BMW i8 wows onlookers at the 2014 Auto Expo

Yes, it’s 2014 and while India still has archaic roads, it will see the most futuristic car up for sale. The i8, BMW’s flagship offering in their recently launched ‘i’ range of cars, will be arriving in the country by the end of 2014 and will be in the Bavarian manufacturer’s showrooms for a price a bit north of Rs 1.5 crore as they are being brought to our shores via the CBU route.

The hybrid supercar was first showcased at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor show and its presence at India’s Auto Expo and the planned launch proves BMW’s commitment to the burgeoning Indian market.

The aluminium chassis is bonded to a carbon fibre reinforced plastic shell (CRPF) which significantly decreases weight to enable the hybrid supercar to perform the way it does. The doors also open gull-wing style while the C-pillar gets aerofoils to add to the aerodynamic quotient.

Powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-pot petrol powering the rear wheels producing 228bhp, and syncing with a 129bhp electric motor powering the front, the car produces a combined 357bhp. This is good to take the hybrid from 0–100kmph in 4.4 seconds all the way up to its electronically restricted top speed of 248kmph. Despite these supercar territory numbers, the i8 averages 40kmpl while CO2 emissions are just 59g/km.

By the time the i8 hits Indian shores at the fag-end of this year, BMW’s new and extremely catchy laser headlights will also be optional.