BMW i8 first generation
The BMW i8 first generation (2014–2021): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 14 versions in the European Union, the United States, and Canada.
Model codes: I12, I15
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | North America | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | |||
| Length | 4,690 mm RDW | – | 4,689 mm |
| Width | 1,940 mm RDW | – | 1,942 mm |
| Height | 1,290 mm RDW | – | 1,298 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,800 mm RDW | – | 2,800 mm |
| Front track | 1,636–1,644 mm ASTRA | – | – |
| Rear track | 1,701–1,721 mm ASTRA | – | – |
| Weights and towing | |||
| Kerb weight | 1,460–1,570 kg RDW | – | 1,485–1,560 kg |
| Mass in running order | 1,560–1,670 kg RDW | – | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 1,855–1,900 kg RDW | – | – |
| Seats and space | |||
| Seats | 2–4 RDW | – | – |
| Doors | 2 RDW | – | – |
| Luggage space (EPA) | – | 142 L EPA | – |
| Passenger space (EPA) | – | 2,294 L EPA | – |
| Fuel tank | – | – | 30–42 L |
| Performance | |||
| Top speed | 250 km/h RDW | – | 250 km/h |
| Torque | 320 Nm ASTRA | – | – |
| Electric motor power | – | 96–105 kW NRCan | – |
| Electric | |||
| Charging time at 240 V | – | 2.0–3.0 h EPA | – |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 215/45R20, 195/50R20, 245/40R20
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia (en, de, fr, pl, sv), ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data, Natural Resources Canada, Traficom type approvals (Finland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4–5 years | 92.6% (91.1–93.8) | 91.0% | 1,459 |
| 6–8 years | 91.8% (90.9–92.7) | 86.4% | 3,434 |
| 9–12 years | 90.7% (88.7–92.4) | 77.9% | 960 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 22.9% | 27.7% |
| Brakes | 6.6% | 20.7% |
| Visibility (glass, mirrors, wipers) | 4.1% | 6.8% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 3.2% | 3.2% |
| Lights and electrics | 1.7% | 8.9% |
| Suspension | 1.2% | 13.1% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
10 complaints for model years 2014–2020.
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 14 versions of the BMW i8 first generation
Show all 14 versions
European Union 11 versions
New cars registered in the EU (plus Norway and Iceland), from the European Environment Agency. Figures on the NEDC procedure until 2020 and on WLTP from 2021; versions are grouped by engine and power, with their number of registrations.
| Years and version | Engine | Power | Fuel | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ | Electric range | EU registrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1.5 L | 170 kW (231 PS) | Plug-in hybrid | 2.2 L/100 km WLTP14.0 kWh/100 km WLTP | 51 g/km | 51 km | 105 |
| 2019–2020 | 1.5 L | 170 kW (231 PS) | Plug-in hybrid | 8.3–14.1 kWh/100 km NEDC | 45 g/km | 53 km | 2,850 |
| 2019 | 1.5 L | 75 kW (102 PS) | Plug-in hybrid | 14.3 kWh/100 km NEDC | 46 g/km | – | 57 |
| 2014–2018 | 1.5 L | 170 kW (231 PS) | Hybrid | 11.9–12.9 kWh/100 km NEDC | 47–51 g/km | – | 12,197 |
| 2016–2018 | 1.5 L | 75 kW (102 PS) | Hybrid | 11.9–13.5 kWh/100 km NEDC | 47–49 g/km | – | 219 |
| 2018 | 1.5 L | 170 kW (231 PS) | Petrol | 11.9 kWh/100 km NEDC | 74 g/km | – | 16 |
| 2017 | 1.5 L | 255 kW (347 PS) | Hybrid | – | 49 g/km | – | 14 |
| 2016 | 1.5 L | 266 kW (362 PS) | Petrol | – | 176 g/km | – | 26 |
| 2015 | 1.5 L | 170 kW (231 PS) | Other fuel | 11.9 kWh/100 km NEDC | 49 g/km | – | 24 |
| 2014 | Electric motor | – | Electric | – | 0 g/km | – | 27 |
| 2014 | 1.5 L | 170 kW (231 PS) | Electric | 11.9 kWh/100 km NEDC | 49 g/km | – | 27 |
United States 1 version
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–2020SIDI; PHEV | 1.5 L | Plug-in hybrid | 6-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | 27–28 MPG (8.4–8.7 L/100 km) EPA | 119–124 g/km |
Canada 2 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ | Electric range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–2020Subcompact · Two-seater | 1.5 L | Plug-in hybrid | 6-speed automatic | 8.7 L/100 km 5-cycle | 118 g/km | 29 km |
| 2015–2017Subcompact | 1.5 L | Plug-in hybrid | 6-speed automatic | 8.3 L/100 km 5-cycle | 123 g/km | 24 km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.