Great review! I daily drive an i8 and have some additional info to share. If you press the eDrive button, it will not allow the gas engine to kick in, and maxes out at 72MPH (unless you push the accelerator past the detent, next to the firewall). eDrive is the only mode that uses the 2 speed electric transmission. Comfort, EcoPro and Sport require the front transmission to be in 2nd gear all the time, due to synchronization issues with the rear engine (you don't want to have the engine pushing while the electric transmission is shifting, because it's not that bulletproof). I drive in eDrive to work every day and Sport on the way home, which also recharges the battery, and get 50MPG average just commuting, daily. The exhaust notes you hear are mainly from the engine, the augmentation only adds to that and fills in the gap to make it sound like a 6 cylinder. See my video where I put a GoPro in the boot of my coupe, put a glass cover over the engine and film the engine and noise where there is no augmentation speaker in Sport Mode, and it sounds really good. It seems that the augmented digital sound was piped in to replicate what would be heard in the boot, if you were sitting there. The tires are not good, stock. Upgrading to 245 front and 275 rear reduce under-steer and it seems the car was actually made for these size tires, but smaller ones were used for gas savings. The door is too small to roll the window down all the way, so a bigger door would be required. As a Vette guy since '93, I miss an analog feeling, and raw feeling from a powerful engine. The i8 doesn't fill my passion for true performance and I don't "love" it but it feels special enough to keep and enjoy. I bought it used in Feb 2019 after saving up for 10 years (after the financial crisis laid me off and I sold my Vette) for a new C7, but decided to try a used 2015 i8 instead. Thankfully, the i8 comes to end of life after 2020 and there may be a replacement. Rumors are that a 4cyl turbo engine will appear mid-engine along with a more powerful electric boost. We'll see.
I had this car in coupe form. Best car I ever had and I miss it. I had an M6 and the others but this car made me change my mindset. Btw unused to hate this car until I fell for it and owned it!
Make an M i8, give it a new B58 or at least a Turbo 4 cylinder. Honestly this car would be so amazing if BMW would’ve actually tried in performance part of it
@@gunsepsi2852 there has been no confirmation whatsoever. Officially it is only known that there will be no direct successor to the I8 after its production ending in April 2020
Just stumbling across this channel and I have to say it's awesome!! Glad to be apart of this and looking forward to future videos. Gotta go through all the old videos now. Lol
This guy lied, 1. You can drive in full electric or full gas, or use a combination. The electric charges super fast when you drive in full gas. So fast you never have to plug it in to get a charge. 2. Its because of this sports car from BMW that all other super sports cars are copying it because it does something beyond a normal hybrid. The fun it brings in style, speed, and giving the power to the driver of how they want to drive in full gas, electric or both at a push of a button. Other cars that have a regular hybrid everyone else is so familiar with no option and your forced with the combination and forced to plug it in to get a charge. And out of all sports cars I've driven and friends this one handles bumps way better than other sports cars. 3. The window thing at the end needs to change but it's really no big deal. 4. The interior feels like your in a cockpit of a jet and is awesome. 5. No one reviews this car at night but the interior lights up at night like a TRON movie. You can change the color of the TRON lights to Orange, Blue, or White. The outside looks awesome and grabs alot of attention everywhere you go, but if they only knew how the interior looks just as awesome at night. Hands down if you want one of these get the Orange Copper E outside & in it's the best looking one.
The replacement, after the i8 ends in 2020, is rumored to have a 4cyl turbo. It needs it. BMW's original plan was to install a diesel 3cyl in this car, with the goal being concept looks and excellent gas mileage, not performance. Some parts under the car are stamped ///M but it won't keep up with an M car on a rally. That's one thing that truly sucks with ownership.
Matt, using the pure eDrive mode shifts the electric motor into first gear and prevents the gas engine from kicking in until ~70mph. This improves the acceleration quite a bit in electric mode and is the only way I drive this car in electric due to this. This also takes away the constant jolting of the gasoline engine cutting in and out. Basically, since I like cars and like to be in control of my own driving, I only drive my i8 in sport and pure eDrive. This takes away all the unrefined nature of the drivetrain and only plays to the car’s strengths, making it a much better drive in my opinion. Also, if you pull the paddle in regular drive (comfort) mode, you can start the gasoline engine at will so you can do that before you take off from a light so you have plenty of acceleration and don’t have to wait 0.5 seconds for it to kick in and also you save yourself that jolt. After you get to cruising speed, it’ll transition to full electric. I’m a car enthusiast and typically like back to basics, manual transmission sports cars. That being said, I really enjoy this car and when you figure out the strengths and weaknesses of the powertrain and how to mitigate those and drive around the limitations, this is a phenomenal car. Count me as one of the owners of these things that absolutely loves it.
There's a fuse for the sound augmentation, but it's only for the outside speaker (a muffer with a speaker in it), which gives the impression that it's a well-muffled 6cyl. Internally, the sound augmentation is incorporated into the sound system and can't be disabled. I put a go-pro in the rear boot and the stock engine actually sounds similar to the augmentation piped into the cabin. I used to hate it but I appreciate hearing the revs, now, when playing with the paddle shifters. Other than that, it's cheesy.
