2017 BMW i8 Review

Price Estimate: $31,129 - $38,372

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Appraise My 2017 BMW i8

BMW i8 model years

BMW i8 for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Edmunds^{Edmunds
The Edmunds content team brings you industry-leading vehicle reviews, news and research tips that make it easier for you to find your perfect car.}

Pros

Exceptional fuel economy for a sports car
Eexceptional performance for a hybrid
Futuristic design

Cons

Futuristic price
performance can't match conventional sports cars with similar price tags

What’s new

For 2017, the BMW i8 is available in a special package known as the Protonic Red Edition, which bundles unique paint, special body trim, distinctive wheels and custom seats.

Vehicle overview

It's practically a given that any six-figure sports car is going to have an exotic look to it. That said, the 2017 BMW i8 looks more "out there" than most.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Tampa, FL

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2017 BMW i8
Base Coupe
$59,900
- 38,478 miles
- Insurance loss reported, 2 owners, personal use
- 3cyl automatic
- Jalisco Motors (515 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Charlotte, NC
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: Yes
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (N/A City/N/A Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBY2Z2C34HV676562
Stock: 2711
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-29-2023
2017 BMW i8
Base Coupe
$59,999
fair price
$89 below market
- 30,312 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 3cyl automatic
- Country Motors 2 (958 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Toms River, NJ
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (N/A City/N/A Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBY2Z2C33HV676780
Stock: 676780
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-16-2024

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As an exotic sports car, this futuristic-looking plug-in hybrid offers impressive acceleration — the sprint to 60 mph takes just 4.5 seconds. In terms of flamboyant styling, the i8's dramatic sweeping lines and scissor-lift doors make it a safe bet you'll stand out in any crowd. And when it comes to innovative engineering, the i8's plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain can tool along for up to 15 miles on battery power alone. And when the lithium-ion battery pack is depleted, it can be recharged in as little as 1.5 hours by a dedicated charging station.

As far as performance goes, the combination of the turbocharged three-cylinder engine and electric motor sends a total of 357 horsepower to all four wheels, enough output to transform even mundane trips into a thrill ride. With fuel economy averaging 28 mpg and a range of 330 miles between fill-ups, this exotic can keep the fun going for quite a while too.

In keeping with the environmentally friendly supercar theme, the BMW i8's ultra-modern passenger cabin is done up in recycled materials and naturally treated leather. If there's a downside to this car, it's in the form of rear seats so small they're best thought of as additional storage to supplement what's available in the positively tiny trunk.

If you'd like to consider alternatives to the BMW i8, there are two ways to go. As a fast yet environmentally friendly car, the i8 might compare to the all-electric Tesla Model S or the hybrid Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid. As a sports car, it might be compared it to the all-wheel-drive Acura NSX or Audi R8 because it has a dimension of all-weather civility that you don't find in a Ferrari or McLaren.

In the final measure, the 2017 BMW i8 remains an "out there" sports car with a uniquely appealing eco-friendly bent.

The 2017 BMW i8's list of standard safety features includes antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. Also standard are BMW Assist emergency communications (includes automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle recovery and on-demand roadside assistance) as well as parking sensors and an around-view camera system.

At the Edmunds test track, the BMW i8 came to a stop from 60 mph in an impressive 108 feet.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Offering thrilling performance, impressive fuel economy and all-electric motoring, the futuristic 2017 BMW i8 redefines what a sports car can be.

Driving

On the road, the 2017 BMW i8 feels surprisingly friendly thanks to a combination of smoothly powerful acceleration and predictable braking without any artificial feel. The speed comes on in a smooth and linear fashion as the electric motor's instant torque fills in gaps in the power curve while the turbocharged gasoline engine is getting up to speed. Acceleration under full throttle is nothing less than impressive.

Driving the i8 also has a distinctly aural component. Under pure battery power, the silence is broken only by the turbine-like whine of the electric motor. Step on the accelerator hard enough to bring the gasoline engine online and specially designed engine sounds emanate from the rear audio speakers (even if the audio system itself is off), creating an enhanced auditory experience. It's kind of fake, but it sounds great.

