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BMW i8 launches in India. The high-performance plug-in hybrid sports car is priced at INR 2.29 cr.
Hailed as the ‘future of urban mobility’ world over, the vehicle was first seen in the Tom Cruise starrer Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol in 2011. While many said the i8 concept would be impossible to produce and sustain commercially, it has turned out to be a remarkable vision that has become a reality. The impossible made possible. From today, the BMW i8 is available at selected BMW i dealerships in Mumbai, New Delhi and Chennai as a CBU unit.
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| Sachin Tendulkar and Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India, with the BMW i8 |
The BMW i8 will be available at an all India ex-showroom price of INR 2,29,00,000 and comes in four variants – Ionic Silver with BMW i Blue accent, Protonic Blue with Frozen Grey metallic accent, Sophisto Grey Brilliant Effect with BMW i Blue accent and Crystal White Pearl Effect with BMW i Blue accent.
At a press launch followed by an after party attended by celebrities & industry who’s who, brand ambassador Sachin Tendulkar drove in and unveiled the new revolutionary BMW i8. Click here for event images. Seen at the event were Sonakshi Sinha, Kangana Ranaut, Esha Gupta, Sarah-Jane Dias and Shahid Kapur.
The BMW i8 is no ordinary car, but a new culture. It is an example of futuristic technology – an evolution of BMW EfficientDynamics that brings next gen mobility solutions for luxury consumers living in mega cities of the future. With growing urbanization and increasing environmental challenges this vehicle embodies a revolutionary, future-focused interpretation of driving pleasure and is purpose-designed as a plug-in hybrid sports car offering agile performance and outstanding efficiency.
Click here for complete technical specifications of the BMW i8.
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| Sachin Tendulkar with the BMW i8 |
At the launch, Mr. Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India said, “The world we live in is changing and a changing world constantly demands new ideas. The global automotive industry is witnessing a paradigm shift from the conventional combustion engine to sustainable mobility solutions. And, so is India. This change is inevitable. At BMW, we are constantly working to create cutting-edge mobility solutions for the future. We will spearhead this revolution with BMW i – a ground-breaking concept for sustainable mobility and a new understanding of what premium means – strongly defined by sustainability.”
About the BMW i8.
The BMW i8 features a completely new, exciting sports car design that includes comprehensive, sophisticated aerodynamics features and environment friendly materials. The fluid lines and flat silhouette give it a distinctive impression of powerful forward thrust even when it is at a standstill. With aerodynamics paired with the highest aesthetic standards, it has a broad kidney grille that stretches over to the slim headlights, accentuating the width and its road-focused stance. Handle-free ‘scissor’ doors and strongly expressive LED headlights make compelling design statements.
The interior takes its cue from the fluid, dynamic exterior with a reprise of the layered surfaces that underpin its unique design. The cockpit is systematically focused on the driver with the centre console angled towards the driving position at twelve degrees – putting all displays, instruments and controls in direct line of sight.
The intelligent plug-in hybrid system combines the benefits of an electric motor and a petrol engine into an extraordinary driving experience, with high efficiency and maximum dynamics made simultaneously possible. The electric drive, a powerful 96 kW (131 hp) lithium-ion battery, is located on the front axle. The rear axle is driven by BMW TwinPower Turbo 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with 170 kW (231 hp) of peak performance. Together, the two units deliver a total of 362 hp, accelerating the BMW i8 from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds using all four wheels in the process. Running on battery power, it achieves the top speed of 120 km/h with a maximum range of 35 kilometers. In conjunction with the combustion engine, the electric motor takes the e-powered supercar to up to 250 km/h, and depending on driving style the driving range can be up to 600 kilometers. The record low fuel consumption averages at 47.45 km/l and CO2 emissions are at a mere 50.36 g/km.
The vehicle architecture significantly contributes towards weight optimisation. It comprises a passenger cell made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and an aluminium frame for the combustion engine and electric motor, the battery pack and the suspension. The battery can be charged from any mains socket with a BMW i Wallbox or while driving. A standard accessory, the BMW i Wallbox enables the high-voltage battery to be recharged in less than two-and-a-half hours using a conventional 220V mains socket. The four-wheel drive system in the BMW i8 can deploy the power reserves through all four wheels for added traction and control. It uses the high-torque output of the electric motor and the performance of the petrol engine, which arrives via the specially modified six-speed Steptronic transmission. The transmission collaborates perfectly with the engine at all times, in any gear, enabling it to develop its full power and efficiency.
There is a choice of five different driving modes: the ‘D’ transmission setting in COMFORT and ECO PRO mode, the SPORT mode and the eDRIVE mode for all-electric driving (with a choice of COMFORT or ECO PRO). COMFORT is the default mode, balancing between sporty and efficient driving styles. In SPORT mode the car automatically becomes more dynamic, and in ECO PRO mode, the driving range increases thanks to a particularly efficient driving style that optimizes the energy use of both power sources.
The BMW i8 boasts a high degree of connectivity – for an intelligent and sustainable form of mobility like never before. These include the next generation of BMW iDrive (the on-board Driver Information System) with touch controller and handwriting recognition, BMW Navigation Professional (integrated Global Positioning System – GPS) with 8.8-inch colour display, 3D maps, full-colour BMW Head-Up Display; Connectivity through Bluetooth and USB devices and Harman Kardon Surround Sound system. Park Distance Control (PDC) rear and front along with rear view camera come as standard features.
More more details, images and video clips, visit the official BMW India Facebook page.