I love what BMW has done with the I8 over the years in terms of design and road presence, gives it that supercar feel, but ive always said that this car should never have been a 3cylinder hybrid, but instead a mid engined v8 or v12. It wouldve been the ultimate bmw supercar. There is one i8 ik of that has been converted into a mid engined v8 as it deserves.
@deadend god yes. I've looked ever since they came out for a proper swap. I'm really suspicious of that 1 in youtube but I haven't seen a good one.much less a LS swapped
Great review Matt! I absolutely love this cars design, but I think BMW should offer an M version of it with a Porsche like V-8-tt hybrid power with at least 550hp to go with its looks. Now that would definitely change the personality of the I-8 and would be great hearing a nice V-8 tt with the top down.. :)
Love your videos, you really do reviews differently in a better way and seem to talk about important aspects which aren't usually mentioned in other reviews.
You are exactly the type of chap this car is not aimed at - it's for grown ups who are bored with big noisy shouty i.c.e cars - on a canyon road if you put it in sport and turn off the ESC and change gear yourself it's low cog and torque will keep up with an R8 or 911 and you can dial out any understeer on the throttle - the other 90% of time it's quiet/frugal/refined/reliable/groundbreaking and will be a great investment like my E26 M1 from 80s was which also was utterly unloved in early 80s and people laughed at buyers of said car with ‘why not buy a 308 Ferrari it’s the same price and BMW is not a super car maker etc’- the M1 E26 are £500k or $645k now !
Had a coupe for a week and loved it. Nearly new in the UK they are great value, half new price. As a Euro buyer at more sensible money I think it makes a great case for itself as an only car. The convertible makes no sense though; launched too late, has laughable amount of storage and ludicrous price.
Matt Roy Lee wanted to hate this car and for the first 5 minutes hated on it like nobody's business but then was falling in love with it it's a beautiful car 43 miles to the gallon convertible I want one
Nice video as always summing up many of the issues I have with BMW overall. I own currently three much older BMWs but think they have lost the message somewhere in the past 5-7 years about "Ultimate Driving Machine" since the current crop of BMWs especially the M cars are "turrible" in relation to past M cars.
I think you summed it well. The problem is people take it's looks and price tag and hold it to something like a 911 or a similarly price used exotic. BMW did not create this car to be a performer. It was a display of technology and and preview of future exotics. They wanted to show what they were capable of with the technology they had on hand and offer what would normally be a concept to the public. I love the i8, I always will, I hope the next model is able to crank out bigger numbers and be the performer everyone wanted the i8 to be originally.
Good accurate review. I bought a 2015 coup last summer for a little over 60k and am thrilled with the car. I dont think I would have felt the same way if I paid the full price. Yeah the sound is fake (even outside the car as one of the exhaust pipes if fake and has a speaker in it), but it does sound nice. The handling is great too. As for power, for in town trips the ev is just fine. Anything out if town you really need to keep it in sport mode (engine always on ev only for added power). Finally even though the doors are not practical, it sure looks neat. My biggest complaint is that certain listed features are not in the car (active cruise control, turning headlights, etc.). The equipment is there but not the functionality.
Every one of these newer convertibles with speed humps behind the driver/passenger never manage to line them up with the seat. It always looks odd to me.
Great review. Honest, clear, informative. BMW is facing a gigantic uphill battle with the rise of BEV’s and they’re digging in their heels instead of rolling up their sleeves.
Interesting review, certainly coming from someone who obviously did not like the car. Personally i have tried the i8 coupe and Roadster and found them to be really interesting cars, so much so I sold my Ferrari California to buy a Roadster.
Matt, great review and beautiful car in what to me seems like the best color combo they make. The design of this car is aging nicely, but the quirks are aging like mayonnaise in July in Phoenix. Too many other good choices.
Super fair and thorough review Matt; the i8 is a weird thing, but I still like it. The carbon tub-ness of it really comes across to me, and that stiff, lightweight feel and the certain sound you get with a CF tub car really does make for a special experience for us plebes. The power isn't amazing, but for those of us who don't regularly practice in high power cars, it's plenty for the real road, especially on those tires. I like how they drive, I like how they sound, and I like how they look (outside...inside is a mess). But I would never deny that the doors suck, it's hard to get in and out of, the performance for the dollar isn't amazing, the hybrid capabilities don't necessarily bring a lot of practicality to the table for US users, etc. For my friend, it's his attainable dream car in a few years. I don't want one but I will happily bum rides in his when he gets one!
Good review Matt, thank you. Remember, whenever an owner of anything tells you how great they think their something is, whether it's a car or anything else, take it with the giant grain of salt, because even if the thing sucks, people tend not to want to admit it to themselves nor to others, always placating themselves by telling others how great whatever it is they own is. Boy, that was a extremely long-winded explanation...
@@Pete-z6e I was referring to my extremely long-winded explanation to explain that people tend to ignore the minuses of a product or service that they have already invested in. Then, they go to others and say how great something is when in fact it's really not that great.
I agree, and I'm a daily driver of an i8, but prefer to be a realist when it comes to this car. I don't "love" it and when people act more excited about the car than I am at car events, it feels weird to, but I have to let them down gently. There are many shortcomings and compromises with this car. Is it faster than my old C5 Corvette? Yes. Did I love the C5 more? Yes.
