RE: BMW i8: Spotted
Discussion
Test drove one recently as the depreciated value looked so attractive, as noted in the article. Many positives but, when I thought about it, the most impractical car I have ever driven. Getting my feet through the narrow slot left by the dihedral doors and over the wide sill required my body to be more flexible than a circus contortionist and then the luggage space is so woeful that I wouldn’t have been able to stow my circus props. Ok, it’s a sub-supercar and so could be argued that practicality is secondary but then why have a performance-compromised hybrid in the first place? Falls between the proverbial two stools …
MCRMCR said:
Test drove one recently as the depreciated value looked so attractive, as noted in the article. Many positives but, when I thought about it, the most impractical car I have ever driven. Getting my feet through the narrow slot left by the dihedral doors and over the wide sill required my body to be more flexible than a circus contortionist and then the luggage space is so woeful that I wouldn’t have been able to stow my circus props. Ok, it’s a sub-supercar and so could be argued that practicality is secondary but then why have a performance-compromised hybrid in the first place? Falls between the proverbial two stools …
Is it a supercar? It looks like a supercar, and is a technological marvel no doubt. But is it a supercar on any sort of performance basis?MCRMCR said:
Test drove one recently as the depreciated value looked so attractive, as noted in the article. Many positives but, when I thought about it, the most impractical car I have ever driven. Getting my feet through the narrow slot left by the dihedral doors and over the wide sill required my body to be more flexible than a circus contortionist and then the luggage space is so woeful that I wouldn’t have been able to stow my circus props. Ok, it’s a sub-supercar and so could be argued that practicality is secondary but then why have a performance-compromised hybrid in the first place? Falls between the proverbial two stools …
My old man is 65. Bad knees. Bad back. The lot. He manages it with no fuss.Chezzie007 said:
Did they not have to enhance the engine noise in the cabin using V8 noise via the inside speakers? I recall a friend saying it only went 20miles on electric, if that, and then you were just driving around with a 1.5ltr turbo engine - really not special enough for the money.
Ever driven one? It's fab. And I can't stand BMWsChezzie007 said:
Did they not have to enhance the engine noise in the cabin using V8 noise via the inside speakers? I recall a friend saying it only went 20miles on electric, if that, and then you were just driving around with a 1.5ltr turbo engine - really not special enough for the money.
It’ll do 20 miles on just electric power, I suppose - if you run the engine as well the batteries are recharged as you go, and you get the power boost from the electric bits available at all times. At least, that’s how I understand it. 
Our i3 has a 10 year battery warranty so that wouldn't concern me too much for a good chunk of time, although i suspect it would hurt residuals when 9 years old...
I'd be very tempted at this price, its a great looking car (in my eyes) but more so that bit different that adds to the sense of occasion
I'd be very tempted at this price, its a great looking car (in my eyes) but more so that bit different that adds to the sense of occasion
Chezzie007 said:
Did they not have to enhance the engine noise in the cabin using V8 noise via the inside speakers? I recall a friend saying it only went 20miles on electric, if that, and then you were just driving around with a 1.5ltr turbo engine - really not special enough for the money.
The cabin noise is artificial but don’t let that cloud your view. It’s an awesome car and very special to own.garyhun said:
It’s an awesome car and very special to own.
As has been said before, most people don’t get, or understand, the i8. I quite like it that way, I like how non-owners (who not spent more than an hour or two around one) like to make sweeping pronouncements. Guarantees it will maintain its rarity.I have a 2016 i8 that’s coming up to the end of its 3 year PCP at the end of this month (March).
I bought it new because the incentives at the time were so good. £20k off list and 0% PCP with just £5k deposit.
I opted for the chunkier tyres and upgraded stereo system. The thin tyres are great for fuel economy but really don’t grip so well if you want to drive it like a sports car.
It’s been very much a garaged weekender for me and has only done a few thousand miles from new. I really should have used it more!
The truth is that it’s a fantastic car. I generally immediately put it in to Sport mode which is constant 4wd using the petrol engine for the rear wheels and the electric motor for the front wheels. It goes like a rocket and grips so well. In sport mode the engine keeps the battery charged too.
I’m 14 stone, 6ft 3 and 50+ with a bad back. I have no problem getting in and out. You get used to it. The doors open fine in my garage.
I have to find £48k to keep it in three weeks time but I think it’s a no-brainer. If I saw it for sale at £48k I’d buy it!
