BMW launches run-out i8 ahead of production end
'Ultimate Sophisto Edition' marks the final phase of BMW's innovative hybrid sports car
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.
Really like the exterior colour scheme on this, not sure about the seats though. Have they ever done an interior with alcantara seats etc, that would be a winner for me.
It’ll be interesting to see where BMW go with electric cars now; they did sone cool stuff with the i3 and i8 but don’t seem to have developed them and are getting left behind by others.
Might be a bit snug as a full four seater but when we leave Mrs S at home and it's just the three of us it's perfectly comfortable.
No problem getting in the back either.
Might be a bit snug as a full four seater but when we leave Mrs S at home and it's just the three of us it's perfectly comfortable.
No problem getting in the back either.
Might be a bit snug as a full four seater but when we leave Mrs S at home and it's just the three of us it's perfectly comfortable.
No problem getting in the back either.
If a long legged 6.2 is driving then can children fit in the back or is it pointless like the Aston’s?
I am genuinely shocked that so shortly after an LCI they are canning it.
It does pose the question is this the start of a general cull of unprofitable models within BMW's line up?
There has already been noise about lack of sales of the 8 series and Z4 and they wont be replaced. So will we see it on a wider scale?
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