Loved my i8 coupe. Completely different driving experience compared to what I was used to. I agree they should make a pure EV version. Or an M3/4 engine with electric boost! The best way to purchase these cars is through a lease. I believe you can currently get into a roadster for around $1000/mo 👍
An actually really superb review of a car in which I am curious about but don’t really care for. I think the honesty really permeates through the video, and shares a lot of constructive criticism that are all very valid. Nicely done
That last mention of the window not going all the way down would drive me crazy! I always keep mine down when I am in my convertible...hate drivers who leave their windows up in a convertible...
i8 is such an underrated car because it's a hybrid and has a tiny engine. It's a PERFECT example of automotive quality put above quantity though. It's supremely engineered and built, and it's not just about all out performance numbers.
I love this car's styling, it drives really nice as well with very flat cornering at high speeds. Where it fails is of course is with its mini cooper engine, BMW's 3.0L in this thing would have been mega! Also Matt, I'm very happy you pointed out the windows not going down all the way I noticed this too and it's literally insane. Cheers
God.. sounds like 1980 russian made pos from the outside... also small fender bender could result in astronomical repair bill due to carbon tub. These things depreciated harder than 7series.. I’ve seen few coupes selling under $50k. Now i understand why..
Love your videos, but you clearly DO NOT know how to drive the car. Use eDrive for full electric. The gas engine only comes on when the battery is depleted. If not in eDrive mode you are either in comfort, eco pro, or sport. It took me a few days to "learn" to drive my i8
The i8 would honestly be an amazing car with the B58 motor in the back paired to the electric motors. Then replacing the 6 speed auto with a more modern 8 speed. That thing would almost certainly be a rocket.
Paid $66k for mine. Worth every penny. But not for $150k. This guy just hates the car. And yes, thinking of the price just puts a negative spin on the car as a whole. If it was $60k he wouldn't have been so negative about everything about the car
I feel like people miss the point with this car. Its a gas sipper that doesn't feel like a Toyota Camry. An updated powertrain would be nice, but putting a big engine into it would completely ruin the concept and just throw it in the basket with all of the other inefficient, impractical sports cars.
I thought the original i8 with Mini ICE + EV was sort of a disappointment and they lost value quite quickly. Sort of assumed they would maybe discontinue it...
2020 is the last production model year for the i8. A different platform is rumored to succeed it in a few years and will likely be a 4cyl turbo, but probably with a metal chassis since battery and electric motor technology has improved so much to carry the extra weight.
Here’s the thing. Only reason I like the i8 is cos that’s all I can afford while having a screaming e92 m3 on the side. I8 seems like a good daily and that’s why I’m considering it. Would I pay 150k for it? Heck no, I’ll pay 60k for one with less than 25k miles. For 150-170k, for my next step, I’d get a Huracan with less than 10k miles. Easy money.
Yes, in Sport Mode the internal combustion engine is always on. If you select eDrive, it forces the car to only use electric and runs up to 72MPH on that alone. Comfort or EcoPro modes are like traditional hybrid modes where the engine comes on and off depending on throttle demand. You can drive in those modes up to 63MPH on electric only if you keep the throttle under 30%. After that, the engine kicks in.
Damm this review was a lot nicer than I expect it...for the prviews comments that Matt was saying I tought he was going to be very harsh with BMW for this car
Rider_Ringz I have literally been doing videos consistently with new press cars this *entire time* go back 2+ years since I said no more fan cars and I would do press cars only, and that is the exact thing I’ve ben doing.
Really happy you did this, this car always confused me. It doesn't have the power numbers that scream super car (with both numbers combined), and it doesn't have the range that says "great electric without range anxiety." So I really didn't understand this car at all - so I'm glad that you did this to illustrate that I'm not alone in that. Such an odd car. An all electric version with 200 mile range would be bad-ass, I say - something to go head-to-head with the model S P100D.
BMW should stick to sedans and regular coupes, which they do great. Only reason Audi decided to get into the excotic car segment is that they bought Lamborghini so their R8 is basically a rebadged Gallardo/Huracan depending on year. This looks like a concept car.
I don't hate the interior. Do you think this will get revamped at some point with a pure ev powertrain comparable to what the others are putting out in terms of output and performance?
Kudos to Farrah on the honesty of the door/sill experience. Exact reason why we walked away from this car several years ago. Most poorly designed door system in an attempt to be relevant with Lambos and Mclarens.
The i8 puts the traction motor battery in the center tunnel, like the GM Volt. It would take a huge redesign to make the replacement a full BEV, because just about all new long range BEV use a flat skateboard shaped battery, which the i8 was never designed to accept.
It's an exotic. You gotta kinda accept and embrace the quirks and differences. I don't mind almost everything that Matt critiqued because it IS such a unique vehicle. If it didn't have these characteristics, it would be like a lot of other vehicles. I do agree though that it is too expensive.
He drives a Lambo, so his perception is somewhat warped. The average Joe would love an i8 Roadster. And I'm working on the financing this week and may be one of them. Used, of course, 14k miles & under $100k. Thank God for depreciation!