Handling is likewise exceptional, thanks in part to the car's equally balanced weight distribution and low center of gravity. The adjustable suspension allows you to dial up the firmer Sport settings for tackling a winding stretch of road. Around town you'll want to use the standard setting in everyday motoring because Sport mode can be downright harsh on poor quality pavement.

Interior

As with several other exotic sports cars on the market, getting into the BMW i8 requires some practice. Swing the scissor lift door up and out of the way (a cool experience in itself), and you'll find a wide door sill you'll have to step over. With that being the case, the generally accepted method involves sitting on the sill and swinging one leg in, then letting your hind quarters slip into the seat followed by the other leg, all while ducking under the bottom edge of the door. Sounds complicated, but once you get the hang of it, the procedure turns out to be no big deal.

After you're in, you'll find plenty of headroom complemented by power-operated seats that offer good comfort even during a long day behind the wheel. The stylish design combined with high-quality naturally tanned leather and recycled materials gives the passenger cabin the upscale look you'd expect from an exotic sports car. Since this is a BMW, the instrument display and various center-console controls are meant for an actively engaged driver.

The rear seats are really seats in name only; they're much too cramped for human habitation. Much as in a Porsche 911, it's better to think of them as an adjunct to the notably small trunk, which itself offers just 5.4 cubic feet of space.

2017 BMW i8 models

The 2017 BMW i8 is a two-door, plug-in hybrid sports car with 2+2 seating. It comes in a single trim level.

Standard features include 20-inch alloy wheels, driver-adjustable suspension, LED exterior lighting (headlights, foglights, running lights and taillights), automatic headlights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, six-way power front seats, driver-seat memory settings and a tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The list of standard electronics includes a head-up instrument display, a navigation system, BMW's iDrive electronics interface (with an 8.8-inch central display screen), Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, BMW Assist and Online, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with a USB port, satellite radio and HD radio. Also included are BMW Apps (smartphone-app integration) and BMW Remote Services (which allows Apple and Android users to lock the car remotely and turn on the climate control, among various other tasks).

Two optional trim packages are available. Giga World includes turbine-style wheels, upgraded LED headlights and more extensive leather upholstery. Tera World throws in some special interior trim, including unique cloth and leather upholstery. Note that the default package is called Mega World; it's included in the base price. BMW's Laserlight headlamps are available with all three World packages.

A new Protonic Red Edition includes special paint and trim, unique wheels, distinctive seats and interior details and door sills engraved with "Protonic Red Edition."

Power for the 2017 BMW i8 comes from a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline three-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a 7.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The gas engine drives the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, while the electric motor powers the front wheels through an integrated two-speed automatic. Taken together, these two sources produce 357 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque in an all-wheel-drive configuration.

During Edmunds testing, a European-spec BMW i8 sprinted from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, a relatively quick time that's nonetheless eclipsed by a number of non-hybrid sports cars on the market.

The i8's battery pack can be fully recharged at home through a standard 120-volt garage outlet in about 3.5 hours. Upgrade to a 240-volt charger (or visit a public Level 2 charging station) and you can trim the time down to about 1.5 hours.

EPA energy-efficiency estimates for the i8 include 15 miles of electric-only range and a combined (city/highway) fuel economy rating of 28 mpg when the gas engine comes into play. Total driving range is estimated at 330 miles. The EPA also rated the BMW i8 at 76 mpge (miles per gallon equivalent), factoring in both gas and electric operation.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2017 BMW i8 2dr Coupe AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Florida.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Florida

Not EPA tested

$154/mo

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BMW i8 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.3

15 reviews

5(60%)

4(27%)

3(6%)

2(0%)

