BMW i8 Priced at $135,700 for U.S. Market
BMW has confirmed the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car will start at $135,700 in the United States, with three trim packages available and deliveries set to begin soon.
BMW has set the starting price of its i8 plug-in hybrid sports car at $135,700 for the United States, before a $950 destination and handling charge. The announcement puts the i8 firmly in the premium sports car bracket as it arrives in American showrooms. This new addition to BMW’s lineup marks a significant step in the company’s electrification efforts, offering a blend of advanced technology and performance to the U.S. market.
BMW i8 Pricing Announced for the U.S. Market
Trim Packages and Features
BMW USA will offer the i8 with three specification packages, each designed to appeal to different tastes and requirements. The entry-level Giga World costs an additional $2,000 and brings 20-inch alloy wheels, upgraded LED cornering lights, and a choice of white or black perforated leather interior. The Tera World, priced from $3,000 above base, features brown leather and cloth trim with distinctive blue seatbelts. The range-topping Pure Impulse World package, at $10,800, adds grey leather, an anthracite headliner, and further interior enhancements. These packages allow buyers to customise the i8’s appearance and feel to suit their preferences, with each trim offering a unique blend of materials and design elements.
In addition to the trim-specific features, all i8 models are equipped with a generous list of standard equipment. Buyers can expect navigation, a head-up display, and a suite of connectivity options across the range. The car’s distinctive design, including its dihedral doors and low-slung profile, sets it apart visually from conventional sports cars and signals its advanced engineering.
Hybrid Powertrain and Performance
The i8 is BMW’s flagship for its electrified “i” sub-brand, pairing a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor. The petrol unit produces 228 hp and 320 Nm, driving the rear wheels, while the front-mounted electric motor adds 131 hp and 250 Nm. Combined, the system delivers 357 hp and 570 Nm, with all-wheel drive capability. This advanced plug-in hybrid system enables electric-only driving for short distances, while the petrol engine can act as a range extender or work together with the electric motor for maximum performance.
The car’s lightweight construction, extensive use of carbon fibre, and aerodynamic design are central to its performance and efficiency targets. The i8’s combined output of 357 hp positions it among the most powerful plug-in hybrids available in 2014. Its unique powertrain layout not only contributes to strong acceleration but also allows for improved fuel economy compared to traditional sports cars in its class.
Market Position and Launch Timing
BMW’s pricing places the i8 above most conventional sports coupes and well into the territory of established performance hybrids. U.S. deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2014, making the i8 one of the earliest plug-in hybrid sports cars available to American buyers. The combination of electric drive and petrol performance is aimed at buyers seeking both efficiency and exclusivity in a sports car package. The i8’s arrival follows the launch of the i3 city car, reflecting BMW’s broader electrification strategy and commitment to innovation in the premium sector.
The i8 is expected to attract early adopters and technology-focused customers who value both environmental considerations and high performance. Its pricing and advanced features position it as a direct competitor to other high-end hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as traditional sports cars that emphasise luxury and driving dynamics. The car’s unique blend of materials, design, and technology is intended to appeal to a new generation of sports car enthusiasts.
BMW’s Electrification Strategy and the i8’s Role
The launch of the i8 is a key part of BMW’s strategy to expand its range of electrified vehicles. By introducing a plug-in hybrid sports car alongside the i3 city car, BMW is targeting both urban drivers and those seeking performance and innovation. The i8 showcases the company’s expertise in lightweight engineering, battery technology, and hybrid powertrains, helping to set the stage for future models in the “i” sub-brand. Its presence in the U.S. market is likely to influence competitors and encourage further development of high-performance plug-in hybrids.
With its distinctive styling, advanced powertrain, and premium pricing, the BMW i8 represents a significant move for the brand in the American market. BMW aims to establish itself as a leader in electrified luxury vehicles, and the i8’s blend of performance and efficiency is central to that goal.
For more on recent U.S. model pricing, see 2015 Dodge Challenger Gets Priced Officially.
