BMW launches hybrid luxury car ‘i8’ at Rs2.3 crore

With the rollout of the 'i8', luxury carmaker BMW has introduced its costliest car in the country, which is also its first model hybrid car, PTI reported.

At Rs2.29 crore ex-showroom Mumbai, BMW i8 also comes as the first offering from the German car major's sub-brand 'i', which was focused on sustainable mobility and hitech car development.

The car which is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 131-hp electric engine, offers a combined power of 266 hp, a combined mileage of 47 kmpl and is capable of attaining a speed of 230 km per hour.

The car also features a regenerative braking system, which was another first for the company.

Only its larger rival Mercedes offers the regenerative braking system technology in India, which makes for optimising of  power saving, as each time one applied the brake, the battery underwent a recharge along with every other electrical gadget in the car.

The dual-engine fits into a carbon fibre body making it one of the safest sports cars from BMW. At the offered price of Rs2.3 crore the completely built unit (CBU), brought in from Germany makes a statement for the ultra rich.

The luxury car would be sold by the company exclusively through BMW i-dealers in Mumbai, Chennai and New Delhi.

The i8 comes with a front portion which is sporty like other BMWs in the market and features BMW's signature kidney grille that runs over to the slim and futuristic LED headlights. With its handle-free 'scissor' doors the luxury car gets it distinctive modern look.

The side profile of the i8 comes with a similar aerodynamic theme and sports a sleeker look with swoops and cuts, while the floating roof design at the rear gives it look more intriguing.

The powertrain of the vehicle combines a 1,499cc 3-cylinder petrol engine and a powerful lithium-ion battery-powered electric motor.

BMW i8 comes features an aluminium chassis with a double-wishbone front axle and five-link rear axle to offer the best combination for both sportscar dynamics and a luxurious ride.

The engine and battery pack are placed as low as possible to improve the centre-of-gravity of the car.