2019 BMW I8 Coupe
The 2019 BMW I8 Coupe is a plug-in hybrid coupe. It has a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 369 hp (275 kW), with a 6-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 4.2 seconds and top speed is 155 mph (249 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2019 BMW I8 COUPE
The 2019 BMW i8 Coupe is a plug-in hybrid sports car with two butterfly-style doors and a 2+2 seating layout. A 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine drives the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic, while an electric motor with a two-speed gearbox drives the front wheels, giving all-wheel drive and a combined system output of 369 hp.
Updated for 2019
The i8 went on sale for the 2015 model year, and 2019 brought its mid-life update. The battery grew to 11.6 kWh, the electric motor gained power, and total system output rose from 357 hp to 369 hp. EPA-rated electric-only range is 18 miles (about 29 km). The same year saw the launch of the i8 Roadster alongside the coupe. BMW quotes 0–60 mph in 4.2 seconds for the coupe.
Engineering
Like the i3, the i8 is built in Leipzig, Germany, and uses a carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic passenger cell on aluminium modules that carry the drivetrain and suspension. The battery sits low in the centre tunnel. Its aerodynamic bodywork, with layered “floating” panels and channels at the rear, became one of the most recognisable designs of its era.
What it is like
The i8 can run silently in electric mode for short journeys, then combine both power sources for strong acceleration. The rear seats are very small and best for children or bags, and luggage space is limited. Getting in and out over the wide sills takes some practice.
Rivals
There were few direct rivals: the Acura NSX offered a hybrid supercar alternative, while the Porsche 911 and Audi R8 were more conventional choices.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | I8 Coupe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2019 | Version / Trim | BMW 2019 I8 Coupe |
| Body Style | Coupe | Doors | 2 |
| Seats | 4 | Ext. Colour | Crystal White Pearl Metallic, Ionic Silver Metallic, Sophisto Grey Metallic, Donington Grey Metallic, E-Copper Metallic |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Germany |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Transmission | Automatic 6-spd |
| Engine | 1.5L 3-cyl Turbo | Engine Size | 1,500 cc |
| Power | 369 hp / 275 kW | Torque | 570 Nm / 420 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 4.2 sec | Top Speed | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
| Range / Economy | 26 mpg city / 29 mpg hwy | ||
| Electric Range | 18 miles (29 km) | Max Charge Rate | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,800 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,485 kg (3,274 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2019 COUPES
Compared with other 2019 coupes in our database, its 369 hp is close to the average for a 2019 coupe (382 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 0.6 seconds quicker than average.
| 2019 BMW I8 Coupe | Average 2019 coupes | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 369 hp | 382 hp (31 cars) | -3% |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 509 Nm (31 cars) | +12% |
| 0–60 mph | 4.2 s | 4.8 s (30 cars) | -13% |
| Top speed | 155 mph | 151 mph (30 cars) | +2% |
| Kerb weight | 1,485 kg | 1,604 kg (31 cars) | -7% |
| Engine size | 1,500 cc | 3,058 cc (31 cars) | -51% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.