BMW i8 Roadster

Getting inside the car, you get power-adjustable seats, which features a driver’s side memory as well. A head-up display is provided so that you can focus on the road instead of getting distracted from the instrument console.

Standard features include keyless entry, push-button start, a 360-degree camera and dual-zone auto climate control. Moving to the infotainment system, the Roadster comes equipped with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, a Professional navigation system, and a 600-watt 16 speakers Harman Kardon surround sound system with Digital Amplifier for endless entertainment. The multi-function power steering comes with all the necessary buttons that one needs while driving without getting distracted. The Central Console Armrest and cruise control allow you to cruise with comfort. It also comes with Steering Wheel Gearshift Paddle that allows you to take control of the gearshifts and manually shift the gears whenever you desire.

As the name suggests, it comes with an open-top design statement that makes the car look very sporty from all aspects. It looks similar to the Coupé as it gets the same low-slung and futuristic swooping design. The attractive dihedral doors are also taken from the earlier model. The new extension includes a fabric roof, which is capable enough to fold away electrically within 15 seconds even at speeds of 50 km/h. The C-pillar comes equipped with Roadster badging.

The i8 Roadster is offered in seven different colours - Crystal White Pearl With I Blue, Sophisto Grey Brilliant With I Blue, Sophisto Grey Brilliant With Frozen Grey Metallic, Protonic Blue With Highlight Frozen Grey Metallic, Crystal White Pearl With Frozen Grey Metallic, Ionic Silver With I Blue, and Frozen Grey Accent Metallic.

The wheels offered here are quite similar to the pre-facelift i8, as it gets 20-inch W-spoke style 470 alloys. Instead of an aluminium frame, it flaunts a carbon fibre monocoque, which signifies that it is only 60 kg heavier at 1,595 kg (total kerb weight). It also gets LED headlights with high beam assist for better visibility during low light conditions.

It comes fitted with MacPherson Strut suspension at the front and Multi-Link suspensions at the rear. The overall ride quality is on the stiffer side. However, the stiffer setup helps in gaining stability during high-speed runs.

Under the hood, it flaunts the same 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine from the 318i. However, the output is boosted to 231 hp of maximum power and 320 Nm of peak torque. The power is only sent to the rear wheels via an Aisin six-speed automatic gearbox.

Along with that, it also comes with a powerful electric motor, which is capable of churning out 12 hp more power at 143 hp. The total output generated is 374 hp, which allows the car to sprint to 100 km/h from stationary in just 4.6 seconds. The increased cell capacity and higher gross energy capacity makes all-electric range 50 per cent better than the previous i8.

On the NEDC cycle, the fuel economy is rated at 2.0 litres per 100 km. It features a 3.6 kW onboard charger that allows the user to completely charge the vehicle within three hours.

In terms of safety, it comes with collision warning, pedestrian warning and autonomous emergency braking as standard. Other safety features include airbags, ABS, EBD, vehicle stability control system, seat belt warning, traction control, parking sensors, impact beams and more.

BMW i8 Roadster is a very sporty machine, and the carmaker has now made it more practical by increasing the overall range of the car. The interiors are very futuristics and get all the necessary features. The engine churns out excellent performance, and the vehicle can be taken for tracks day also. Overall, it is a huge bang for the buck.