If I do keep it I probably will buy the £995 warranty. Not 100% sure yet.
It’s amazing that there are nearly new low mileage cars for sale for £60-70k. I think they’re a steal at that price. A very undervalued and underrated second hand buy IMO.
I bought it new because the incentives at the time were so good. £20k off list and 0% PCP with just £5k deposit.
I opted for the chunkier tyres and upgraded stereo system. The thin tyres are great for fuel economy but really don’t grip so well if you want to drive it like a sports car.
It’s been very much a garaged weekender for me and has only done a few thousand miles from new. I really should have used it more!
The truth is that it’s a fantastic car. I generally immediately put it in to Sport mode which is constant 4wd using the petrol engine for the rear wheels and the electric motor for the front wheels. It goes like a rocket and grips so well. In sport mode the engine keeps the battery charged too.
I’m 14 stone, 6ft 3 and 50+ with a bad back. I have no problem getting in and out. You get used to it. The doors open fine in my garage.
I have to find £48k to keep it in three weeks time but I think it’s a no-brainer. If I saw it for sale at £48k I’d buy it!
If I do keep it I probably will buy the £995 warranty. Not 100% sure yet.
It’s amazing that there are nearly new low mileage cars for sale for £60-70k. I think they’re a steal at that price. A very undervalued and underrated second hand buy IMO.
I have an i8 after trading a 997 C4S and Focus RS for it. They are awesome cars, you have to live with them for 2 or 3 days to get the sense of the car. In terms of driving, they are compelling and where else can you get gullwing doors for 50k!
Relive all your Back to the Future 80's fantasies!
Does 79mpg on a commute mixed motorway/town over 15 miles for me. Making progress anywhere above 22, usually 30's.
Relive all your Back to the Future 80's fantasies!
Does 79mpg on a commute mixed motorway/town over 15 miles for me. Making progress anywhere above 22, usually 30's.
Just put a holding deposit on this i8, and off to see it on Tuesday, I suspect ill end up purchasing it!
As we have another addition to the family coming in May, I thought this would be a 'practical car' (and Mrs jamesbilluk likes them too!) so win win! I'm getting rid of my Up GTi and 4C spider for the i8, and using the partners Astra for tip runs.
Quite excited to be able to do local runs to town under electric power if I need to.
As we have another addition to the family coming in May, I thought this would be a 'practical car' (and Mrs jamesbilluk likes them too!) so win win! I'm getting rid of my Up GTi and 4C spider for the i8, and using the partners Astra for tip runs.
Quite excited to be able to do local runs to town under electric power if I need to.
jamesbilluk said:
Just put a holding deposit on this i8, and off to see it on Tuesday, I suspect ill end up purchasing it!
As we have another addition to the family coming in May, I thought this would be a 'practical car' (and Mrs jamesbilluk likes them too!) so win win! I'm getting rid of my Up GTi and 4C spider for the i8, and using the partners Astra for tip runs.
Quite excited to be able to do local runs to town under electric power if I need to.
By another addition I assume you are meaning of the car variety and not as in a small person? As we have another addition to the family coming in May, I thought this would be a 'practical car' (and Mrs jamesbilluk likes them too!) so win win! I'm getting rid of my Up GTi and 4C spider for the i8, and using the partners Astra for tip runs.
Quite excited to be able to do local runs to town under electric power if I need to.
If I had the option of somewhere to charge such a beast I’d of given one of these serious consideration.....unfortunately Edinburgh sucks for electric charging hilarious considering the Tesla dealership is about .3 of a mile up the road from me and there’s not even anything around there either.
MGirl said:
jamesbilluk said:
Just put a holding deposit on this i8, and off to see it on Tuesday, I suspect ill end up purchasing it!
As we have another addition to the family coming in May, I thought this would be a 'practical car' (and Mrs jamesbilluk likes them too!) so win win! I'm getting rid of my Up GTi and 4C spider for the i8, and using the partners Astra for tip runs.
Quite excited to be able to do local runs to town under electric power if I need to.
By another addition I assume you are meaning of the car variety and not as in a small person? As we have another addition to the family coming in May, I thought this would be a 'practical car' (and Mrs jamesbilluk likes them too!) so win win! I'm getting rid of my Up GTi and 4C spider for the i8, and using the partners Astra for tip runs.
Quite excited to be able to do local runs to town under electric power if I need to.