1(7%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Driving the Future

Frank O'Donnell, 05/29/2017

2015 BMW i8 2dr Coupe AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A)

Being that there is only one other consumer review of the 2015 i8, that must mean all the other owners are trying to keep their purchase a secret or are too busy out driving their cars. Mileage: 24,7000. I own a 1991 … Acura NSX and thought that I would keep it for the rest of my life. However, along comes 2017 and the price of the 2014 and 2015 BMW i8 models drops under 100k. I needed a new daily driver to replace my 2008 Audi TT and not finding anything better, I got the idea to "just look and see" if there was a car that combined the driving excitement of both my cars. I test drove a 2011 Audi R8 (no storage space) and went to test drive the BMW Z-4. While there, the BMW dealership had just got in a used, 2015 i8. Beautiful exterior styling, a back seat for storage space and a luscious interior. Got behind the wheel, started driving and knew it was something very special before I even drove off the lot. Great handling, smooth ride (for 20" tires), cutting-edge technology, hybrid electric/gas technology for improved gas mileage and yes; gull-wing doors. Off the chart coolness. This car checks ALL the boxes. People that know cars, know why the original NSX is so special: lightness, smooth power, sharp steering response, visibility, reliability and everyday usability. The BMW is this generation's new NSX. UPDATE: I have now owned the car for 12 months. I had two re-occurring problems. First, I could not always get the fuel door to open when I needed to fill up with gasoline; and second, my air conditioner would not cycle on completely after the car had been driven, parked and then restarted. Being that the car has only been in production for three years and there are so few of them around, not much has been published about mechanical problems by other owners on the various blogs. After five trips to the dealer service department, it turned out that I had two separate problems with the release of the fuel filler door. The fuel pressure sensor was defective and replaced on visit #3. On visit #5, a very attentive mechanic at BMW Pleasant Grove (Utah) did testing and concluded that a second sensor, located inside the fuel pump was also faulty. He replaced the fuel pump and that problem was finally resolved. A/C now seems to work fine. The A/C system controls are very complicated as is the programming system for the radio presets.

This can be your dream made true

Oscar A, 02/21/2017

2016 BMW i8 2dr Coupe AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A)

My first review of the BMW i8 happened after the first 2-week "break in period". Then honestly, I was influenced for the "new-toy syndrome". However, I feel that I was objective and centered in my review. The i8 is actually surprisingly comfortable in a fair comparison with other cars in its line. Even after 2 years running in the city, people can’t stop turning their head when it … goes around and lock eyes on it. Although easy entries and exits are not an option, the wing doors give some strange elegance to this almost awkward act of magic with the car. But, once inside, those doubts on daily drivability fade to a great enjoyment of driving experience and a lot of attention of all eyes around you. Aside from drawing all the stares (not a trivial thing - to the point I started using my other ride (LEAF) more and more just to avoid it) this car is very unique in more than one item. To begging with, the i8 continues to be the first car in the U.S. equipped with laser beams - yes, laser headlamps giving an output of pure-white light generated by laser-excited phosphorous - totally safe for oncoming motorists (in case you were wondering). The package with this feature will add $6300 to an already eye-opening price, but oh well, for high-beams that are 1000 times more intense than LEDs you can stretch a little. These new lights are even more energy-efficient than LEDs and are only for use as a supplemental high-beam that activates above 43 mph; the regular low-beams and the high-beams below 43 mph are regular LEDs. The 2016 i8 is a hybrid car. It uses a 3-cylinder turbo to power the rear wheels and an electric motor powers in synch the front wheels. Only when using the relatively small 7.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack alone, what the EPA calls “charge-depleting” mode, will the i8 approach its EPA electricity-plus-gasoline combined rating of 76 MPGe. But, I assure you this will be for a very short sweet electric drive. In reality, the i8 averages 38 MPGe assuming 200-mile ride at 75-mph highway trip for which the first 16 miles are completed using only electric drive. Now, what everyone wants to know: how would the i8 makes the exit, leaving all hearts beating at higher rate? Well in simple words: FAST, very fast! This car accelerates like a solid-fuel rocket when eBoost mode is engaged by pressing the accelerator pedal through the kickdown switch. It delivers the kind of sustained acceleration that others have compared to the Porsche 911 Turbo. To be totally honest, that feeling is not the breaking point for me. I am more the sweet ride type of guy. With that in mind, I can tell you that driven without aggression, the i8 feels like a normal car for a routine cruising, capable of meandering through traffic like an ordinary family sedan, at least to the extent that those gaping at it allow. There’s great visibility outward, considering how low the car is, so maneuvering around the gawkers is easy. The narrow Bridgestone Potenza S001 tires, 215/45R-20 in front and 245/40R-20 in back, don’t hum on the freeway the way the wide meats do on, say, a Chevy Corvette. The i8 generates 72 decibels of noise at 70 mph—not luxury-sedan quiet but 4 decibels do make a difference when sustaining a conversation in the cabin at 70 mph. As a plug-in hybrid, the i8’s front electric motor is strong enough to propel the car all by its lonesome. In the Normal driving mode, most movement begins with only the front motor operating. Occasionally, the three-cylinder engine feels slow to kick in and deliver the intersection-clearing thrust all sport cars enthusiasts seek. Silently creeping into lanes of cross-traffic can raise concerns with unprepared passengers. Moving the shifter over to Sport mode keeps the engine fired and makes gap-shooting feel less eventful. But if you do drive in Sport mode, then be ready to add a few decibels of noise coming for the speakers in concierto with the acceleration and displacement. There are four seats, but the rears are just laughable pads more suited to cushion a football-stadium bench than to transport guests in a $150,000 car, and the space is itself hospitable only for small children, and let me stress that word "SMALL". The front seats, however, are extremely comfortable, firm, and supportive in all the right spots to allow long days in the saddle, although they lack the bolstering to complement the 0.95 g that the car can generate in corners. The buckets are mounted deep in a well, so there’s plenty of body structure to brace oneself against. In hindsight, the BMW i8 is an awesome car for younger generations, worthy of its astronomical price (wrongly targeting the middle-age men with 6-number salary) wanting to feel the adrenaline rush of the speed, the sweet ride of an exotic piece and the stare of many everywhere it goes.