Counterpoint: It's magic hour, you're driving along the coast. Palm trees to one side of you, a neon concrete jungle to the other. All frames by a shocking pink and blue skyline. You have a mix of Japanese city pop and vaporwave emitting from the stereo. You're in nothing resembling a rush. What car, aside from a white 80's slantnose Cabrio, would you rather be in?
Thank you VERY MUCH for this insight. I was drooling over this being my next BMW,,,,,,,,UNTIL your review. I was unaware that they made such a beautiful vehicle and it was not 100% electric, or even had enough power in what they DID give it. I suppose the 160,000.00 price tag goes for the "look", and that's about it. COME ON BMW this is 2020, put a full EV up !! Scratched from my list. Back to the Tesla Roadster.
Saw one the other day and it looks great. The one thing I hope BMW does is take the r&d from this and the i3 and make carbon monocoque chassis for the M sports cars.
I've always liked I8s. The NSX pulls a similar trick, done better, but at a price. I'd like to see something in the middle between the NSX and the I8. An NSX with a bigger battery and smaller NA engine, maybe a 2.5 litre. That would sound great and have a real kick!
I think the most exciting thing about the i8 is that the earlier coupe models are popping up for around the $50k mark with low miles. For that money, there are better sports cars, there are better economical commuters, but you could do a lot worse for the money
Why some car have blue color on front grill and side skirt and rear bumber but in video are silver what is different about blue and silver ? Who can tell me please.
TheSmokingTire mmm that’s odd. Mine struggles for front wheel traction in ev only up to 30mph or so. After that it’s less brisk. I would be interested in the 0 to 60 time for the ev only mode. Great video though!
Great review! I daily drive an i8 and have some additional info to share. If you press the eDrive button, it will not allow the gas engine to kick in, and maxes out at 72MPH (unless you push the accelerator past the detent, next to the firewall). eDrive is the only mode that uses the 2 speed electric transmission. Comfort, EcoPro and Sport require the front transmission to be in 2nd gear all the time, due to synchronization issues with the rear engine (you don't want to have the engine pushing while the electric transmission is shifting, because it's not that bulletproof). I drive in eDrive to work every day and Sport on the way home, which also recharges the battery, and get 50MPG average just commuting, daily. The exhaust notes you hear are mainly from the engine, the augmentation only adds to that and fills in the gap to make it sound like a 6 cylinder. See my video where I put a GoPro in the boot of my coupe, put a glass cover over the engine and film the engine and noise where there is no augmentation speaker in Sport Mode, and it sounds really good. It seems that the augmented digital sound was piped in to replicate what would be heard in the boot, if you were sitting there. The tires are not good, stock. Upgrading to 245 front and 275 rear reduce under-steer and it seems the car was actually made for these size tires, but smaller ones were used for gas savings. The door is too small to roll the window down all the way, so a bigger door would be required. As a Vette guy since '93, I miss an analog feeling, and raw feeling from a powerful engine. The i8 doesn't fill my passion for true performance and I don't "love" it but it feels special enough to keep and enjoy. I bought it used in Feb 2019 after saving up for 10 years (after the financial crisis laid me off and I sold my Vette) for a new C7, but decided to try a used 2015 i8 instead. Thankfully, the i8 comes to end of life after 2020 and there may be a replacement. Rumors are that a 4cyl turbo engine will appear mid-engine along with a more powerful electric boost. We'll see.
I had this car in coupe form. Best car I ever had and I miss it. I had an M6 and the others but this car made me change my mindset. Btw unused to hate this car until I fell for it and owned it!
"You'll notice there's no houses on this road... cause they all burned down."
- Matt Farah 2019
You watched the video too? No way!
@@JerryKosloski they way he just skipped passed that statement
That was dark lmao
When you ring it out it sounds like my 01 civic with the cat rotted out
Why your Civic got rotted catalytic converters bruh
Badass TrapBass bc it was a hunk of shit and had 250k miles on it
@@josephregan1007 Hell yeah
🤣👍🏿
How does this feel after driving the Corvette?
Farrah: Slow.
Yes but the corvette is ugly
@@sirgeorgioalastrata4104 so is this pos
@@LuckyClipsLC it's actually one of the most beautiful cars on the road but to each their own
@@sirgeorgioalastrata4104 eh it's still a waste of money
@@sirgeorgioalastrata4104 haha you are just an idiot
They’re wasting such a beautiful design! Hopefully they rework the power train for 2021/2022 and give it some real power
Mo powa babeh !
