Radical new BMW i8 hybrid sports car driven

BMW claims its new i8 blends hybrid frugality with authentic sports car thrills. Steve Sutcliffe tests those claims on the very best driving roads that Scotland has to offer.

Autocar, the world's leading motoring magazine and website, delivers industry-leading news, the most in-depth car reviews and opinion from our team of experts. Our presenters include some of the world's top motoring journalists who have unrivalled access to the world's fastest, rarest, most exotic and most exciting cars on some of the world's best roads and race tracks.

[slabsides]

Wow. I'm not a BMW fanboy but this car blows me away. Especially the fact they did it for under $100, 000. It's less than a loaded GT-R or Stingray Zo6. I can't think of a car I'd rather have right now for under $100, 000. Definitely best new car of the year.

[hocly]

BMW managed to make their 3 cylinder hybrid sound better than both their flagship twin turbo V8 and twinturbo straight 6 on the M5 and you confuse me so..

[JohnnyWrong]

If BMW can make a 3 cylinder sound so good, beats me why their M3 needs the video game soundtrack pumped in to give it a decent sound. The M5 only needs it cos of excessive insulation.

[BrianAndersonTT]

Great video; this car is very alluring.

I am normally drawn to pure sports cars, but they are are purpose built for driving enjoyment and when you need to use them for everyday activities they start to fall short with their horrible mpg, ride comfort, fixed ride height, noise etc.

With a car like this you get superb practicality as well as some fun when you want.

On the other hand, cars that lean to the purer end of the spectrum while still having reasonable practicality are also welcomed.

[crazynaska]

One day people will be saying electric cars are so much better then gasoline versions!  That day will be very exciting.

[TheSnztheallah]

It looks more like a prototype than a production car. With that said, I kind of like where this hybrid tech is headed. Cannot deny the fact that I love the 918, so this could essentially be a baby 918 with a different badge and more obtainable for me at the moment lol

[joseph_n]

look at the back of the I8, looks like it is giving birth to a 911 and once it is seen, it cannot be unseen lol

[JamezE]

people don't seem to understand the i8. its supposed to highlight a future where sports cars can be as economical as a city car but still have impressive performance when you want it. it is therefore not comparable to a 911 or R8 which are made to look almost out of date compared to this

[gw]

It'll be interesting to see if some of this hybrid tech ends up in the next generation of M cars. A 50+ mpg M3/M4 would be quite a proposition.

[JaySee]

I want to know how that sound is coming out of a I3 turbo. I suspect some speaker wizardry a la M5.

[MrBiohazard]

Even though I didn't quite agree with all of his recent reviews, I am glad that finally someone has grasped the idea and the purpose of the i8. It is indeed a brilliant car and a showcase for what is possible.

[JohnInSale]

Nice review !!!
I believe there are different wheel / wider tyre options you can order from the dealer, if you don't like the standard skinny tyres / wheel option !!!

[MadDocLive]

Driving that BMW i8 along the Castle Stuart - Dalcross Airport road must have been brilliant!!!

[ProfDrDrThomasJRosemann]

Best i8 review ever. Great car, especially as roadster. With only 3884 built, a future classic.

[Ioanides]

Porsche should be scared. I don;t see how they won't lose market share because of this car. It makes a 911 look so last year...

[oromoto]

3 Cyls, 1499cc for $140, 000 USD.  Sure bring it on.

[Ioanides]

the sound of the future eco-friendly cars is the sound of a V8. thanks BMW :)

[Bravo]

It is a thing of beauty as well...inside and out, they really out did themselves in the Design.

If I had a wish, I would love to see BMW create a Track version for Le Mans to go head to head against Porsche, Aston Martin and Corvettes.

[MadDocLive]

Driving that BMW i8 along the Castle Stuart - Dalcross Airport road must have been brilliant!!!

[TheRaguORagula]

I don't think the i8 actually makes a huge profit per car for BMW but it is BMW's clever way of experimenting and showcasing their tech for future generations similar to how other companies use their supercars.