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The BMW i8 is like that friend who looks super athletic but always comes last in the race. Sure, it’s a head-turner with its futuristic design and those fancy dihedral doors, but when it comes to 0-60 times, it’s a bit of a disappointment for a so-called “supercar.”
Officially, the i8 clocks in at around 4.2 seconds to hit 60 mph. Not exactly what you’d expect from something that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie, right? Today, I will talk about how it compares to other cars that are considered to be its competition.
| Specification | Value |
| Engine | 1.5L TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder + eDrive Electric Motor |
| Total Horsepower | 369 hp |
| Total Torque | 420 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 4.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 mph (electronically limited) |
| Battery Capacity | 11.6 kWh (usable 9.4 kWh) |
| Electric Range (NEDC) | 34 miles (55 km) |
| Fuel Economy (EPA) | 69 MPGe combined |
| **Fuel Economy (gasoline) | 27 mpg combined |
| Drive Type | All-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Length | 184.9 inches |
| Width | 76.5 inches |
| Height | 51.0 inches |
| Wheelbase | 110.2 inches |
| Curb Weight | 3,455 lbs |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Cargo Capacity | 5.4 cubic feet |
| Charging Time | 3.1 hours (Level 2 charger) |
Quick Comparison With Competition
- BMW i8: 0-60 in 4.2 seconds
- Tesla Model S P85D: 0-60 in 3.2 seconds
- Acura NSX: 0-60 in 3.0 seconds
- Polestar 1: 0-60 in 4.0 seconds
- Lexus LC 500h: 0-60 in 4.7 seconds
- Tesla Model 3 Performance: 0-60 in 2.9 seconds
- Audi R8: 0-60 in 3.2 seconds
Tesla Model S
Enter the Tesla Model S, the electric behemoth that doesn’t just compete; it annihilates. With its P85D variant, this beast does 0-60 in about 3.2 seconds.
That’s a full second faster than the i8. Essentially, if you’re at a stoplight next to a Tesla, just stay humble and enjoy the view of its taillights.
| Specification | Value |
| Range (EPA est.) | 575 km (Real World) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 3.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 130 mph |
| Battery Capacity | 100.0 kWh (Nominal) |
| Power | 504 kW (685 PS) |
Acura NSX
The Acura NSX is another hybrid contender that outshines the i8, boasting a 0-60 time of approximately 3.0 seconds.
It’s almost like Acura wanted to show BMW how hybrid performance should be done. So, while the i8 is still revving up, the NSX is already halfway down the block.
| Specification | Value |
| System Combined Power | 600 hp |
| System Combined Torque | 492 lb-ft |
| Engine Type | Twin-Turbo Aluminum-Alloy V-6 |
| Displacement | 3.5 liters |
| Maximum Speed | 191 mph |
Polestar 1
Let’s not forget the Polestar 1, another hybrid newcomer that’s already making waves. This one clocks a 0-60 time of about 4.0 seconds, too.
| Specification | Value |
| Engine | 2.0 L Twincharged I4 |
| Horsepower | 609 hp |
| Torque | 738 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 4.0 seconds |
| Electric Range | 150 km (93 miles) |
Lexus LC 500h
The Lexus LC 500h isn’t particularly fast, with a 0-60 time of around 4.7 seconds, but it’s in the mix. Think of it as the i8’s slower cousin who’s more into long-distance cruising than sprinting.
| Specification | Value |
| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 Hybrid |
| Horsepower | 354 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 4.7 seconds |
| Fuel Economy | 29 mpg combined |
Tesla Model 3
Okay, so you think the i8 is a speed demon because it costs a small fortune, right? Well, meet the Tesla Model 3 Performance. This one goes from 0-60 in about 2.9 seconds, leaving the i8’s 4.2 seconds looking like it’s stuck in first gear.
And guess what? The Model 3 costs a lot less, which makes you wonder why you’d spend extra for the i8’s fancy doors.
| Specification | Value |
| Engine | Electric |
| Horsepower | 283 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 2.9 seconds |
| Electric Range | 263 miles |
Audi R8
Just for laughs, let’s throw the Audi R8 into the mix. This one hits 60 mph in about 3.2 seconds. It’s a real supercar with a real supercar engine.
| Specification | Value |
| Engine | 5.2 L V10 |
| Horsepower | 602 hp |
| Torque | 413 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 3.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 205 mph |
Final Thoughts
The BMW i8 is undeniably a stunner, but when it comes to raw performance, it lags behind many of its competitors. It doesn’t matter if it’s the blistering speed of the Tesla Model S or the hybrid prowess of the Acura NSX, the i8’s 0-60 time leaves much to be desired.
If you’re looking for a flashy ride that turns heads, the i8 might be your pick. But if speed is your game, there are plenty of other fish in the sea.
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