New BMW i8 roadster and coupe debut

International sales of the plug-in hybrid 2019 BMW i8 roadster and updated i8 coupe start in May, the cars expected to be available in New Zealand and Australia around the same time.

The two 2019 models debuted at the December 1-10 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Pricing will be available closer to the launch.

Some overseas media are already reporting the roadster to start at more than US$150,000, while the current i8 coupe starts at US$146,395.

More power and increased range feature in both. Each has a new lithium-ion battery pack with an increased 11.6kWh capacity, sited centrally in the car’s underbody.

The coupe’s electric range is increased to 55km and the roadster reaches 53km.

The 2019 versions still use a 1.5 litre in-line three-cylinder engine with emission optimisation, including a particulate filter. It can produce 170kW and 320Nm peak torque.

Both cars are based on BMW’s LifeDrive vehicle architecture with aluminium chassis and carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP).

A suite of driver assistance features includes adaptive cruise control and much more.

They have the latest version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, a head-up display, heated seats, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and three driving modes (Comfort, Sport, and Eco Pro) as standard.

The combustion engine is only brought into play at higher speeds – or when the driver stamps on the accelerator, and is switched off again more frequently when a measured driving style is maintained.

Pressing the eDrive button allows both models to travel at up to 120km/h on electric power alone.

The coupe accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds, while the roadster gets there in 4.6 seconds. Both models have a 250km/h electronically limited top speed.

Combined fuel consumption is 1.9 litres per 100km for the coupe and 2.1 litres per 100km for the roadster, plus 14.0kWh and 14.5kWh of electrical energy respectively per 100 kilometres.

They include hybrid-specific all-wheel drive with the electric motor powering the front wheels and the combustion engine the rear.

The roadster’s electric roof opens and closes in 15 seconds while travelling at up to 50km/h, and the soft top folds into a compact package allowing 100 litres of extra storage behind the seats.

Both have gullwing doors.

A choice of exterior paint finishes now includes the new E-Copper metallic and Donington Grey metallic shades.