Launched at the 2017 LA Auto Show, the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster is a plug-in hybrid convertible that according to the brand, represents the “future of electric mobility.” The all-new i8 Roadster comes with more interior trim options and offers a longer drive range than the i8 coupe.
With the futuristic design language of the i8 Coupe, the Roadster looks exceptionally aerodynamic and aggressive. The designers have used Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic in the construction of the vehicle to reduce its weight and make it as aerodynamic as possible. The interior offers a perfect combination of comfort and sportiness and has been fitted with latest technologies for an unforgettable in-cabin experience.
The all-new BMW i8 Roadster delivers an outstanding fuel-efficient performance, thanks to its powerful BMW TwinPower Turbo engine and eDrive electric motor. As for safety features, the roadster has been fitted with a wide variety of advanced driver-assistance technologies to give a confidence boost to the driver for a stress-free driving experience.
Here is a review of the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster that will soon be available in the UAE with a closer look at its design, performance, safety features and a lot more.
Design of the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster
The design of the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster is similar to the i8 coupe’s design and looks futuristically stunning. The exterior is aggressive and exceptionally aerodynamic, whereas the interior has been laced with latest comfort and convenience features for an incredible in-cabin experience.
Exterior
The exterior of the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster takes its cues from the coupe in terms of aerodynamics. The Roadster has chiseled lines and sculpted hood to maintain its futuristic look as well as the sporty appeal.
The iconic BMW kidney grille with bright chrome accents is the highlight of the front fascia and is flanked by LED headlights. The BMW i “U-shape” LED Daytime Running Lights have been added to enhance the visibility of the vehicle for other commuters.
Below the grille is a slim air dam that improves the engine cooling function and enhances the performance of the roadster. Air shutters have been added to the hood of the vehicle to improve its aerodynamics and add to its aggressive appeal. Instead of a roof made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster has a power-retractable softtop that can be retracted in just 16 seconds at up to driving speed of 50 Km/h speed.
To accentuate the sporty appeal of the vehicle, the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster has a low stance, stylish scissor doors and 20-inch BMW i Radial Spoke Bicolor light alloy wheels. The rear of the vehicle has signature BMW i “U-shape” LED taillights and a sloping roof line to maintain its signature i8 look.
The exterior of the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster is available in 6 colors that are E-Copper with Frozen Grey Accent, Sophisto Grey Metallic with Frozen Grey Accent, Sophisto Grey Metallic with BMW i Frozen Blue Accent, Donington Grey Metallic, Crystal White Pearl Metallic with Frozen Grey Accent and Crystal White Pearl Metallic with i Frozen Blue Accent.
Color outside the lines in the First-Ever BMW #i8 Roadster. #BMWSummerOn pic.twitter.com/KmHpxvCImp
— BMW USA (@BMWUSA) August 14, 2018
Also read: 2019 BMW i8 – Premium Sports Coupe with Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain
Interior
The interior of the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster is spacious and comfortable for its occupants and unlike the coupe, the roadster only comes with 2 seat configuration. The front of the cabin has been fitted with 6-way power adjustable seats featuring a 3-stage heating system. In front of the driver is a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and a driver information cluster with 8.8-inch high-resolution screen.
As for the in-cabin technologies, the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster has been fitted with HD Radio, Harman Kardon Premium Sound Audio System with 12 Speakers, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, BMW Navigation Professional System with 8.8-inch High-Resolution Touchscreen, iDrive System with Touchpad Controller, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Voice Command System, Automatic 2-zone Climate Control System, LED Ambient Lighting and a lot more.
The perforated leather upholstery is available in 4 colors that are Giga Ivory White with Black, Giga Amido, E-Copper and Terra Dalbergia Brown.
Performance of the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster
This first-ever BMW i8 Roadster is an all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid roadster that delivers an efficient performance, regardless of the driving conditions. To enhance the performance of the vehicle, the engineers at BMW have made use of an intelligent lightweight design called Life Module. Life Module is a rigid and strong structure that makes use of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic in the construction of the roadster to deliver a stable and comfortable ride at all times.
The vehicle has been fitted with a 1.5-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo 3-Cylinder engine that has been paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine comes with high-precision direct injection system and is capable of generating 228 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque.
The vehicle also has an AC Synchronous Electric Motor that comes with an 11.6 kWh high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack featuring Advanced Active Thermal Management System. The electric motor has been paired with a 2-speed automatic transmission and is able to produce 141 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Equipped with an impressive plug-in hybrid powertrain, the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster has a combined output of 369 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. The roadster has a top speed of 250 Km/h and can go from 0 to 60mph in just 4.2 seconds. The vehicle can be fully charged in 3 hours and has an EV range of 53km.
The vehicle has been fitted with Driving Dynamic Control System that offers four driving modes. These driving modes are eDRIVE, ECO PRO, COMFORT and SPORT.
Also read: 2019 BMW X5 – Redesigned Luxury SAV with TwinPower Turbo Engine Options
Safety Features
To maintain its reputation in the closely contested luxury convertible segment, BMW has equipped the 2018 i8 Roadster with a wide variety of active safety features and advanced driver-assistance technologies. The all-new BMW i8 Roadster is perfect for BMW enthusiasts who prefer their BMW to be high-performance as well as a safe vehicle.
Some of the highlighting standard safety features of the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster are:
- Hybrid-specific Dynamic Stability Control System
- Brake Fade Compensation System
- Dynamic Traction Control System
- Anti-lock Braking System
- Dynamic Brake Control
- Cornering Brake Control
- Electromechanical Parking Brake
- Advanced Real Time Information System
- Cruise Control System
- Full-Color Head-up Display with Shift Lights
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
- Front and Rear Park Distance Control
- Anti-theft Alarm System
- BMW Assist eCall
- Enhanced Automatic Collision Notification
- Active Driving Assistant with Surround View
- Frontal Collision Warning System
- Pedestrian Protection System
- City Collision Mitigation System
- Advanced Air Bags System
- Seat Belts with Automatic-locking Retractors and Automatic Pretensioners
- Acoustic Safety-belt Warning
- Coded Driveaway Protection
Price of the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster in the UAE
The 2019 BMW i8 Roadster will soon be available in the UAE with its powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain and latest safety features. The starting price of the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster is AED 708,750, which can go higher with the optional features, advanced technologies and customizations selected.
Modern. Art. #i8 Learn more here: https://t.co/f09iLvKbkr#BMWSummerOn pic.twitter.com/7N9VEBUwNL
— BMW USA (@BMWUSA) July 24, 2018
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