BMW i8 becomes the world’s highest-selling hybrid sports car

Last year, global sales of the BMW i8 exceeded the combined figure of all other hybrid sports cars produced by other manufacturers.

A total of 5,456 units of the i8, which is powered by the combination of a three-cylinder turbocharged engine and an electric drive system, were sold worldwide in 2015. The car’s plug-in hybrid technology delivers a system output of 266 kW/362 hp (fuel consumption combined: 2.1 l/100 km [134.5 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 49 g/km).

Commenting on the strong performance, Ian Robertson, BMW AG board member for sales and marketing said, “The success of the BMW i8 speaks for itself. It is already the world’s most successful hybrid sports car and has comfortably exceeded our own expectations. I can think of no better illustration of the relevance of our young BMW i brand.”

Since entering the market in late 2013, BMW i has concentrated on vehicles designed from the outset for locally emission-free driving. In 2015, sales of the BMW i3 and BMW i8 were around 66% up on the previous year with a total of 29,513 deliveries. BMW i currently offers the BMW i3 in a total of 36 countries. This, together with its portfolio of trailblazing and highly convenient services, gives BMW i the largest worldwide market presence of any electric vehicle manufacturer.

Banking on the success of its hybrid model, the German carmaker is set to unveil special-edition models of the i8 at the Geneva Motor Show.

BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition to be built in Leipzig from July

The first in the line of special-edition models is the BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition, which will be available for a limited period. This take on the 2+2-seater with carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell and efficient BMW eDrive drive system technology will be produced at BMW Plant Leipzig from July; it sports a Protonic Red paint finish with accents in Frozen Grey metallic. Inside the inaugural special-edition i8, red double-stitching and applications in high-grade carbon fibre and ceramic will provide a sporting character.