BMW i8 Spyder edges closer to production approval
BMW's long-awaited i8 Spyder appears set for the production line, with CEO Harald Krüger indicating the open-top hybrid will arrive soon after years of speculation.
BMW’s i8 Spyder, first shown as a concept more than three years ago, is now expected to reach production after confirmation from company CEO Harald Krüger that the project is moving ahead. Krüger indicated in a recent interview that the open-top i8 is set for the factory “relatively soon”, ending speculation that the roadster had been shelved.
The i8 Spyder is set to join the existing i8 coupe, which began reaching customers in mid-2014. While BMW has not given a precise launch date, Krüger’s comments suggest the car could appear as soon as next year. The move would bring BMW’s plug-in hybrid sports car offering in line with rivals who already field convertible supercars, such as the Audi R8 Spyder and Porsche 918 Spyder.
Powertrain and design expectations
While BMW has not released technical details for the production i8 Spyder, the coupe’s powertrain is expected to carry over. The i8 coupe uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 362 PS (266 kW). This setup allows the coupe to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
The i8 coupe’s plug-in hybrid system also offers an electric-only range of up to 37 km (23 miles) and official consumption of 2.1 L/100 km. The Spyder is expected to match or approach these figures, though final specifications will depend on production engineering decisions. The concept featured a semi-transparent bonnet, a shortened wheelbase and a distinctive open-top profile, but it remains unclear how much of this design will survive into the showroom model.
What it means for BMW’s i strategy
Adding the i8 Spyder to the line-up would strengthen BMW’s i sub-brand, which currently includes the i3 and the i8 coupe. With rivals such as the Porsche 918 Spyder and Audi R8 Spyder already offering convertible hybrid or supercar options, the i8 Spyder would give BMW a direct competitor in the open-top performance hybrid segment.
- i8 Spyder would expand BMW’s i range beyond coupe and hatchback
- Potential to attract buyers seeking open-top hybrid performance
- Reinforces BMW’s commitment to electrified sports cars
BMW has yet to confirm pricing, production numbers or specific market launch plans. Further details are expected as the project moves closer to production approval. For more on BMW’s electrified models, seeBMW I3 with Range Extender Confirmed.
