New BMW i8 Coupe debuts

BMW Malaysia unveiled the new i8 Coupe this evening.
Features in the 2+2 seater “sports car of the future” include an air flap control system, air curtains in the front apron, sealed underbody, contoured side skirts, “Stream Flow” lines of the car’s flanks, and air ducts between the rear lights and roof frame. The flow of cooling air at the front has now been rerouted. Instead of rushing out through the outlet in the bonnet, the air escapes at the sides of the car near the wheel arches and into the underbody. The new i8 Coupe is fitted with the 20-inch BMW i light-alloy wheels in radial-spoke style and 516 jet black paint.
The car now has a high-voltage battery – located centrally in the car’s underbody to provide a low centre of gravity – with an increased cell capacity of 33Ah from the previous 20Ah. The electric motor output has increased by 12hp to 141hp, and the electric range now extends to 55km.
The turbocharged three-cylinder combustion engine featuring direct injection and Valvetronic variable valve timing extracts a maximum output of 231hp from its displacement of just 1.5 litres, plus peak torque of 320Nm. It is pleasantly refined and generates a distinctive soundtrack that now has an even sportier note.
The combined system output produced by the electric motor and engine acting in unison has also increased to 374hp now. It accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds, with a fuel consumption of 1.8 litres per 100km, which equates to 42g/km for petrol CO2 emissions, and 14kWh/100 km for electric power consumption.
The number of driving situations where the electric motor is solely responsible for powering the car has been significantly increased. By contrast, the combustion engine is only brought into play when accelerating hard and is switched off again far more frequently with a measured driving style.
The new i8 Coupe’s exterior comes in Crystal White with a Frozen Grey highlight, or the new BMW Individual special paintwork Donington Grey, with the interior in Black Amido or Accaro respectively. The new BMW i8 Coupe is available at all authorised BMW i dealerships nationwide from yesterday (Aug 14).
The retail prices (on the road, with 0% GST, without insurance and SST) for the new BMW i8 Coupe are: Peninsular Malaysia - RM1,310,800, East Malaysia - RM1,313,992 and Langkawi - RM862,800.