BMW i8 arrives in Malaysia, yours for a cool RM1,188,800!

One of main highlights of the BMW World Malaysia exhibition happening at the Bukit Kiara Indoor Arena from today until 19th April 2015, is the introduction of the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car into our local market. Yes, you can buy it!

The BMW i8 is thus far the most progressive sports car by the German automaker. All lighting elements found on the exterior are completely in LED. The front light has a typical BMW i U-shaped frame, which contains the Daytime Running Lights and a built-in indicator. Aside from that, the BMW i8 is instantly recognisable thanks to its butterfly-door design that swing upwards when opened.

Thanks to the aluminium, carbon and thermoplastic used in their construction, they are approximately 50% lighter than conventionally built doors. As a result, they are particularly convenient to open and close from the inside. Stunning 20-inch BMW light alloy wheels (W spoke style 470) with mixed tyres completes the overall external look of the sports car.

The sporty ambiance of the exterior is continued seamlessly in the interior of the BMW i8. All elements are light and dynamically positioned. In the cockpit, buyers can expect a myraid of the entertainment features on board such as USB and Bluetooth connectivity, Harman Kardon surround sound system with 16-speakers, on-board computer including Check Control, a high-def 10.25-inch display monitor that display all kinds of functions including the navigation system and the iDrive Touch Controller with direct menu control buttons and 2-tuner reception.

Beyond that, a BMW Head-up Display, cruise control, Park Distance Control (PDC) for front and rear as well as top view and side camera system, person & approach control warning with light city braking, are fitted as standard for drivers’ convenience.

The BMW i8 powertrain is one of the most frugal, and ‘cleanest’ sports cars BMW has ever made. The TwinPower Turbo plug-in hybrid powertrain combines an electric motor to drive the front wheels and a 1.5-litre (yes, 1,500cc!) BMW TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder petrol engine driving the rear wheels. As a result, the BMW i8 is capable of churning out a healthy 362hp and a stonking 540Nm of torque!

The i8 can be driven on pure electric power at speeds up to 120 km/h for approximately 32km, producing zero tailpipe emissions. When the petrol engine joins forces with the electric motor, together they are capable of propelling the i8 for 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 250km/h.

Thanks in part to its passenger cell constructed out of lightweight carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), The BMW i8 will deliver fuel efficiency normally associated with the stingiest subcompact as demonstrated by the combined consumption of only 2.1 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 49 g/km.

As expected, the BMW i8 is priced at a cool RM1,188,800 on-the-road without insurance. Despite it’s hefty price tag, buyers will only need to fork out RM90 per year for road tax, not to mention its impressive fuel economy that would save them a lot of petrol money in the long run. With impressive performance figures and eco-friendly, this plug-in hybrid sports car is simply the best of both worlds!

However, if you don’t have a million ringgit plus in your bank account, fret not because you can still admire the stunning hybrid machine from our gallery photos below!