BMW has started delivering the first units of its plug-in hybrid supercar, the i8. Eight BMW i8s were given to customers in Germany at a special ceremony conducted by the carmaker. While Audi's limited edition R8 LMX was unveiled last month and was touted to be the first production car with laser light tech, BMW has trumped its rival by executing deliveries.
The BMW i8 is powered by an alliance of a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine and a lithium-ion battery driven electric motor. The plug-in hybrid puts out a combined power of 362bhp, enabling the i8 to go from 0-100kph in 4.4 seconds, as claimed by BMW. The i8 has a limited top speed of 250kph and can travel up to 37km on electric power alone.
BMW’s German head of sales and marketing, Roland Kruger, said, “In November last year, we welcomed the first BMW i3 customers here at BMW Welt. Today, we are continuing the BMW i success story with the first eight BMW i8 customers worldwide. As the first of a new era, the BMW i8 combines the sustainable design of a carbon-fiber body with a powerful plug-in hybrid."