2022 – 2023 Electric Cars Electric and Hybrid Cars, SUVs and Pickup Trucks: News, Reviews, Prices and Releases
The 2020 BMW i8 Roadster is so important vehicle for the electric segment. Practically, this vehicle brings some kind of revolution in the plug-in hybrid sports car class. The radical design language, the gasoline-electric hybrid combination, and efficient cabin run this league since the debut, back in 2014.
Well, we can easily say that the i8 is a groundbreaker for the whole hybrid sports car industry. So, the upcoming 2020 BMW i8 Roadster must keep that legacy. The exterior design is equally attractive, and the interior gets a couple of technology updates, just to stay in the tech-race.
Moreover, the safety features are amazing, probably the best in the whole class. On top of that, the removable roof is included, so you can have an electric convertible for the hot summer days.
Exterior
The 2020 BMW i8 Roadster is definitely one of the most handsome vehicles in the segment. The futuristic design from the previous version is still here, and appealing as ever. The thin LED headlights and faux double kidney grilles give the new model attractive front side. Moreover, the floating roof, moon-shaped taillights, and electric blue accent characterize the back-end of the vehicle.
The 2020 i8 looks more captivating with brand-new E-Cooper orange finish, with frozen grey accents. Also, the removable roof doesn’t take away too much from the coupe’s dazzling style. Furthermore, customers will choose between three 20-inch wheels options. Probably the two straight-edged, 15-spoke options are the best choice. These are available in jet black or silver on black.
2020 BMW i8 Roadster Interior
When the butterfly doors open you’ll see a gorgeously designed cabin. Surely, one of the best features of new 2020 BMW i8 Roadster is exclusive leather seats with light cloth inserts. The cabin is very well-designed, with a simple but effective layout. Moreover, black leather and plastic cover the dashboard, with few aluminum accents, just to spark the whole interior.
The center console blends seamlessly into the front air vents instrument cluster. The focal point of the dashboard is a new 8.8-inch touchscreen. The i8 is a two-door vehicle. With that in mind, it is a big surprise how comfortable the cabin actually is. In the whole class, maybe only the Acura NSX can come close to this level of comfort.
We mentioned earlier E-Cooper leather seats. Well, they sure do look good, but the cushion lower body of the passenger even better. Moreover, when the i8 is in pure EV mode, the cabin is the quietest place. Even when the gas engine is running, the noise is minimum.
However, with the removable roof, there not much trunk space. The i8 offer only 2.0 cubic for cargo area. That’s even less than Mazda Miata (4.59 cubic feet) and Smart ForTwo (7.8 cubic feet).
Safety Features and Technology
The upcoming 2020 BMW i8 Roadster offers a decent amount of safety feature, bundled in the innovative Active Driving Assistant package. This package includes a large number of camera-based support systems. So, if a pedestrian or an obstacle is detected, the city collision warning with the braking feature slows down the vehicle in a speed range of 6 mph to 40 mph. Moreover, the collision warning additionally provides protection against a rear-end collision with the vehicle ahead at a higher speed.
However, if it is no longer possible to avoid the accident, the braking features help to reduce the impact speed. The camera systems of Surround View and Side View with object detection offer maximum comfort and ease parking. Also, additional features like High Beam Assistant and Speed Limit Info provides even better safety and comfort during the journey.
The optional equipment includes full-color BMW Head-Up Display, that transfers information relevant for driving directly into the driver’s field of vision, therefore increase the concentration. Depending on the package you choose, the infotainment may include features such as Speed Limit Info, with no-overtaking indicator.
Specs
Under the hood of the forthcoming 2020 BMW i8 Roadster will be a 1.5-liter inline-three engine and two electric motors. The electric motors will receive power through an 11.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This battery combines the two section of the Drive module, and because of that, it’s perfectly protected against outside influences.
Moreover, a specially developed heating and air conditioning systems keep as few temperature fluctuations as possible. That feature alone will increase the life of the battery significantly. Also, the high-voltage battery comes with an 8 years warranty. The total output of i8 Roadster is 369 hp / 420 lb-ft of torque.
New Roadster will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. The engine is connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission and the all-wheel-drive will be a standard setup. The EPA fuel-economy ratings are 26 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 27 combined. With these numbers, upcoming 2020 BMW i8 Roadster will be second-best in the whole class. The class leader is Lexus LC 500h with EPA fuel-economy at 26/35/30 mpg.
2020 BMW i8 Roadster Release Date and Price
2020 BMW i8 Roadster comes with a hefty price tag. The starting price of the new Roadster will be around $163,300. With this price, the upcoming BMW hybrid is the most expensive vehicle in the segment.
One of the main rivals, Acura NSX starts at $157,500. However, unlike most Bimmers, additional options won’t push the price sky-high. The Terra World Copper trim includes four new color options and adds an extra $2,500 to the price.
But, with this, you’ll get three 20-inch wheel options that we mentioned earlier in this review. Also, an E-Copper leather with cloth inserts is part of the trim as well. Still, the LED Adaptive Headlights with Laser Accents comes separately, for $6,300. The new model will hit the streets in the first quartal of 2020.
