Talk Morgan Forums Community Vehicle Talk (non-Morgan) BMW I8

I have just driven a BMW I8, What a car, This car is a bargain at 100 grand when you look at what's in it and see the quality of how it's made,I really really want one, 3 cylinder 1500 cc engine. Makes the engine in my 3W seem a bit agricultural......!!

I've been tempted, but concluded a Plus 8 was more my style and will be worth more in 10 years....

But no argument, it is stuning to look at and incredibly clever...

But it looks like it is "giving birth to" a Porsche 911. Look at the rear view and you'll see

Doesn't do much for me I'm afraid.

Being somewhat more realistic I am considering a Series 2 Active Tourer Xdrive. Only problem is they are too new to find one low mileage or otherwise discounted.

Way out of my price league!

Not for me no matter how good. Plus the depreciation will be horrific. In my company car days though, I might have considered it.

There are 9 of them on Autotrader, all priced at a premium of up to £30K.
Madness.

Couldn't find any i3 for sale, but the 3 year lease costs are about £330 a month, which seems high. This suggests high depreciation is expected.

Personally I like the styling and think that it is a step in the right direction; however, I'd be happier to look at them once they've been out for a year and the concept is proven. My understanding is that BMW are loosing money on each car, so it will be interesting to see how the long term viability of such a halo product is. Honda lost a lot on each Insight they sold but did so to prove early hybrid technology and patented circa 300 parts as a result. At a guess BMW are using the i8 to give the newly created i-range some cache because the mainstream hybrid 3 and 5 haven't been a success.

As for the quoted MPG figures, they are optimistic at best. Real world conditions, mixed driving and not mashing the accelerator are delivering circa 40mpg - not bad but not even close to the 100+mpg quoted.

Also, whilst the door opening is attractive, I'm interested to know how functional they are; Lamborghini seems to have nailed this with their scissor doors but the 'swan' style always smell of fashion over function to me.

You will probably have to wait about 18 months...
But it is attractive.

I prefer this: GLA 45

I remain unconvinced that the hybrid technology is the way forward. They are all chasing this dream in order to meet EU obsession with CO2 reduction.

It is interesting to read the views of the President of VAG. He said, in essence, the public are not convinced and we can't make a profit on these cars. So you have to persuade the public first.

Me? I prefer GMO crops to electric cars and I'd prefer neither.

I sat in one at the Goodwood Revival Meeting this year and I liked it very much although I am normally more conservative this car had something special for me.

Ingress and egress is going to be interesting for those wearing a skirt. The sill is GT40 width.
Without skirt I found it an effort compared to any Morgan I've experienced.

Way out of my bracket though.

Bring on the H cars they are wasting a lot of effort on dirty battery technology.

I suspect the emergence of International terrorism and the infrastructure necessary to deliver has had a bearing on arresting H progress.

The major issue doubtless will be "how do we tax it"..