BMW i8 Roadster (2018 - 2020) practicality

• Uses an aluminium shell with carbon chassis
• Not NCAP tested
• Good semi-autonomous

The BMW i8 Roadster hasn’t been crash-tested by NCAP, and nor has the previous car. It’s unlikely either will be, due to the high cost and relative rarity of the model. However, with a carbon shell covering an aluminium chassis, we expect the i8 to be robust in the event of an accident.

Alongside semi-autonomous safety technology you’d expect in 2018, the i8 Roadster also comes with six airbags – so you’ll be thoroughly protected.

Other safety equipment available as optional extras:

• Collision and Pedestrian Warning with
 City Braking function
• Park Distance Control

What’s more, the i8 Roadster also features acoustic pedestrian warning for the first time. When in EV-mode and below 19mph, the new system makes a turbine-style noise to alert pedestrians of the car’s presence. Why does it only work up to 19mph? Because at that pace, noises like wind and tyres aren’t audible, but they are at faster speeds. 

• Smaller boot than i8 Coupe
  
• No space under the bonnet
• A new cubby hole provides some extra storage

If you need a car to haul things around, the i8 Roadster isn’t the car for you. Because it’s mid-engined but also hides an electric motor under the bonnet, you’re forced to use the small boot at the back. Despite the addition of a foldable roof, the boot is the same size as the Coupe, but you do lose some space from the removal of the Coupe’s back seats.  

BMW has managed to fit a large cubby hole behind both seats though, and it contains enough space for a medium-sized rucksack or small gym bag. If, however, you’d like your luggage to match your car, BMW also sells a bespoke luggage bag, purposely made for the cubby hole.

Size

The Roadster has an identical footprint to the original car, and although it feels wide – it’s surprisingly easy to park.

However, be careful when looking for spaces in car parks: Just like the original Coupe, the i8 Roadster uses butterfly doors – and they do require more room than you’d expect when opening.

Boot space

The BMW i8 Roadster has smaller 88-litre boot compartment comared to the i8 Coupe, and no longer has the extra space provided by two rear seats of that car – they’re taken up by the roof.

You’ll find a large cubbyhole in their place – certainly big enough for a rucksack or suitcase.