Base 2dr All-Wheel Drive Roadster
2019 BMW i8
A few years back, BMW released the i3 and i8, two cars that — even several years on — look and feel like the future. While the i3 was a car for the masses, the i8 ( and this new Roadster variant) was built for those that want a performance car with some genuine green credentials and a far-out design. It's not the fastest car on four wheels, but it is one of the most interesting. The 2019 BMW i8 Roadster isn't cheap. It starts at $164,295 and our tester's sole option — the $2,500 Terra World Copper package — brings the price to $166,795. It's basically an appearance package that adds copper-colored leather seats, black brake calipers and light-up i8 badges. Yes, there are a lot of cars you can get for that money, but few will turn as many heads as this BMW. Associate Editor Reese Counts: Like the Acura NSX, the i8 is a car you can't measure solely on performance. You have to have an appreciation for the technology and engineering that went into a car like this if you're going to buy one. If you're doing the horsepower-per-dollar calculations, you might as well buy something stuffed with a Hellcat engine and be done with it, because you're sure as hell not getting much in the way of value here. That's OK. That's not what the i8 is all about, and not everything needs 707 horsepower and a V8 that sounds like a cocaine-addled bumblebee. The i8 looks like "the future" both inside and out. There's a presence you don't get with other cars at this price point. Sure, the butterfly doors and carbon-fiber tub make it a pain to get in and out of, but they're so cool. Contributing Editor James Riswick warned me to watch out for the A-pillar on the roadster, so you should, too. Once you're inside, the i8 is actually a comfortable place to be. The seat is comfortable, and controls are well placed. It's tight, but what sports car isn't. I like the way the i8 drives, too. The steering is light and quick and the chassis responds with grace to inputs. The ride strikes a nice balance between sporty and harsh, erring on the relaxed side of firm. There's plenty of grip thanks to the all-wheel drive system (electric motors up front). I do wish it was a bit quicker, but pure speed isn't what the i8 is all about. I loved being able to roll around with the top down and the gasoline engine shut off. I don't know if the i8 is for me, but I'm glad it exists. Associate Editor Joel Stocksdale: Despite being four years old already, the BMW i8 is still a stunner in the looks department. It really does look like the hypercar of the future. It's low, wide, with loads of crazy curves and cavities that give it a look all its own. I love that about it. But man, there's not …
Full Review
A few years back, BMW released the i3 and i8, two cars that — even several years on — look and feel like the future. While the i3 was a car for the masses, the i8 ( and this new Roadster variant) was built for those that want a performance car with some genuine green credentials and a far-out design. It's not the fastest car on four wheels, but it is one of the most interesting. The 2019 BMW i8 Roadster isn't cheap. It starts at $164,295 and our tester's sole option — the $2,500 Terra World Copper package — brings the price to $166,795. It's basically an appearance package that adds copper-colored leather seats, black brake calipers and light-up i8 badges. Yes, there are a lot of cars you can get for that money, but few will turn as many heads as this BMW. Associate Editor Reese Counts: Like the Acura NSX, the i8 is a car you can't measure solely on performance. You have to have an appreciation for the technology and engineering that went into a car like this if you're going to buy one. If you're doing the horsepower-per-dollar calculations, you might as well buy something stuffed with a Hellcat engine and be done with it, because you're sure as hell not getting much in the way of value here. That's OK. That's not what the i8 is all about, and not everything needs 707 horsepower and a V8 that sounds like a cocaine-addled bumblebee. The i8 looks like "the future" both inside and out. There's a presence you don't get with other cars at this price point. Sure, the butterfly doors and carbon-fiber tub make it a pain to get in and out of, but they're so cool. Contributing Editor James Riswick warned me to watch out for the A-pillar on the roadster, so you should, too. Once you're inside, the i8 is actually a comfortable place to be. The seat is comfortable, and controls are well placed. It's tight, but what sports car isn't. I like the way the i8 drives, too. The steering is light and quick and the chassis responds with grace to inputs. The ride strikes a nice balance between sporty and harsh, erring on the relaxed side of firm. There's plenty of grip thanks to the all-wheel drive system (electric motors up front). I do wish it was a bit quicker, but pure speed isn't what the i8 is all about. I loved being able to roll around with the top down and the gasoline engine shut off. I don't know if the i8 is for me, but I'm glad it exists. Associate Editor Joel Stocksdale: Despite being four years old already, the BMW i8 is still a stunner in the looks department. It really does look like the hypercar of the future. It's low, wide, with loads of crazy curves and cavities that give it a look all its own. I love that about it. But man, there's not …
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Retail Price
$163,300
MSRP / Window Sticker Price
| Engine | I-3 |
| MPG | |
| Seating | 2 Passengers |
| Transmission | 6-spd auto w/OD |
| Power | 228 @ 5800 rpm |
| Drivetrain | all wheel |
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