2020 BMW I8 ROADSTER - ONE TAKE

EV Channels Review

The 2020 BMW i8 Roadster is presented as a revolutionary plug-in hybrid sports car, but the review highlights significant shortcomings that render it somewhat obsolete. While the carbon tub construction and advanced technology were groundbreaking in 2014, they feel dated in 2020. The reviewer criticizes the unrefined hybrid powertrain, where the three-cylinder engine frequently kicks in, disrupting the electric driving experience and producing artificial sound. The butterfly doors are deemed impractical, making ingress and egress difficult, especially given the car's width. Despite impressive chassis rigidity and grip, the car's performance is considered underwhelming for its price point and sporty appearance, especially when compared to more focused sports cars or even other hybrids like the Chevy Volt in terms of efficiency. The reviewer suggests a future iteration should be a pure EV, addressing the current model's identity crisis as neither a truly refined EV nor a powerful gasoline sports car. The inability to lower the window fully is cited as a particularly egregious oversight.