PIMS 2016: BMW turns heads with the i8

BMW got its share of the spotlight during the 6th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) by introducing the i8. It is the brand’s plug-in hybrid vehicle, which first debuted at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Nonetheless, this marked its first ever appearance in the country.

The i8 draws attention through its sharp looking and aggressive fascia. It has blacked out headlights, a wide grille, and the brand’s signature kidney grille. Turning at the side, the i8’s ‘butterfly doors’ add to its overall striking design. The rear, on the other hand, is fitted with distinctive taillights and an equally bold bumper design.

Inside, the i8 has a two-tone interior theme along with a driver-oriented dashboard, a large touchscreen, and a 3-spoke steering wheel with multi-function controls. It also has 4 driving modes: Comfort, Sport, Eco Pro, and eDrive (pure electric) mode. Of note, the i8 can be driven up to 37 km under electric power alone.

The i8 is equipped with a 1.5L gasoline engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor. The combined power output of BMW’s plug-in hybrid vehicle is rated at 362 hp and 569 Nm of torque. It is then mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. BMW claims the i8 can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds.  

As of this writing, there’s no word yet if the i8 will be sold in the Philippines.

For more information about BMW and its vehicles, visit the AutoDeal Car Brands page.