BMW i8: Comfort & Convenience

This Twenty-first Century supercar has an array of interesting features

It is only appropriate for a Twenty-first Century vehicle to have an interior to compliment it. BMW’s fresh new approach is like no other BMW ever. Naturally treated leather spans not only the upholstery but also covers parts of the center console, instrument panel and interior door panels. The exposed CFRP sections accentuate the futuristic look and boasts the car’s lightweight technology.

Available as alternatives to the standard Neso trim for the BMW i8 interior are the Carpo and Halo equipment lines. In standard specification, the contrast between black surfaces in the cockpit and light Carum Grey leather surfaces emphasizes the lightness and sustainability of this vehicle concept. The leather surfaces of the door and side trim are complemented by functional textile highlights made from recycled material. The optional Carpo equipment line is available in light or dark versions. The naturally treated leather surfaces feature perforated elements and subtle contrast stitching which underline the superior character of the material and workmanship involved. Painted surface elements on the instrument panel, door trim and center console add the
finishing touches to the cutting-edge ambience.

The likewise optional Halo equipment line brings a pervasive aura of luxury and sustainability to the interior of the BMW i8. Top-quality leather surfaces combine with textile accents and contrast stitching in BMW i Blue. And when it comes to the color scheme, dark Dalbergia Brown and light Carum Grey provide attractive contrasts. The Halo line also brings high-class paintwork to selected instrument panel and door trim surfaces. The accent ring for the leather steering wheel comes in BMW i Blue in the Halo equipment line and in Satin Silver in the other variants.

The instrument panel and its unique “layering” principle creates a three-dimensional look. A multi-function instrument display with content and presentation format cues taken from the driving mode selected. This layering approach follows through to the center console. The iDrive’s systems control display comes in a free-standing 8.8 format. Gear shift, eDrive button, the controller for the iDrive operating system, the start/stop button, and Driving Experience Control switch are all set into the center console for convenience. The bespoke steering wheel has multi-function buttons and the navigation system. 

Professional and standard innovative driver assistance systems and BMW connectedDrive mobility services developed specially for BMW i serve to enhance the driving pleasure available on board the BMW i8 and the car’s efficiency in equal measure. Intelligent connectivity optimizes comfort, safety and the use of infotainment features while on the move. It also helps the driver to enjoy the performance attributes of the plug-in hybrid sports car to the full, while at the same time keeping energy consumption – in both petrol and electric form – as low as possible. BMW ConnectedDrive therefore effectively becomes an extension of the Efficient Dynamics strategy. The variety of tools it offers to further improve the balance between driving pleasure and energy consumption is unique worldwide and makes an additional contribution to the progressive character of the BMW i8.

Added to this, an extensive range of products and services from 360° ELECTRIC are available for the BMW i brand’s second series-produced model. The 360° ELECTRIC portfolio focuses on home charging, charging at public charging stations, keeping drivers on the road and integration into innovative mobility concepts. As such it promotes the comfortable, reliable and flexible utilization of electric mobility. This package of features also helps to make maximum use of the efficiency potential inherent in the vehicle concept and drive system technology of the BMW i8. Maximizing the use of the electric motor and feeding renewably generated electricity into the high-voltage battery significantly improves the CO2 rating of the plug-in hybrid sports car.

The BMW i8 is equipped as standard with an integrated SIM card which enables the intelligent connectivity required to use the mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive. It also introduces navigation services specially developed to enhance electric mobility – such as the Range Assistant with dynamic range map – alongside familiar features, including the Concierge Services information facility, the Intelligent Emergency Call function and the Online Entertainment music-on-demand service. Moreover, drivers can use the BMW i Remote app to share information with their car at any time using their smartphone. For example, they can use their phone to control the charging process for the high-voltage battery and, while that is happening, also oversee the advance preparation of the vehicle before a journey. 6. Intelligent connectivity for efficient driving pleasure: BMW ConnectedDrive and 360° ELECTRIC for the BMW i8.

360° ELECTRIC: emission-free driving in unbeatable comfort. The BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car always achieves top marks for efficiency when it starts a journey with its high-voltage battery fully charged. For customers who have the use of a garage or private parking space, BMW i offers bespoke solutions under 360° ELECTRIC which enable the battery pack to be charged at home or at work safely, simply and extremely quickly. BMW i provides owners with a charging cable to plug into standard domestic power sockets and a special charging point (the BMW i Wallbox). As well as supplying and assembling the Wallbox, BMW i also checks its installation in customers’ homes and provides maintenance, advice and other services. Plugging the car into a domestic power socket returns the empty high-voltage battery to full charge in under three hours, while using the BMW i Wallbox completes the process in less than two hours.

The BMW i8 also offers the driver the services of the BMW Head-Up Display which projects important driving data onto the windscreen. Information including the car’s speed, status alerts from the driver assistance systems, Check Control messages, speed limits and overtaking restrictions can all be displayed in the driver’s direct field of vision. The ConnectedDrive Services option opens up an array of internet-based services to the driver. These include access to the BMW Online portal, the Online Entertainment features and the use of apps for further comfort and infotainment functions. The likewise optional Real Time Traffic Information system delivers precise traffic congestion warnings and diversion recommendations in real time.

The BMW i8 has many active and passive safety features. Electronically controlled restraint systems are tried, tested, and refined in all vehicles from BMW. The i8 features front air bags and side airbag systems with head/curtain airbags for both rows of seating. Seat belt pre-tensioners are belt force limiters and are fitted to all seats as well as a three-point inertia-reel seatbelts.

BMW has entered the Twenty-first Century with both technology and attitude. The i8 is a classic example of innovation from “The Ultimate Driving Machine.” The BMW i8 is a glimpse into the future that one may park in their driveway. BMW i stands for visionary vehicles featuring inspirational design and a particularly strong focus on sustainability. It also stands for a new approach to premium mobility – personal mobility and flexibility that is geared towards future requirements and user needs.