A little over three weeks into owning the BMW i8, I thought it would be a good time to share my early impressions of this unique hybrid supercar. Spoiler alert: it’s been an exciting ride so far.
First Impressions: The Looks
Let’s start with the obvious—the BMW i8 is absolutely stunning. Its futuristic design, with its sleek lines and iconic scissor doors, makes it look like it’s been plucked straight out of a sci-fi movie. Wherever I go, it turns heads and sparks conversations. Kids point and stare, adults whisper in awe, and car enthusiasts come over to ask a million questions. It’s not surprising, considering the car had a price tag north of £100,000 when new. You can read more about my decision to buy this car in my blog post here.
While most people love it, I’ve encountered a few naysayers. A couple of passers-by have called it a “silly car,” but honestly, I just chuckle. It’s clear they’ve never had the chance to sit behind the wheel of something so unique. The reactions from other drivers are particularly entertaining. Some flash a thumbs up or try to snap a photo, while others, perhaps feeling a bit challenged, attempt to race or cut me off. It’s all part of the supercar ownership experience, I suppose!
Practicality: Adjusting to Life with the i8
Owning a supercar like the i8 means redefining what “practicality” means. Surprisingly, the boot has been more useful than I expected. I’ve managed to fit a decent haul of groceries, my daughter’s school bag, and my work essentials without any issues. That said, it’s no TARDIS. Anything bulky or rigid—like a pram or a small ladder—is out of the question. For those occasions, I turn to my other car.
Getting in and out of the i8 is an art form. The low seating and high door sills make it feel like you’re slipping into a jet cockpit. At first, it was a bit awkward, especially on uneven surfaces or slopes, but I’ve started to master the technique. It’s worth it for the thrill of sitting in a car that feels more like a spaceship than a road vehicle.
Tech and Comfort
The tech in the i8 is a mixed bag. While it’s got some cool features, it also shows its age. Unlike my Tesla, the i8 doesn’t offer full remote climate control. However, I can remotely activate the ventilation system, which does a decent job of defrosting the car on frosty mornings.
Parking has been an adventure. The scissor doors demand extra thought when choosing a space, as they swing upwards and slightly outwards. I’ve become an expert at finding end-of-row spots or parking next to smaller cars to ensure I have enough room. Despite my initial concerns, I’ve had no real issues so far. The doors often look like they’ll hit the car next to me, but they don’t—it’s all about perception.
Fuel and Electric Range
The hybrid powertrain of the i8 is both a blessing and a learning curve. When it first came out, the car boasted an electric range of around 23 miles. Fast forward to today, and with age, cold weather, and older technology, I’m seeing a realistic range of about 10 miles. It’s enough for short trips, but anything longer requires petrol power.
Driving in sport mode—which uses the Mini-sourced 1.5-litre petrol engine—is a thrill but guzzles fuel like there’s no tomorrow. However, in comfort mode, the car switches seamlessly between electric and petrol power, achieving an impressive 40+ mpg. For a car of this calibre, that’s nothing short of amazing.
Early Niggles and Planned Upgrades
With any older car, a few quirks are to be expected. One of the first things I noticed was the driver’s side interior lighting strip not working. After some research, I discovered this is a common issue, likely due to the constant motion of the scissor doors. Another minor gripe is the petrol cap, which occasionally gets stuck. I’ve learned to gently pry it open—a small price to pay for owning such an innovative car.
The sat nav was laughably outdated when I first got the car, showing roads that no longer exist and missing new developments. Thankfully, a quick USB upgrade brought it up to date. However, the lack of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is a drawback. I’ve looked into retrofitting these features, but the cost is steep, so I’m holding off for now. The heads-up display, which projects navigation directions onto the windscreen, has been a surprisingly useful alternative.
Sound and Performance Tweaks
The i8’s engine sound is largely artificial, but it’s still exhilarating. That said, I’ve already started thinking about upgrades. I’ve ordered a new exhaust, though I’m still debating whether it’s the right move. A new air filter is also on the way, and I’m hoping it will enhance the engine’s natural growl. Further down the line, I’m considering braided brake lines to improve stopping performance—a small but impactful upgrade I’ve enjoyed on other cars.
Final Thoughts
Three weeks in, the BMW i8 has exceeded my expectations. It’s a show-stopper on the road, a surprisingly efficient hybrid, and an all-around joy to drive. Sure, there are a few niggles—but they’re part of the charm of owning a car that’s nearly a decade old.
Every time I press the start button and hear the futuristic chime, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with this car. It’s not just a mode of transport; it’s an experience. From the questions it sparks to the sheer thrill of driving it, the i8 is a car that makes every journey memorable.
Have any questions or want to know more about my ownership journey? Drop me a comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
