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motor envy
Motor Envy: The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid that'll make people stop and stare
Just open up those scissor doors and wait for heads to start turning.
What’s this then?
It’s the jaw-droppingly beautiful BMW i8 plug-in hybrid. This particular 2017 example can be yours for €106,950.
It’s not the cheapest i8 to have graced our Motor Envy section, but don’t forget, you’re getting a car that’s just a year old here.
What’s so special about it?
As the world’s first plug-in hybrid supercar, the i8 is a luxe drive that’s environmentally friendly too. It is also fairly economical to run, if you can afford to buy it in the first place. Tax is €170 per annum and the combined fuel economy is said to be 2.1 litres/100km (134.5mpg).
Any standout design features?
The whole car stands out, to be honest. To make the exterior as aerodynamic as possible, the bonnet is low slung and the underneath is sealed, with air ducts between the lights and deck lid.
In fact, the car is designed for air to run through it as well as over it, hence the air chutes and the virtual lack of air vents, apart from a central one in the bonnet.
With its U-shaped daytime running lights, the whole car has a sleek, smart look. And when those scissor doors open it is pure theatre, so don’t be surprised if people stop and stare.
And what powers this BMW i8?
An electric motor and a powerful petrol engine provide the foundation for the BMW i8. The 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit is mated to a synchronous electric motor, with a plug-in lithium ion battery pack.
The transmission is four-wheel drive. You’ll get top speeds of 250km/h (if you dare) and can go from 0 to 100km/h in a blistering 4.4 seconds.
Does the BMW i8 have any luxurious touches?
The beautiful cabin is made from recycled materials and naturally treated leather, with heated seats too. There’s also a decent sized boot – larger than that of the Porsche 911 – so you can do your weekly shop in this futuristic family run-around.
But who would drive this car?
Uber cool, environmentally-conscious, sports car fans will love this machine. So too will those who want a car that stands out from the crowd for all the right reasons.
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