2020 BMW i8 Review

Price Estimate: $53,655 - $61,985

The 2020 BMW i8 is a unique and deeply interesting car on many levels. From its construction to its powertrain and even the ease at which you can explore its considerable limits, the i8 can be a very satisfying drive. But when not charging around, or charging up at home, the i8 can feel clumsy. Driving in slow-moving traffic highlights most of the i8's deficiencies.

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Coupe
Convertible

2020 BMW i8 Review

by the Edmunds Experts

5/28/2020

What's new

No significant changes for 2020
Part of the first i8 generation introduced for 2014

Edmunds says

On the outside, the 2020 BMW i8 has the looks to claim supercar status. It's got a low stance, big doors that open upward and a futuristic profile. It's even made from carbon fiber, a sure sign that its designers cared about performance. For power, however, the i8 follows a different strategy. Instead of the typical turbocharged V8 or an ear-splitting V12, the i8 is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain that utilizes a three-cylinder engine.

The resulting performance is a little underwhelming. The i8 doesn't have impressive acceleration or handling by supercar standards. But it is fun to drive quickly and is always a showstopper in parking lots. If you're looking for a car that shows that complete reliance on fossil fuels for propulsion is not needed for a good time, the i8 could be for you.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 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 $3.81 per gallon for premium unleaded and $0.15 per kWh for electricity in Minnesota.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Minnesota

$137/mo

$155/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

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BMW i8 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.2

10 reviews

5(70%)

4(10%)

3(0%)

2(10%)

1(10%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Unique and Misunderstood

Thomas H., 06/30/2022

2019 BMW i8 2dr Convertible AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A)

I have now owned the i8 for seven months which for me is quite unusual. Typically, I grow tired of a vehicle after just a few months. This car has been different. I still go into my garage just to look at it and admire its styling. I really like owning a vehicle that is unique and that is rarely seen, and that is very true of the i8, especially my roadster model. So far, it has been …

Absolutely amazing experience into the future

Jim K, 09/06/2018

2019 BMW i8 2dr Convertible AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A)

I have been driving my i8 roadster for a month. What an experience! The handling has been much improved and extended battery certainly makes more sense now. Fit and finish has been stepped up and at he top in super car range. I find performance more than adequate. Other cars achieve better acceleration because of launch control. In daily driving no one uses launch control anyway; i8 …

Piece of Automotive History

Jstew, 03/06/2022

2019 BMW i8 2dr Convertible AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A)

The I8 what some may feel is a “douche car” so either people want a photo of it, gawk at it or literally think you are a yuppie or muscle car guys think you are a fool cause it’s not 550hp. The reality is it’s gorgeous looking. It drives and handles well. It’s fun in Sport Mode which helps recharge the battery to mitigate having to plug it in as often. It’s unique and you can say that …

Very Underwhelming

Atlanta, 10/11/2020

2020 BMW i8 2dr Convertible AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A)

Given that this vehicle has so much style, the technology that is available and the pleasure to drive it is very underwhelming. The i8 is a very comfortable riding vehicle (5-Stars), but beyond the ride and sleek style, the 5-Stars end there. There are none of the newest features like blind spot detection, etc. that are both needed (this care has a lot of blind spots) but would be …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 BMW i8, so we've included reviews for other years of the i8 since its last redesign.

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2020 i8 Highlights

Type:

Coupe

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$147,500
EV Tax Credits & Rebates	$4,200 Based on income
Engine Type	Plug-in hybrid
EPA Electric Range	18 miles
Combined MPGe (Electric + Gas)	69 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.}
Cost to Drive	$137/month
Total Charging Time (240V)	3.0 hours
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

Our experts like the i8 models:

ConnectedDrive Services: Lets you know about traffic and parking spots and, in case of accidents, can connect you to BMW's Accident Assistance for vehicle support.
BMW Laserlight: Helps drivers see farther down dark roads with advanced laser projection technology.
Active Driving Assistant: Warns of potential front collisions with vehicles or pedestrians and if the i8 is about to leave its lane.

2020 BMW i8 Review

Price & Payment

2020 BMW i8 Review

What's new

Edmunds says

BMW i8 Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Trending topics

Unique and Misunderstood

Absolutely amazing experience into the future

Piece of Automotive History

Very Underwhelming

2020 i8 Highlights

Safety

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