Unlimited powah
Make an M i8, give it a new B58 or at least a Turbo 4 cylinder. Honestly this car would be so amazing if BMW would’ve actually tried in performance part of it
None of this will happen, the next i8 is the bmw m vision, fully electric with 700 hp
@@gunsepsi2852 there has been no confirmation whatsoever. Officially it is only known that there will be no direct successor to the I8 after its production ending in April 2020
Just stumbling across this channel and I have to say it's awesome!! Glad to be apart of this and looking forward to future videos. Gotta go through all the old videos now. Lol
This guy lied, 1. You can drive in full electric or full gas, or use a combination. The electric charges super fast when you drive in full gas. So fast you never have to plug it in to get a charge. 2. Its because of this sports car from BMW that all other super sports cars are copying it because it does something beyond a normal hybrid. The fun it brings in style, speed, and giving the power to the driver of how they want to drive in full gas, electric or both at a push of a button. Other cars that have a regular hybrid everyone else is so familiar with no option and your forced with the combination and forced to plug it in to get a charge. And out of all sports cars I've driven and friends this one handles bumps way better than other sports cars. 3. The window thing at the end needs to change but it's really no big deal. 4. The interior feels like your in a cockpit of a jet and is awesome. 5. No one reviews this car at night but the interior lights up at night like a TRON movie. You can change the color of the TRON lights to Orange, Blue, or White. The outside looks awesome and grabs alot of attention everywhere you go, but if they only knew how the interior looks just as awesome at night. Hands down if you want one of these get the Orange Copper E outside & in it's the best looking one.
Futuristic, daring design which I love. BS powertrain and overpriced AF.
How cool would a m2 or m3 engine in the rear be?
MelburnDownhill very very cool?
Yeah I raced one on the street with my 2011 335i...was not impressed
@@kojack635 u won?
Or just make it a full EV, could see this doing around 3sec to 100kph easy.
Honda NSX is way better than this.
I've always wondered, why wouldn't they put one of their sweet turbo straight sixes or even a turbo four in this?
Because bmw is gay
The replacement, after the i8 ends in 2020, is rumored to have a 4cyl turbo. It needs it. BMW's original plan was to install a diesel 3cyl in this car, with the goal being concept looks and excellent gas mileage, not performance. Some parts under the car are stamped ///M but it won't keep up with an M car on a rally. That's one thing that truly sucks with ownership.
i had a dream last night that Matt Farah started a fast casual restaurant and I was at the grand opening
Honestly I think I could see him doing that. And I love how even in your dream, it was specifically "fast casual" haha
welcome to flavor town?
"The Smoking Fryer"
Matt, using the pure eDrive mode shifts the electric motor into first gear and prevents the gas engine from kicking in until ~70mph. This improves the acceleration quite a bit in electric mode and is the only way I drive this car in electric due to this. This also takes away the constant jolting of the gasoline engine cutting in and out. Basically, since I like cars and like to be in control of my own driving, I only drive my i8 in sport and pure eDrive. This takes away all the unrefined nature of the drivetrain and only plays to the car’s strengths, making it a much better drive in my opinion. Also, if you pull the paddle in regular drive (comfort) mode, you can start the gasoline engine at will so you can do that before you take off from a light so you have plenty of acceleration and don’t have to wait 0.5 seconds for it to kick in and also you save yourself that jolt. After you get to cruising speed, it’ll transition to full electric. I’m a car enthusiast and typically like back to basics, manual transmission sports cars. That being said, I really enjoy this car and when you figure out the strengths and weaknesses of the powertrain and how to mitigate those and drive around the limitations, this is a phenomenal car. Count me as one of the owners of these things that absolutely loves it.
"Allegedly fun mode" ....ha!
But then he has fun so....
I'd have to pull the fuse or snip the wires for that fake engine note. Absolutely intolerable.
There's a fuse for the sound augmentation, but it's only for the outside speaker (a muffer with a speaker in it), which gives the impression that it's a well-muffled 6cyl. Internally, the sound augmentation is incorporated into the sound system and can't be disabled. I put a go-pro in the rear boot and the stock engine actually sounds similar to the augmentation piped into the cabin. I used to hate it but I appreciate hearing the revs, now, when playing with the paddle shifters. Other than that, it's cheesy.
You lost me at 167K, all show no go, super small market for a car like this. Nice concept car, not sure it works as a production car.
It sells really well in rich areas.
people will just buy the used ones lol
i saw one that was 2 years old for sale..guy wanted $60k for it lol
@@fredocuomo5386 this car is already trash and imagine two year later
I just saw one in kingsport tn along with a senna lmao idk why anyone wants one but they sell
Matt and Zack makes videos about cars worth watching. Thank you guys.
I really enjoyed this one take! Keep it up Matt!
I love what BMW has done with the I8 over the years in terms of design and road presence, gives it that supercar feel, but ive always said that this car should never have been a 3cylinder hybrid, but instead a mid engined v8 or v12. It wouldve been the ultimate bmw supercar. There is one i8 ik of that has been converted into a mid engined v8 as it deserves.
SpeedCafeGarage what did BMW did with the i8 over the years? As far as I’m aware it remained unchanged other than adding this convertible version.
@@weed46 im talking about the appearance of the car.
Exactly, they should've let all of the innovation and tech for the i3 and use the i8 to have a flagship supercar.
Should have just had a 2.0 turbo plus the hybrid, and people would have loved it. A v8 or v12 would’ve been better though.
You don't get as many Captain Planet eco SJW points though if it has a V8
This car looks so good to me on the outside. I had such high hopes for it.
@deadend god yes. I've looked ever since they came out for a proper swap. I'm really suspicious of that 1 in youtube but I haven't seen a good one.much less a LS swapped
It's a really good car.
Did you watch the entire review?
