BMW I8 TWO YEAR, 20,000 MILE REVIEW!

EV Channels Review

After two years and 20,000 miles, the reviewer concludes their ownership of the BMW i8, expressing a strong fondness for the vehicle and a desire to own one again in the future. The exterior styling is consistently praised as its strongest attribute, described as "spaceship-like" and exotic enough to rival true supercars. The butterfly doors and futuristic lighting are highlighted as particularly appealing features. In contrast, the interior is deemed "alright" and somewhat conservative, lacking the exotic flair of the exterior and featuring familiar BMW components. While functional and comfortable, it misses expected luxury features like memory seats and blind-spot monitoring. The driving experience is described as unique and enjoyable, especially in Sport mode, where the hybrid powertrain delivers instant torque and surprising acceleration, capable of keeping pace with performance cars like the Corvette or M4. The reviewer notes occasional calibration issues between electric and engine power in automatic mode, recommending Sport mode for a more consistent experience. Despite the synthesized engine sounds, the overall driving dynamics and the attention the car garners from onlookers are significant positives. Ownership costs were manageable due to a significant discount off MSRP, though tires and registration were noted as expensive. Maintenance and warranty work were covered, with a notable repair involving the fuel pump assembly. The reviewer emphasizes that the i8's purpose as a technology and efficiency showcase, rather than a pure performance machine, should be considered, and they would not change its core design or purpose, though they admit to missing a more visceral engine sound.