Auto Expo 2014: BMW showcases revolutionary i8 hybrid sports car

BMW has displayed its technological tour de force, the cutting-edge plug-in hybrid i8 which will be launched in India as a CBU (Completely Built-up) unit by end of 2014. The i8, which is one of the best-looking hybrid cars available today, combines the benefits of an electric motor and petrol engine and BMW’s legendary driving dynamics to offer as exciting a drive as possible.

The 96kW (128.7bhp) electric motor sends power to the front wheels, while the rear wheels draw power from a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol 228bhp engine. Combined, the two motors are good for 357bhp. BMW claims the i8 gets to 100kph in a super-quick 4.4 seconds and hits a top speed of 250kph. The passenger cell is made from carbon-fibre and a lot of aluminium has been used in the car’s structure.

Speaking at the i8 reveal, Philipp von Sahr, president, BMW Group India, said: “We are on the verge of a new era of sustainable individual mobility and a revolutionary interpretation of BMW’s hallmark driving pleasure. The BMW i presents a ground-breaking concept with visionary electric vehicles and mobility services, creating a new understanding of luxury that is strongly defined by sustainability. BMW i plays an important role in our future product strategy and as a sign of our commitment to this market, we will bring our revolutionary BMW i8 to India later this year.”

The carmaker also launched the 3-series GT at a price of Rs 42.75 lakh for the 320d variant. The 328i petrol variant will be launched later this year. BMW India will produce this car at its Chennai plant and it will go on sale in March 2014. The 3 GT is essentially a slightly longer version of the regular BMW 3-series saloon. The longer wheelbase has freed up quite a bit of room in the cabin, especially at the rear seats. The rear seats also recline, which should appeal to the chauffeur-driven.

BMW also showcased its all-new X5 SUV that, for the first time, features a smaller 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. The new car is noticeably larger than its predecessor, but thanks to various weight-saving measures, it’s actually lighter than the current car. It’s still a seven-seater, and the interior has now been updated with the latest range of BMW’s tech.

Photograph: Sachin Tendulkar with the cutting-edge BMW i8.