BMW I3 VS I8

BMW’s two most exciting electric models the i3 and i8 have been hailed as game changers of the electric vehicle industry since their release in 2013.

The German automotive brand BMW remains very popular for its quality of the cars that it produces on a regular basis. BMW's are known for always coming with the best engines; offering an unmatchable smooth, comfortable and joyful driving experience. The company has started building low emission electric cars a few years back with the production of the brand new i3 & i8 starting in 2013.

BMW i3 vs i8

	BMW i3	BMW i8
In production from	2013–Present	2014- Present
Body style	5-door hatchback / City car	2-door coupe / sports car
Powered by	134bhp electric motor	131bhp electric motor combined with 1.5 litrethree-cylinderpetrol engine
Dimensions
Height	1578mm	1291mm
Width	1775mm	1942mm
Wheelbase	2570mm	2800mm
Length	3999mm	4689mm
Boot capacity	1100 litreswith seats down  260 litres with seats up	154 litres
Kerb weight	1270 – 1390 kg	1567kg
Performance
Top speed	150 km/h(93 miles/h)	250 km/h(155miles/h)
Acceleration 0-62mph	7.2 - 7.9seconds	4.3 seconds
Top speed in fully electric mode	n/a	120 km/h(75 miles/h)
CO2 emissions	0	49g/km
Driving range	124 miles	134.5 miles
EuroNCAP safety ratings		n/a
Prices starts from	£32,380	£104,540

Both the i3 and i8 are designed with lightweight construction mainly using carbon and aerodynamic features to provide maximum driving efficiency. As a result both the i3 & i8 are able to offer totally emission free driving.

DESIGN

The i3 and i8 are beautifully designed models from BMW’s design team that truly have plenty of road appeal and a great set of redeeming features both inside and out.

The BMW i3 is quite similar in size as the Ford Fiesta however it looks bigger and more spacious inside and out; its also 300kg lighter than Nissan Leaf. Its blue kidney grille and U shaped LED daytime running lights help contribute to a fresh look for the car.

BMW’s “i” range cars makes electric driving fun and has been recognised for many global awards!

INTERIOR & PRACTICALITY

“Incorporates with the latest technology featuring high standard quality inside-out”

The i3 has a practical boot capacity of 1100 litres so you needn't worry fitting your shopping bags, prams or any other luggage. Whereas the i8 offers only 154 litres space, its still nine litres bigger than the Porsche equivalent.

The new modern, sporty interior is a great compliment to the BMW I range models, offering a choice of colours to choose from in the i3. The BMW i8 looks stunning not just from outside, the inside as well – with a curvy gearbox, tanned leather upholstery and a big pop up 8.8-inch media system along with DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, electrically adjusted heated front seats and much more.

Both the i3 and i8 come with BMW’s latest iDrive technology for the best entertainment and information systems with real time traffic information, online services, emergency calling, internet and remote services.

The low dashboard, simple screen and tall windows provide an easy way to see out from BMW i3 and its standard rear parking sensors help with safer & easier parking. The i3 has been designed with high quality materials and a sophisticated look that really makes a statement while driving the car. It comes with all the driving entertainment features including a 6.5-inch touchscreen that incorporates satellite navigation, USB connection, DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity. It also offers a good amount of space for driver and front, rear passengers.

ELECTRIC RANGE, CHARGING & ENGINE COMPTABILITY

“Perfect for everyday economical driving”

The i3 is mostly described as a fully-electric “city car” offering driving range of around 160km per charge and the super sporty 2-door coupe i8 is a plug-in hybrid that combines electric and petrol to providing good balance of emission free driving and petrol powered performance.

BMW i3 - Using the lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) technology the BMW i3 has not just lowered the weight but improved the efficiency as well. With a total weight of 1250 kg, the lithium ion battery pack used to power the car is mounted beneath its floor.

The BMW i3 can travel up to 124 miles on a single charge which is ideal for city commuting, especially for home-to-work travelling. The i3 also has a range-extender version that comes with a two-cylinder petrol engine for your peace of mind of keeping batteries from running flat. With the range extender equipped, it allows you to travel further 80 miles.

The BMW i3 can be charged by using the cable provided at the public charge station or there is also the option of the home charging solution called “BMW I Wallbox Pure” for a more convenient and a quick solution at home. It can be charge from 0-80% in less than 3 hours. You can get more information about the i3 charging on BMW’s official website here - https://www.bmw.co.uk/en/all-models/bmw-i/i3/2019/at-a-glance.html

BMW i8 – The BMW i8 is one of the best sports cars with a striking design that the world is talking about. The i8 has made a historical mark in the electric hybrid range being a super sport car delivering 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 4.4 seconds. The i8 is powered by a 131bhp electric motor along with the BMW’s twin turbo 1.5 litre three-cylinder petrol accelerating the car from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 4.4 seconds, with fuel consumption of 134.5 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 49g/km.

Thanks to BMW’s CFRP technology, the overall weight of the i8 is 1560kg which is tremendous; it’s called 50 percent lighter than if it had been made of steel and 30 percent lighter than aluminium.

AVAILABILITY & PRICES

Both the BMW i3 and i8 are exciting and popular models in the electric range, with the price starting from £32K for the BMW i3 and £100K for BMW i8. However, if you're looking to get these cars on leasing then why not take a look at our BMW models page here.