Great review Matt! I absolutely love this cars design, but I think BMW should offer an M version of it with a Porsche like V-8-tt hybrid power with at least 550hp to go with its looks. Now that would definitely change the personality of the I-8 and would be great hearing a nice V-8 tt with the top down.. :)
Love your videos, you really do reviews differently in a better way and seem to talk about important aspects which aren't usually mentioned in other reviews.
Nice review. The NSX looks like a dream in comparison.
Damn right
Except for cheap interior.
They are totally different, the i8 is a much better daily, the nsx is a super car
You are exactly the type of chap this car is not aimed at - it's for grown ups who are bored with big noisy shouty i.c.e cars - on a canyon road if you put it in sport and turn off the ESC and change gear yourself it's low cog and torque will keep up with an R8 or 911 and you can dial out any understeer on the throttle - the other 90% of time it's quiet/frugal/refined/reliable/groundbreaking and will be a great investment like my E26 M1 from 80s was which also was utterly unloved in early 80s and people laughed at buyers of said car with ‘why not buy a 308 Ferrari it’s the same price and BMW is not a super car maker etc’- the M1 E26 are £500k or $645k now !
Had a coupe for a week and loved it. Nearly new in the UK they are great value, half new price. As a Euro buyer at more sensible money I think it makes a great case for itself as an only car. The convertible makes no sense though; launched too late, has laughable amount of storage and ludicrous price.
Matt Roy Lee wanted to hate this car and for the first 5 minutes hated on it like nobody's business but then was falling in love with it it's a beautiful car 43 miles to the gallon convertible I want one
Nice video as always summing up many of the issues I have with BMW overall. I own currently three much older BMWs but think they have lost the message somewhere in the past 5-7 years about "Ultimate Driving Machine" since the current crop of BMWs especially the M cars are "turrible" in relation to past M cars.
I think you summed it well. The problem is people take it's looks and price tag and hold it to something like a 911 or a similarly price used exotic. BMW did not create this car to be a performer. It was a display of technology and and preview of future exotics. They wanted to show what they were capable of with the technology they had on hand and offer what would normally be a concept to the public. I love the i8, I always will, I hope the next model is able to crank out bigger numbers and be the performer everyone wanted the i8 to be originally.
I’ve been waiting on this to determine if I should buy one. Thanks Matt, finally!!! I8 time is upon us.
Good accurate review. I bought a 2015 coup last summer for a little over 60k and am thrilled with the car. I dont think I would have felt the same way if I paid the full price. Yeah the sound is fake (even outside the car as one of the exhaust pipes if fake and has a speaker in it), but it does sound nice. The handling is great too. As for power, for in town trips the ev is just fine. Anything out if town you really need to keep it in sport mode (engine always on ev only for added power). Finally even though the doors are not practical, it sure looks neat. My biggest complaint is that certain listed features are not in the car (active cruise control, turning headlights, etc.). The equipment is there but not the functionality.
This car is for rappers to flex with that's all.
* to get shot in
Very true I saw a rapper show up to his concert in one
The sad thing is I've seen more rappers in Tesla than i8s.
@@deadonarrival1170 fucking dickhead
@@pierre-4 A list or sound cloud lol
Every one of these newer convertibles with speed humps behind the driver/passenger never manage to line them up with the seat. It always looks odd to me.
This car is stunning in copper & black
Matt won't let us forget about his Countach
Did Matt talk about his Countach?
Theres also a speaker (that looks like an exhaust tip) under the rear bumper that pumps out digital engine sounds.
Great review. Honest, clear, informative. BMW is facing a gigantic uphill battle with the rise of BEV’s and they’re digging in their heels instead of rolling up their sleeves.
Interesting review, certainly coming from someone who obviously did not like the car. Personally i have tried the i8 coupe and Roadster and found them to be really interesting cars, so much so I sold my Ferrari California to buy a Roadster.
One of your best reviews. Well done and thank you. Sadly, there will probably not be a 2nd generation.
Matt, great review and beautiful car in what to me seems like the best color combo they make. The design of this car is aging nicely, but the quirks are aging like mayonnaise in July in Phoenix. Too many other good choices.
Super fair and thorough review Matt; the i8 is a weird thing, but I still like it. The carbon tub-ness of it really comes across to me, and that stiff, lightweight feel and the certain sound you get with a CF tub car really does make for a special experience for us plebes. The power isn't amazing, but for those of us who don't regularly practice in high power cars, it's plenty for the real road, especially on those tires. I like how they drive, I like how they sound, and I like how they look (outside...inside is a mess). But I would never deny that the doors suck, it's hard to get in and out of, the performance for the dollar isn't amazing, the hybrid capabilities don't necessarily bring a lot of practicality to the table for US users, etc. For my friend, it's his attainable dream car in a few years. I don't want one but I will happily bum rides in his when he gets one!
U r the man, great review as always!
Good review Matt, thank you. Remember, whenever an owner of anything tells you how great they think their something is, whether it's a car or anything else, take it with the giant grain of salt, because even if the thing sucks, people tend not to want to admit it to themselves nor to others, always placating themselves by telling others how great whatever it is they own is. Boy, that was a extremely long-winded explanation...
Read Zechariah 12:10 , sometimes that’s necessary to make a point.
