BMW i8 arrives in Australia

Ahead of the first customer deliveries in February 2015, the arrival of the test fleet allows the media and prospective owners to get behind the wheel of the $300,000 BMW i8 and experience its combination of sports car performance and ultra-efficient motoring.

Described as a 'sustainable sports car', the i8 combines exceptional performance and driving dynamics, benchmark fuel efficiency, advanced next generation materials and construction, together with premium luxurious features and finishes to create a new halo sports flagship for BMW.

Powered by a 170kW 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine (also used in selected variants of the new Mini) driving the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 96kW BMW eDrive electric motor driving the front wheels, the 2+2 seater i8 is capable of 250km/h max (limited) speed and a 4.4-second 0-100 km/h time, all while delivering economy of just 2.1lt/100km. On electric power alone, the i8's range is 37km.

"Put simply, the all new BMW i8 offers the very best of both worlds," said BMW Group Australia general manager of sales and marketing, Tom Noble. "Its stunning styling, premium features, high performance and driving pleasure maintain the BMW tradition while the innovative plug-in hybrid powertrain and advanced lightweight materials and construction processes provide sustainable solutions for 21st century motoring."

BMW i Network dealerships are located in Victoria (BMW Melbourne, Southbank), South Australia (BMW Adelaide, Adelaide), Western Australia (Auto Classic, Victoria Park), Queensland (Brisbane BMW, Fortitude Valley), New South Wales (BMW Sydney, Rushcutters Bay) and the ACT (Rolfe Classic BMW, Phillip).