Awaited since 2012, when BMW had first showcased the i8 Spyder Concept, the drop-top version of the marque’s i8 hybrid sports car has finally been unveiled at the 2017 Los Angeles Motor Show, alongside the updated coupe variant. The i8 Roadster becomes the third member of BMW’s futuristic i-family, and comes with more power, an increased electric driving range and new interior trims as part of the facelift. The CFRP construction ensures lighter weight, making the drop-top i8 just 60 kilograms heavier than its hard-top sibling. The all-electric roof opens and closes at the touch of a button in 15 seconds and while travelling at up to 50kmph. The soft-top can be stowed back in a cavity behind the seats in a perpendicular position. The rear window doubles as a wind deflector can also be closed or opened independently without the roof. However, the 2+2 seating configuration is now changed to a strict two-seater. The roadster comes fitted with a new lithium-ion battery pack with an increased 11.6-kilowatt-hour capacity. The electric motors now produce 105kW/143bhp and can drive the car to 105kmph on pure battery power which can be increased to 120kmph at a push of the eDrive button. There is no change to the 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three that makes 228hp and 236 lb-ft, but the electric range is now claimed to be 53 kilometres. The combined power output of 369bhp and 570Nm is channelled through a six-speed automatic gearbox to the rear wheels. The 2019 i8 can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 4.2 seconds, and the heavier i8 Roadster catches up in 4.4 seconds. Top speeds of both are electronically limited to 250 kmph for both cars and both get updated cabins as well. The Roadster gets special seats too, says the marque, along with bespoke tuning for springs, damping and Dynamic Stability Control—plus stylish 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels. The 8.8-inch free-standing iDrive system now gets an option of touchscreen control as well. The 2019 BMW i8 Roadster and coupe both go on sale early next year, but the price tags aren’t out yet—and we bet you’re gripping the edge of your seats already!
