BMW i8 Roadster 2019 in-depth review - Carbuyer

Several years after the coupe, a convertible version of the futuristic, hi-tech BMW i8 plug-in hybrid supercar has arrived. James Batchelor goes for a drive to find out if this is now the most desirable version of BMW's flagship sports model.

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[cobby]

All other reviews of this car are far more positive. You have a fantastic futuristic looking car, that drives beautifully. You have the flexibility to be very economic utilising the battery options or sport mode gives it the kick when required. The doors only require 52cm clearance to open so not a lot different to a normal car. There is a 2nd 12v power socket under the glovebox meaning you could charge a 2nd phone. The key (if you wish to use the display key) can be charged by the induction. The rear opening window is a real plus, allowing fresh air in from the rear without the noise. All in all, its a great car.

[iainjohnston]

Review was a bit half baked. No mention of the performance for the price. Did you think it was fast? Is the 3 cylinder smooth? Is the transition between electric and petrol seemless and hard to notice? Is the car incredibly quiet and cosseting? The car actually does 45mpg in comfort mode and yes, 30mpg in sport but you didn’t mention that 30mins in sport will give you 8miles or so ‘free’ electric miles.

[jamesmolyneux]

I’d like to mention that there are obviously no door bins because when the doors are upside down, everything will fall out. Doesn’t take 2.5 years of ownership to work that one out

[MaZEEZaM]

Im not normally to keen on the design of BMW's generally but I do really love the external design of this car.

[vm]

I actually really love this review. I'm sorry there are so many people that are just looking for positive reinforcement that the BMW i8 is awesome. Granted, hands down the i8 one of the most striking and beautiful cars ever produced, in my opinion. For someone like me, who is thinking of buying one now in 2024, knowing full well that the car is out of production for 5 years, so even a 2019 roadster with low mileage is "the end of the road". It is a sad reality, so a video like this is invaluable.

- Good point about the narrow tires, producing understeering
- Good point about getting in and out of the car - it is actually quite difficult to exit the vehicle gracefully
- Excellent point about the windows not rolling down fully, leaving that annoying 5 cm of window glass, so you cannot rest your arm out the window.
- Good point about the noise with the windows down, even with the glass diffuser. Probably best to only drive the roadster with the roof off when going through winding roads < 45 MPH. For highway driving, the noise is probably too much.

The other thing I would worry about with buying a hybrid is an ageing battery. It is well known that batteries lose their power with age, especially after repeated charge - discharge cycles. Think about your cell phone battery life after only 2 years of use. Now imagine your car having similar issues. i would like to know if it truly is a viable option to drive the car in electric only mode in 2024, or will most of these batteries be so worn out, that the "hybrid" portion is now just theory, and the car has to only be driven in sport mode.

The final comments about the comparison between a Porsche 911 Carrera and the Mercedes Benz AMG GT are excellent comparison cars, that absolutely must be evaluated by prospective buyers before buying the BMW i8. I myself am trying to decide if the unique looks of the i8 are worth it, or if it makes more sense to get a used Porsche 911 cabriolet of similar age, for a very similar price. Yes, you won't be as unique on the road, but that car will have far superior performance and handling than the i8.

I wish there was an aftermarket for this car, for example the option to buy a new replacement battery with a larger capacity, to allow maybe 100 - 150 miles range.
Would also have been amazing to have the evolution of this line continue, with newer models having electric motors for each wheel, similar to the Tesla Model S plaid. I could only imagine a "souped up" BMW i8 with a 450 HB combustion engine, and with more powerful electric motors providing 400 additional HP, even if there was a 500 pound battery pack along the bottom of the vehicle.

[stevecballard]

i took mine away to do a 2 week road trip to france, switzerland and the italian lakes, , absolutly no problem with luggage space, the shelf behind the seats takes 2 cabin bags and the boot will take a medium suitcase + a small squashy bag, i did 1750 miles and managed 42 mpg over the trip and that was only being charged in the uk before going on the eurotunnel,

[DwainDwight]

awesome car. have done a 2 week road trip in one with two people. although not much storage, if you pack smart, it's doable. so much fun. great review

[netweed]

This is 1 of the most beautiful things ever

[aleksandarristic]

When you buy car to go with your pants...

[malfan]

Awesome review, James.
Love from Cape Town, South Africa.

[YonePepe]

am i the only one who loves the interior of this car?

[dailymonsters]

You buy this car not for speed, but the technology behind it.. Bmw made this future proof.. I saw some shops tuned the 1.5l engine.. It hits 400 ish hp combined power.. Not bad for 1.5 liter turbocharged engine

[Jetskicentral]

Having owned the coupe I can tell you there is another 12v outlet under the passenger dashboard below the glove box :) plug your phone in there - I also never had an issue with the battery on the display key proving your not messing with it every 5 mins like a mobile.

[loftysaltmarsh]

Some poor editing in this review, especially in the first half.

[TheSpudlyMcgudly]

Needs sharper creases and is a hideous shade of Orange, but that's enough about the trousers..

[tojpurre]

Not only do you look like will from the invetweeners but you sound like him too

[hasnipedyou]

The reason for the car looking like that and the cars aspects are for the safety BMWs aren’t made for speed they are made for safety and a luxurious look

[luckysense]

Let's face it, if there were door pockets, when you open the doors everything will fall out

[jamo]

There seems to be a fault with this BMW. At 6:30 there is a flashing orange light on the front of the car. I've never seen that on a BMW before. Hopefully BMW can sort this out before it starts to spread.

[richardhifi]

I’d be worried about the depreciation levels