Should you buy a BMW i8?

If you already like the idea and look of the BMW i8, the chances are you’ll like it even more from behind the wheel. The combination of eye-catching styling, futuristic (yet user-friendly) interior and unique driving experience make it feel very special.

However, with strong performance, the ability to drive on battery power alone and impressive BMW engineering that makes it easy to use every day, it would make a very satisfying car, as long as you can stomach the high cash price or steep monthly PCP payments.

Just be prepared to wait if you put an order in, such is the popularity of the BMW i8. There aren’t too many options available so you’re not going to miss out on much personalisation anyway if you buy a stock car. However the temptation will be there, and there’s a far shorter waiting list than when the car first hit the market.

‘Genuinely unique and still stands out several years after its launch. The BMW i8 won’t be for everyone, but its selling points are plain to see.’

– James Dennison

Make sure you tick the Service Inclusive option, which covers the car’s maintenance for five years or 50,000 miles, as that’ll make it a lot easier to sell on afterwards – or choose the ‘Plus’ option which also includes the cost of general consumables as well.

BMW offers different cabin trims called ‘Interior Worlds’, which may be worth considering if you want your i8 to feel a little more individual. Plus, they suit the i8’s clean-cut image with some interesting materials and finishes. After this, all you need to do is simply choose your desired paint and wheel options instead, though such are the dramatic lines of the bodywork the i8 looks great in any colour.

The i8 is quite a different prospect to something like a Porsche 911, Aston Martin Vantage and even the hybrid Honda NSX. It’s more about the advanced hybrid technology onboard and introducing the i brand alongside the i3, whereas the 911 and Vantage are died-in-the-wool sportscars. That doesn’t mean the i8 isn’t worth a look as it’s a very accomplished machine.