@@Pete-z6e I was referring to my extremely long-winded explanation to explain that people tend to ignore the minuses of a product or service that they have already invested in. Then, they go to others and say how great something is when in fact it's really not that great.
I agree, and I'm a daily driver of an i8, but prefer to be a realist when it comes to this car. I don't "love" it and when people act more excited about the car than I am at car events, it feels weird to, but I have to let them down gently. There are many shortcomings and compromises with this car. Is it faster than my old C5 Corvette? Yes. Did I love the C5 more? Yes.
Looking forward to this after you ripping on this on IG.
Loved my i8 coupe. Completely different driving experience compared to what I was used to. I agree they should make a pure EV version. Or an M3/4 engine with electric boost! The best way to purchase these cars is through a lease. I believe you can currently get into a roadster for around $1000/mo 👍
An actually really superb review of a car in which I am curious about but don’t really care for. I think the honesty really permeates through the video, and shares a lot of constructive criticism that are all very valid. Nicely done
The fake sound from the speakers sounds nice. Can you hear it from outside?
That last mention of the window not going all the way down would drive me crazy! I always keep mine down when I am in my convertible...hate drivers who leave their windows up in a convertible...
This car could be so good. Even if you wanna go electric fine. Just give it serious power
Is the noise from the drive-by coming from inside the car?
That’s Matt farting.
There's an outside speaker where one of the exhaust tip would be.
i8 is such an underrated car because it's a hybrid and has a tiny engine. It's a PERFECT example of automotive quality put above quantity though. It's supremely engineered and built, and it's not just about all out performance numbers.
The i3 and i8 are very very well built. But it takes more than that to sell car for $160k with a straight face.
I love this car's styling, it drives really nice as well with very flat cornering at high speeds. Where it fails is of course is with its mini cooper engine, BMW's 3.0L in this thing would have been mega! Also Matt, I'm very happy you pointed out the windows not going down all the way I noticed this too and it's literally insane. Cheers
God, I wish I was you, doing this job! Great evaluation. When I can afford something like this, I will check your channel first!
God.. sounds like 1980 russian made pos from the outside... also small fender bender could result in astronomical repair bill due to carbon tub.
These things depreciated harder than 7series.. I’ve seen few coupes selling under $50k. Now i understand why..
Same here. In my area $50k can get me an i8 with just 5k miles on the clock. No wonder I see them so often on the road...
Love your videos, but you clearly DO NOT know how to drive the car. Use eDrive for full electric. The gas engine only comes on when the battery is depleted. If not in eDrive mode you are either in comfort, eco pro, or sport. It took me a few days to "learn" to drive my i8
I’ve always loved this cars exterior styling.
Matt - I own a coupe & a roadster. my only cars. Love them. will never sell. good review though.
The i8 would honestly be an amazing car with the B58 motor in the back paired to the electric motors. Then replacing the 6 speed auto with a more modern 8 speed. That thing would almost certainly be a rocket.
idk, it would get a lotttt heavier...
Saw a blue one pull into a gas station recently, looked amazing.
Get them for 60k all day on autotrader, new ones arnt worth it but this is absolutely worth the 60k it gets on secondhand market
Paid $66k for mine. Worth every penny. But not for $150k. This guy just hates the car. And yes, thinking of the price just puts a negative spin on the car as a whole. If it was $60k he wouldn't have been so negative about everything about the car
Matt you should do a one take or an in depth review of your countach, curious to know what's your thought about it
Good point about driving and enjoying the nature in EV mode
I feel like people miss the point with this car. Its a gas sipper that doesn't feel like a Toyota Camry. An updated powertrain would be nice, but putting a big engine into it would completely ruin the concept and just throw it in the basket with all of the other inefficient, impractical sports cars.
I thought the original i8 with Mini ICE + EV was sort of a disappointment and they lost value quite quickly. Sort of assumed they would maybe discontinue it...
2020 is the last production model year for the i8. A different platform is rumored to succeed it in a few years and will likely be a 4cyl turbo, but probably with a metal chassis since battery and electric motor technology has improved so much to carry the extra weight.
if BMW didn't go hippie circa 2011 this would be called the M1 and have the V10
Here’s the thing. Only reason I like the i8 is cos that’s all I can afford while having a screaming e92 m3 on the side. I8 seems like a good daily and that’s why I’m considering it. Would I pay 150k for it? Heck no, I’ll pay 60k for one with less than 25k miles. For 150-170k, for my next step, I’d get a Huracan with less than 10k miles. Easy money.
with the whole engine coming on and turning off issue,, if you leave it in sport the engine is always on right ?
Yes, in Sport Mode the internal combustion engine is always on. If you select eDrive, it forces the car to only use electric and runs up to 72MPH on that alone. Comfort or EcoPro modes are like traditional hybrid modes where the engine comes on and off depending on throttle demand. You can drive in those modes up to 63MPH on electric only if you keep the throttle under 30%. After that, the engine kicks in.
Beautiful exterior. Beautiful interior. The end.
