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The design aspects of the BMW i8 are indeed breathtaking and futuristic.
So finally the wait is over as the German luxury auto giant BMW has lifted the veil from its uber-cool i8 hybrid supercar in India.
Launched at a price tag of Rs 2.29 crore (Rs 22.9 million), the first plug-in hybrid supercar from BMW’s stable i8 was first displayed in the country at Auto Expo 2014 but the concept of the car is way old as it has already been debuted on the big screens in the movie 'Mission Impossible'.
Being introduced through CBU route, the first i-series car in India will soon be followed by its more accessible all electric sibling i3 in the later part of the year.
Here are five things to know about this creation.
Budget 2015: Complete Coverage
Exterior
The design aspects of all new BMW i8 are indeed breathtaking and look very futuristic. The factor that primarily gives it a perfect stance is its low slung coupe like make-up, clothed in the sliver shades with blue accents.
Feather in the cap in this supercar comes in the form of wide-ranging use of carbon fibre and aluminium that ensures precisely light-weight body of 1485 kg.
Further on the exterior part, the car carries BMW’s vision efficient dynamics concept and adopts a number of jaw-dropping features.
The kidney grille edged by sharp headlights offers you very eye-pleasing sight for sure and the wing like doors add to the coolness of the super car.
The i8 is second car after Audi R8 LMX to flaunt laser-beam headlamps for Indian market. Apart from this, the scissor doors and aggressive stance with muscular frame and wheel arch just add to the exquisiteness of this machine.
Interiors
The interiors of BMW i8 will show you how a future car looks like. The colour changing lighting pattern of the dashboard and all digital driver-cockpit never let you feel that you are driving in present.
The car is essentially a 2+2 seater vehicle. Standard gadgets in the car include i-drive infotainment system that features satellite navigation system, Harmon Kardon audio unit with USB and
Bluetooth connectivity while there is also full colored head-up display that gives you real time info about the journey.
To sum up, this is the most fascinating BMW car in the decades and has been a result of truly notable efforts of BMW engineers.
Engine and Power
Now come to the very important part of the vehicle i.e. engine specs. The car is a rear wheel drive vehicle and is powered by 1.5-liter three cylinder twin scroll turbo petrol engine that is able to dish out a healthy 231 PS of max power and 320 Nm of peak torque. 
Budget 2015: Complete Coverage
The front wheels of the supercar get power from a 131 PS electric motor churning out 250 Nm max torque, which is placed at front and is also the reason for low emission of CO2 per km (precisely 49 grams of CO2 per kilometre).
The combined power from both fuel engine and electric motor goes up to maximum figures of 362 PS and 570 Nm of torque. Moreover, the gasoline engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission while the motor is coupled with two stage- automatic - hybrid all-wheel-drive.
Mileage and Performance
The supercar in combined power state can attain the top thump of 250kmph, while in the electric mode; it can go up to 120 kmph.
In addition to this, the car in hybrid mode takes just 4.5 seconds from standstill to catch 100 km mark.
Looking at the engine specifications, it is pretty sure that this i8 supercar will surely leave many rivals behind in the dust. The car impresses equally with its fuel efficiency figures as it consumes only 2.1 liter of fuel to cover 100 kms.
Competition
So, the luxury and performance has been given another definition with the launch of i8 hybrid supercar in India and it becomes all the more interesting to see how it would be responded back by rich auto buffs.
As of now, there is no direct competitor of this car in India. Also the hefty price tag may deviate some buyers from owning this car as hybrid cars are still not in the mainstream market.
Nevertheless, BMW is in mood to introduce only few units as of now, let’s see if the demand of supercar will make its manufacturer to offer more for the Indian market.
Budget 2015: Complete Coverage
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