including the LED daytime running lights and side indicators function normally with no missing pixels. The BMW badges and exterior emblems are present with none missing any pieces. All four PUR wheels have held up fine – their Blue colour finish has not worn away significantly and none have any kerb rash. The side mirrors were free from any markings, just as the Shadow Line window trim which remained factory fresh – all of the body panels including both its smooth and sharp body lines were aligned.

Interior and Trim

Swing open the butterfly side doors and a futuristic, but familiar modern BMW cockpit greets you. Getting in will take some practice to get used to (especially in tight spaces), but it quickly becomes easy to get accustomed to. Both front and rear leather seats are fully intact with only the slightest of creases from use overtime. The side door sills and scuff plates, as well as the side door panels are intact with no surface scratches. The electronic gear selector and handbrake are free of any surface damage. The BMW iDrive infotainment system and its respective control dial/touchpad works normally. The digital instrument cluster display functions without any issues. The steering wheel with its custom carbon fibre trim is in excellent condition. All of the controls – from the headlight dial to the side stalks and interior buttons feel solid to touch and none show any trim wear. All of the interior electronics – from the ambient lighting to the air conditioning work as they should.

Engine and Running Gear 

Press the keyless ignition button and the BMW i8’s electric motors immediately start up – the silence may take some getting used to for those new to electric vehicles, but driving one remains the same as any conventional internal combustion car. At the flick of the transmission lever, the driver can switch seamlessly between the electric motor and the three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine – with both in full operation to give the maximum 357 hp power output when left in ‘SPORT’ mode. Acceleration in either electric or hybrid power is brisk, helped as well with the lightweight body of this coupe. Being a midship platform and possessing four wheel drive, the handling feels planted and the steering is quick to respond, just like any other mid-engined sports car. The brakes are sharp and responsive. The lack of the sensation of gear shifts may take getting used to, but the transmission works without any issues and can engage ‘Park’ & ‘Reverse’ normally – only when the petrol engine is activated does the conventional 6-Speed automatic gearbox kick in. With the world becoming ever more environmentally conscious; combined with exorbitant average gas prices at the moment, finding a car that won’t break the bank when it comes to the pump and emissions yet engaging to drive may seem impossible. This BMW i8 allows both to be realised in one package under the ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ – available to you now at the Car Farm.

Buyer’s Premium:

5% of Winning Bid

(Minimum – HKD8,000.00)

(Maximum – HKD50,000.00)