Damm this review was a lot nicer than I expect it...for the prviews comments that Matt was saying I tought he was going to be very harsh with BMW for this car
Glad to see matt has been doing these one takes they lost me when zach started them
Rider_Ringz I have literally been doing videos consistently with new press cars this *entire time* go back 2+ years since I said no more fan cars and I would do press cars only, and that is the exact thing I’ve ben doing.
TheSmokingTire still happier to see you 👍 even if the press now pays you but thats how businesses goes money over everything else 😎
Really happy you did this, this car always confused me. It doesn't have the power numbers that scream super car (with both numbers combined), and it doesn't have the range that says "great electric without range anxiety." So I really didn't understand this car at all - so I'm glad that you did this to illustrate that I'm not alone in that. Such an odd car. An all electric version with 200 mile range would be bad-ass, I say - something to go head-to-head with the model S P100D.
Reminds me of an episode of Jay Leno's garage where Jay complained about all new/modern cars' high window sills. Anywho, good review.
"....cause they all burned down" cold dude, meanwhile mea culpa man!
BMW should stick to sedans and regular coupes, which they do great. Only reason Audi decided to get into the excotic car segment is that they bought Lamborghini so their R8 is basically a rebadged Gallardo/Huracan depending on year. This looks like a concept car.
Still love this car,bro.
I don't hate the interior. Do you think this will get revamped at some point with a pure ev powertrain comparable to what the others are putting out in terms of output and performance?
Sounds good think I’ll buy one!
Kudos to Farrah on the honesty of the door/sill experience. Exact reason why we walked away from this car several years ago. Most poorly designed door system in an attempt to be relevant with Lambos and Mclarens.
Awesome review. Maybe its just me.. but the electronic "engine sound" is a TOTAL deal breaker. FOR ME.
The i8 puts the traction motor battery in the center tunnel, like the GM Volt. It would take a huge redesign to make the replacement a full BEV, because just about all new long range BEV use a flat skateboard shaped battery, which the i8 was never designed to accept.
ERIC & CINDY Crowder ok, fine. Redesign it.
i love bmw but for the same money you should buy the amg gts
Yes!
But the doors.... and Obama
@@Edgedable Barack 😕
Great review from this new guy. This host has a bright future on this channel.
First time on this channel
... I find this guy sarcastically funny 😂😂
I actually like the 3 cylinder sound when passed by I8’s on the road…
It's an exotic. You gotta kinda accept and embrace the quirks and differences. I don't mind almost everything that Matt critiqued because it IS such a unique vehicle. If it didn't have these characteristics, it would be like a lot of other vehicles. I do agree though that it is too expensive.
Love your content keep up the good work
He drives a Lambo, so his perception is somewhat warped. The average Joe would love an i8 Roadster. And I'm working on the financing this week and may be one of them. Used, of course, 14k miles & under $100k. Thank God for depreciation!
My '99 BMW M Coupe also does this with the windows, but it's not a roadster, nor a 160k car, and is now 20 years old. Strange!
Anyone else wondering if matt got window washing fluid on his head?
Counterpoint:
It's magic hour, you're driving along the coast. Palm trees to one side of you, a neon concrete jungle to the other. All frames by a shocking pink and blue skyline. You have a mix of Japanese city pop and vaporwave emitting from the stereo. You're in nothing resembling a rush.
What car, aside from a white 80's slantnose Cabrio, would you rather be in?
Thank you VERY MUCH for this insight. I was drooling over this being my next BMW,,,,,,,,UNTIL your review. I was unaware that they made such a beautiful vehicle and it was not 100% electric, or even had enough power in what they DID give it. I suppose the 160,000.00 price tag goes for the "look", and that's about it. COME ON BMW this is 2020, put a full EV up !! Scratched from my list. Back to the Tesla Roadster.
Saw one the other day and it looks great. The one thing I hope BMW does is take the r&d from this and the i3 and make carbon monocoque chassis for the M sports cars.
I've always liked I8s. The NSX pulls a similar trick, done better, but at a price. I'd like to see something in the middle between the NSX and the I8. An NSX with a bigger battery and smaller NA engine, maybe a 2.5 litre. That would sound great and have a real kick!
I think the most exciting thing about the i8 is that the earlier coupe models are popping up for around the $50k mark with low miles. For that money, there are better sports cars, there are better economical commuters, but you could do a lot worse for the money
Why some car have blue color on front grill and side skirt and rear bumber but in video are silver what is different about blue and silver ? Who can tell me please.
Man will always love the sound of a beautiful internal combustion engine!!
This one is fake augmented on the inside for occupants. That kind of ruins it for me.
Puzzled why you didn’t force the car into e mode? One complaint is it’s a hybrid but the car can be ev only, petrol only, or both.
Iain Johnston because in EV only mode it has so little power and is so pitifully slow that it’s unusable!
TheSmokingTire mmm that’s odd. Mine struggles for front wheel traction in ev only up to 30mph or so. After that it’s less brisk. I would be interested in the 0 to 60 time for the ev only mode. Great video though!
Still love the sound of my E90 and my C7!
I dont get why BMW doesnt make an actual Audi R8 competitor!? 600+ hp supercar. This just falls in between.
Dude this is trash compare to R8
Shift Gears uhm yeah, thats my point..
Good honest review
why not put the twin turbo 6 cylinder 330 hp (really like 360) in there?