BMW i8 Roadster: this is the plug-in hybrid we will see at Los Angeles

The BMW i8 Roadster will go on sale in our country in May 2018.

The new BMW i8 Roadster is practically here. The BMW i8 Roadster will make its world debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show in December 2017 and will go on sale in May 2018.

We have been waiting a long time for the convertible version of the BMW i8. This exclusive model comes with a large-area roof that incorporates a unique mechanism: with just the press of a button, the electric roof opens and closes silently in 15 seconds and at speeds of up to 50 km/h. The roof is stowed in a perpendicular position to save space, which provides 100 litres of extra luggage space behind the seats.

The new BMW i8 Roadster comes as standard with 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels with double spokes. Each wheel weighs approximately one kilogram less than the lightest wheel available until now. The model features a specific suspension tuning and the famous Dynamic Stability Control.

Regarding the mechanics of this BMW i8 Roadster, the car features a plug-in hybrid system whose battery offers increased capacity, going from the 7.1 kWh of the first-generation BMW i8 to the 11.6 kWh of this new version. The maximum power of the electric motor has increased by 9 kW (12 CV) to reach 105 kW (143 CV), which together with the 170 kW (231 CV) offered by the three-cylinder combustion engine adds up to a combined output of 275 kW (374 CV) in this model. The new i8 Roadster offers the possibility of driving on electric power alone at speeds of up to 105 km/h (previously 70 km/h). Pressing the eDrive button extends the threshold for all-electric driving up to 120 km/h.

Engine noise and emissions have been reduced thanks to the integrated particulate filter. This allows the car to offer an average consumption of 2.1 litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 46 g/km.