BMW i8 Hybrid comes into India today via the Completely Built Up route, and hence the price tag of Rs 2.29 crores ($367,552 or EUR 322,850 or GBP 239,535). Launch price in Germany is €126,000. Showcased to the global market at Frankfurt Motor Show in 2013, the car made its India debut at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo.
Sachin Tendulkar drives in the new BMW i8 at the National launch in Mumbai.
This is not the first time Sachin has unveiled the i8 to India, at the Delhi Auto Expo last year, it was none other than him to unveil the car. The i8 will include some attention grabbing features. Seen in a silver shade with blue accents, the flagship model from BMW, is the only hybrid car in the country to feature laser headlamps.
Sporting scissors doors, kidney shaped front grille and distinguished headlights, the BMW i8 Hybrid commands an aggressive profile. Its interiors boast of choicest leather and chrome plastic while the cockpit receives a digital display and heads up unit offering all necessary information at the touch of a button. Three driving models of Sport, Comfort and Eco Pro can be selected as per driving conditions.
Two colour options on offer at launch
BMW i8 Hybrid receive a 1.5 liter, 3 cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 231 PS peak power and 320 Nm torque mated to a 6 speed automatic gear box and an electric motor offering an additional 131 PS power and 250 Nm torque thus giving the i8 a combined output of 362 PS power and 570 Nm torque. Acceleration from 0 to 100 kmph is achieved in 4.4 seconds while top speed is at 250 kmph.
A notable feature is that despite its large battery pack, total weight stands at 1490 kgs due to extensive use of carbon fibre thus adding to enhanced performance.
Though this was a national launch, sadly, the only dealers who are equipped to service the i8, are in Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. After the i8, BMW India also has plans of launching the i3, which was also on display today.
Note – we will add hi-res images of the BMW i8 for India soon, until then, have a look at the low-res images below.