Beautiful Car but not worth it

Nick, 05/21/2020

2014 BMW i8 2dr Coupe AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A)

There is a reason the car has devalued almost $100,000 in 5 years. This car had once excelled in technology but now the features that were once unique are in most luxury vehicles. This car handles beautifully and is definitely an eye catcher but other than looks it has nothing special. The hybrid battery gets maybe 20 miles before having to recharge and the gas engine is only a 3 …

Rocket i8

Richard Kastner, 03/17/2019

2016 BMW i8 2dr Coupe AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A)

The guy before said he didn’t buy cause he couldn’t get in or out, he’s full of it, it’s actually pretty easy to do once you’ve done it. I just don’t think he can afford it, either way this car is insane and fun to drive, the amount of attention is crazy, definitely a head turner. Yes it’s not a super car but it’s still a pretty damn fast futuristic sexy car.. Very quiet in electric mode …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2017 BMW i8, so we've included reviews for other years of the i8 since its last redesign.

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2017 i8 Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$143,400
EV Tax Credits & Rebates	$4,100 Based on income
Engine Type	Plug-in hybrid
Combined MPGe (Electric + Gas)	76 MPGe^{MPGe is the official metric that the EPA uses to measure the efficiency of alternative-fuel (including electric) vehicles. Just like regular MPG shows how far a car will travel on one gallon of gas, MPGe shows how far a vehicle will drive on 33.7kWh of electricity - the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline. Combined MPGe is the combined total of 45% city MPGe + 55% highway MPGe.}
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	4.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Key safety features on the i8 include:

Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

2017 BMW i8 Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

For sale near Tampa, FL

2017 BMW i8
Base Coupe

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2017 BMW i8
Base Coupe

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Driving

Interior

2017 BMW i8 models

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2017 BMW i8 2dr Coupe AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Florida.}

BMW i8 Reviews

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2017 BMW i8 Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

For sale near Tampa, FL

2017 BMW i8Base Coupe

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2017 BMW i8Base Coupe

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Driving

Interior

2017 BMW i8 models

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 BMW i8 2dr Coupe AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Florida.

BMW i8 Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Driving the Future

This can be your dream made true

Beautiful Car but not worth it

Rocket i8

2017 i8 Highlights

Safety

Related Used 2017 BMW i8 info

Vehicle reviews of used models

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Shop used vehicles in your area

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2017 BMW i8
Base Coupe

2017 BMW i8
Base Coupe

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2017 BMW i8 2dr Coupe AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Florida.}