If I had the option of somewhere to charge such a beast I’d of given one of these serious consideration.....unfortunately Edinburgh sucks for electric charging hilarious considering the Tesla dealership is about .3 of a mile up the road from me and there’s not even anything around there either.
I've even seen various photos online of child seats in them, not sure the pram we've purchased will go in the boot, may have to purchase a travel pram, just incase.
jamesbilluk said:
We have a small person on the way.
I've even seen various photos online of child seats in them, not sure the pram we've purchased will go in the boot, may have to purchase a travel pram, just incase.
Yeah you can get a child seat in them but the boot space is well, not that practical. Gotta love the man maths on what’s ‘practical’ saying that when I was a toddler and my sister was a baby my Mum had a Mini and she managed no problem. It may just make you pack lighter, as I’m never sure why people need to take almost their whole house when they’ve got kids. I've even seen various photos online of child seats in them, not sure the pram we've purchased will go in the boot, may have to purchase a travel pram, just incase.
MGirl said:
jamesbilluk said:
We have a small person on the way.
I've even seen various photos online of child seats in them, not sure the pram we've purchased will go in the boot, may have to purchase a travel pram, just incase.
Yeah you can get a child seat in them but the boot space is well, not that practical. Gotta love the man maths on what’s ‘practical’ saying that when I was a toddler and my sister was a baby my Mum had a Mini and she managed no problem. It may just make you pack lighter, as I’m never sure why people need to take almost their whole house when they’ve got kids. I've even seen various photos online of child seats in them, not sure the pram we've purchased will go in the boot, may have to purchase a travel pram, just incase.
Very true that, the OH's sister and husband have an A4 estate, last time we went on holiday, they had packed all sorts in the boot, but didn't seem to use all of it. Hoping we can get the main bits in the i8, the UP! Wasn't the most practical car to be honest..
jamesbilluk said:
Just put a holding deposit on this i8, and off to see it on Tuesday, I suspect ill end up purchasing it!
As we have another addition to the family coming in May, I thought this would be a 'practical car' (and Mrs jamesbilluk likes them too!) so win win! I'm getting rid of my Up GTi and 4C spider for the i8, and using the partners Astra for tip runs.
Quite excited to be able to do local runs to town under electric power if I need to.
You say “this” i8! Did you mean to add a link?As we have another addition to the family coming in May, I thought this would be a 'practical car' (and Mrs jamesbilluk likes them too!) so win win! I'm getting rid of my Up GTi and 4C spider for the i8, and using the partners Astra for tip runs.
Quite excited to be able to do local runs to town under electric power if I need to.
garyhun said:
jamesbilluk said:
Just put a holding deposit on this i8, and off to see it on Tuesday, I suspect ill end up purchasing it!
As we have another addition to the family coming in May, I thought this would be a 'practical car' (and Mrs jamesbilluk likes them too!) so win win! I'm getting rid of my Up GTi and 4C spider for the i8, and using the partners Astra for tip runs.
Quite excited to be able to do local runs to town under electric power if I need to.
You say “this” i8! Did you mean to add a link?As we have another addition to the family coming in May, I thought this would be a 'practical car' (and Mrs jamesbilluk likes them too!) so win win! I'm getting rid of my Up GTi and 4C spider for the i8, and using the partners Astra for tip runs.
Quite excited to be able to do local runs to town under electric power if I need to.
Down to £42,000 now. jamesbilluk said:
garyhun said:
jamesbilluk said:
Just put a holding deposit on this i8, and off to see it on Tuesday, I suspect ill end up purchasing it!
As we have another addition to the family coming in May, I thought this would be a 'practical car' (and Mrs jamesbilluk likes them too!) so win win! I'm getting rid of my Up GTi and 4C spider for the i8, and using the partners Astra for tip runs.
Quite excited to be able to do local runs to town under electric power if I need to.
You say “this” i8! Did you mean to add a link?As we have another addition to the family coming in May, I thought this would be a 'practical car' (and Mrs jamesbilluk likes them too!) so win win! I'm getting rid of my Up GTi and 4C spider for the i8, and using the partners Astra for tip runs.
Quite excited to be able to do local runs to town under electric power if I need to.
Down to £42,000 now. 
Best of luck, cracking cars and the one Mrs G keeps saying I should get. She fell in love with it when we had one for 4 days last Summer.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff