2015 BMW i8 Launched In Malaysia: Game-Changing, Eco-Friendly Supercar Asks For RM1.2 Million

BMW Malaysia certainly have a lot of surprises in store for visiting public at their BMW World Malaysia 2015 event, and this beauty is no exemption: meet the 2015 BMW i8 hybrid supercar, now for sale in Malaysia for a cool RM1,188,800 (OTR without insurance and GST).

The 2015 BMW i8 is the brand’s first plug-in hybrid supercar initially introduced as the BMW Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics. Read our review of the BMW i8 here

Part of the recently-established BMW 'i' Division, this two-door coupe is the second model to come from the futuristic division, after the BMW i3. Said to rival the likes of the Porsche 911, the i8 supercar handles its business with a combination of a 1.5-litre three-cylinder BMW TwinPower turbo engine, developing 231hp and 320Nm of torque and strictly powering the rear wheels via a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

The remainder of the i8's power is drawn from its 131hp electric motor, driving the front wheels only via a two-speed transmission. Total system output for the eDrive plug-in hybrid is 362hp and 570Nm of torque, and it's enough to rocket the i8 from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds before reaching a limited top speed of 250km/h. On the other end of the spectrum, the BMW i8 is rated to be good for a 2.1-litre/100km fuel consumption figure.

Through the Driving Experience Control switch and eDrive button, drivers can choose from five driving modes that controls whether the car runs in full electric mode or hybrid, as well as the driving dynamics of the vehicle.

KEY SPECS:

• Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged in-line three-cylinder
• Transmission: Six-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission
• Power: 231hp @ 5,800 rpm
• Torque: 320Nm @ 3,700 rpm
• Electric Motor Output: 131hp and 250Nm
• Total System Output: 362hp @ 5,800 rpm and 570Nm @ 1,200-5,000 rpm
• Consumption: 2.1 litres/100km

The exterior of the BMW i8 features a revolutionary design that still retains that distinctive BMW image. Designed to be aerodynamically-efficient with certain highlights that include 20-inch light alloy wheels wrapped with 215/45 series tyres at the front and 245/40 series tyres at the rear, and full LED headlamps.

But while the exterior is very futuristic, the interior is all about familiar BMW stuff, adorned with a full leather upholstery and BMW’s i Blue colour scheme. Given the 2+2 configuration, there are two small seats at the back but it would be a little far-fetched to say that the i8 seats four people comfortably.

For the driver, a heads-up display is available, displaying driving info and navigation. The steering wheel comes with on-wheel controls for the 10.25-inch Navigation system Professional infotainment system that sends audio through a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system. BMW’s proprietary iDrive Touch Controller can also be found here. The driver’s seat is electric-power assisted and cooling is catered by a two-zone automatic climate control system.

Other Information:

Customers who do purchase an i8 will receive the standard three-year warranty or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first) and on top of that, an eight-year warranty on the battery pack will also be offered. Included in the price is a BMW i Wallbox charging station which will be installed for you in your home by a BMW technician.