Perhaps BMW best describes the many challenges behind the development of this groundbreaking platform: “The BMW i8 is ready to revolutionize its vehicle class. As the first sports car with the consumption and emission values of a compact car. The strength of the plug-in hybrid lies, among other factors, in the perfect synchronization of electric motor and combustion engine, which makes itself apparent in maximum efficiency and dynamics on the road. The first sports car that even accelerates the zeitgeist. Progress in motion: a vehicle that fascinates. With innovative LifeDrive architecture, ground-breaking materials such as carbon, layering design and numerous intelligent BMW EfficientDynamics measures.”

The BMW story of pioneering achievement with the i8 began in 2008 by means of the beginnings of Project i. The stated objective was the “reinvention of urban mobility.” A year into the project the concept engineering team disclosed what technology fully geared toward energy savings could look like. This inspired the BMW Concept i8, which demonstrated in near-production-ready form where the development would lead. All accessible BMW EfficientDynamics technologies were integrated within this vehicle - a thoughtful lightweight concept had been realized, and the idea of a sports car for the future was vividly seen.

Series production of the BMW i8 marks the current peak of the development: a plug-in hybrid with the appearance and the breathtaking performance of a sports car, which at the same time exhibits the consumption and emissions of a compact car. With these elements taken into consideration, it would seem to resolve the apparent contradiction between efficiency and dynamics.

The initial concept car was revealed at the 2009 International Motor Show Germany. The production version of the BMW i8 was shown at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, and it was released in Germany in June 2014. Deliveries to retail customers in the United States then began in August 2014. It has been reported that cumulative world-wide sales totaled almost 7,200 units through December 2015 with the top markets attributed to the United States, the United Kingdom and at home in Germany.

The plug-in hybrid i8 sports car can accelerate from 0- to 60-mph in 4.4 seconds and has a top speed listed at a very impressive 160-mph. Under the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cycle, the range in EV mode is 15 miles with a small amount of gasoline consumption. The EPA/DOT Fuel Economy chart on the car’s window sticker relays that with electricity and gasoline the i8 is good for 76-mpg combined city and highway based on a two hour 240V charge. Gasoline only is stated at 28-mpg. The fuel economy and greenhouse gas rating is an impressive 9 of 10 rating.

The i8 is quite exclusive to acquire; only select BMW dealerships with the proper level of yearly revenue are entitled to receive the vaunted i8. It is shared that other, less influential BMW dealerships have even attempted to purchase the i8 from their BMW colleagues. The current owner shared his experience in purchasing this example; he reports that the authorized-to-receive dealerships were entitled to only two i8’s per year, so demand has definitely become greater than the available supply. The owner’s western Pennsylvania dealership (Bobby Rahal BMW of South Hills) had a waiting list of 10 additional buyers after he received the first example in his geographic area.

The standard features on this forward-thinking machine are vast in scope and garnered a base price at $135,700; the options and additional charges brought the price on the window sticker to $149,250.

Among the long list of equipment that gives this car its unmistakable identity are its BMW TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder 228-hp engine with high precision direct injection, eDrive 129-hp electric motor, Hybrid sports car all-wheel drive system with a total output of 357-hp and 420-lb/ft torque, Driving Dynamics Control with eDrive, ECO PRO, COMFORT and SPORT settings, two-speed front automatic transmission (electric motor), six-speed rear automatic transmission, Brake Energy Recuperation system, 7.1-kW high voltage lithium-ion battery pack and advanced active thermal management, hybrid-specific Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) which allows all-wheel drive functionality for independent drive sources, Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant, Brake Drying, Brake Stand-by with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), LifeDrive “vehicle architecture” with lightweight aluminum Drive Module components and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell Life Module, electric steering, Dynamic Damper Control (linked with Dynamic Driving Control), high performance, lightweight four-wheel cross-drilled, ventilated 17-inch disc brakes with ABS, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC).

The cars exterior features a scissor door design, LED headlights, accent lights and daytime running lights, Stream Flow aerodynamics allow for a low .26 coefficient of drag, LED brakelights, lightweight aluminum doors and hood, thermoplastic front fenders and front/rear bumpers, carbon fiber reinforced plastic roof with UV protection and tinted clear vision coating. The Mega Carum Spice Grey leather upholstery includes six-way power seats, rear storage compartment cover, three-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, BMW Navigation Professional with voice command and Advanced Real Time Traffic Information, iDrive system with high resolution 10.2-inch full-color flat screen display with touchpad controller, BMW TeleService, on-board computer with Check Control providing feedback on the vehicle’s operating status, full-color Heads-up Display, USB audio connection, hands-free Bluetooth, instrument cluster with 8.8-inch high resolution screen, Harman Kardon Surround Sound Audio System, power-adjustable external mirrors with automatic dimming function, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic two-zone climate control, electric flow heater with auxiliary water heater, Dynamic Cruise Control with braking function, Active Driving Assistant with Surround View plus many restraint and safety airbag features.

The stunning Crystal White with BMW I Blue exterior finish was an $1,800 option, and this car is generously appointed with the optional Pure Impulse World group that adds $10,800 and includes 20-inch BMW light alloy wheels, anti-theft alarm system, storage package, heated front seats, headliner in Anthracite, BMW i Blue seatbelts, Park Distance Control, ambiance lighting and Active Driving Assistant. Even though our listings of equipment are monumental, there are other details that can be explored and utilized; such is the magnificent completeness of this platform.

This BMW i8 has less than 2,000 actual miles, and the sole owner has also been the cars only driver. He conveys that the mileage was accumulated while going to and from car shows. The BMW i8 was honored in 2014 by Automobile for being “Best Design of the Year.”

While it is not yet seen in Carfax documents, with full disclosure it is reported that this 2014 BMW i8 has been involved in an accident with no structural damage resulting. BMW North America authorizes only two repair facilities to repair i8’s; this machine visited one of these authorized shops to be returned back to its original form. A full appraisal report was commissioned afterwards, and it was conducted by Larry Batton, the president of the Auto Appraisal Group – this document will accompany the car after sale.

The newness of such a concept can be best described as “Innovation disguised as a sports car.” The BMW i8 is not ordinary in any manner; it’s an “icon of progress — an extraordinary evolution of the ultimate driving machine®.”