BMW India has launched the new i8 for Rs 2.29 crore (ex-showroom), which approximately sums up to Rs 2.7 crore on-the-road after taxes. This is the first launch for the company this year and there are 14 more launches scheduled for this year. The i8 will be imported in India as complete body unit and will be sold only in Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai by BMW i Dealerships.
This is BMW’s first hybrid sports car and it is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine (231bhp) and a 131bhp electric motor, which together produce 362bhp of power. This engine comes mated to a six-speed StepTronic transmission. If driven at a speed of 120km/hr, the electric motor power will last for 35 kms.
The BMW I WallBox will be recharged in less than two and a half hours using a conventional 220V socket. In the eDrive, the batteries are charged through the socket or while driving through the engine. This hybrid sports car returns 47.45km/l, which is the best any car offers at the moment in India.
The car can be driven in five modes, COMFORT, ECO PRO, SPORT, eDRIVE with an option of COMFORT and ECO PRO. The BMW ConnectedDrive gets the next-generation iDrive with handwriting recognition, BMW Navigation Professional with an 8.8-inch screen, 3D Maps, BMW Heads-Up Display, Harman Kardon music system and Park Distance Control.
At the launch, BMW Group India’s president Philipp von Sahr mentioned, “The global automotive industry is witnessing a change from conventional combustion engines to sustainable mobility solutions. The change in inevitable.”
Powered by 
MotorOctane.com is your one stop shop for news, views and reviews from the automotive industry. It is meant for car and bike enthusiasts- whether they are considering a new purchase or just wanting to stay abreast of the industry.
