Wednesday 4th September 2019

BMW launches run-out i8 ahead of production end

'Ultimate Sophisto Edition' marks the final phase of BMW's innovative hybrid sports car

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It's a sign of how rapidly changing the current automotive landscape is that just as Porsche launches its landmark Taycan EV, so BMW has begun to wind down production of its own pivotal electrified car - a model which seemed just as revolutionary on its debut just five years ago. So significant was the i8 at launch, in fact, that Chris Harris described it "the template for fast motoring for the near future" while declaring it to be "a more interesting and significant machine" than the headline-grabbing LaFerrari.

With production scheduled to end in April 2020, BMW has had to think up a fitting way to turn close the book on its forward-thinking sports car - and this is what it's come up with. As with so many run-out models these days, the 'Ultimate Sophisto Edition' is really nothing more than a lick of paint and some badges. But what a lick of paint it is. To these eyes at least the Sophisto Grey base and E-Copper accents look very smart indeed with the i8's styling striking enough not to be overwhelmed by the dark colour and 20-inch copper wheels.

Elsewhere there are clear-glass rear lights - a first for the i8 - as well as 'Shadow Line' trim, bespoke sill plates and a numbered plaque. An Accaro interior in Black/E-Copper is said to complement the exterior look and features BMW's head-up display, light package, the Harman Kardon sound system and ceramic-coated controls. Extended storage and travel packs also come equipped to the Coupe and Roadster respectively.

BMW says that 200 examples of the i8 Coupe and i8 Roadster will be available worldwide, although it hasn't clarified whether that means 200 of each, or what the potential split between the two would be if not. For those who miss out, 1,000 units of the similarly-appointed i3 Edition RoadStyle are also going on sale, as the firm's electric city car helps to see its sportier sibling off.

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Search for a BMW i8 here

[sidesauce]

Having recently got one of these, I must say they have dated amazingly well all things considered. I also am learning to live with its foibles but as an attempt at a hybrid car, I have to put this up there with Audi's first R8 or the first Aston Vantage - truly a modern icon IMO. Interestingly, howmanyleft states there are 2100 of these coupe registered in the UK so it's rarer than I thought too.

Edited by sidesauce on Wednesday 4th September 20:06