2017 BMW i8

BMW’s sedans and SUVs regularly earn CR’s recommendations for packing industry-leading comfort and technology into vehicles that are agile, quick, and even fuel efficient. Among luxury brands like Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Lincoln, and Land Rover, BMW’s SUVs often rank near the top of their category. Models like the X5 are remarkable for having powertrains that accelerate quickly while also managing above-average fuel efficiency. Some BMWs can be bought as plug-in hybrids, with useful electric-only range, or in performance trims, with more powerful engines and stiffer suspensions. BMW’s growing roster of EVs also generally rank high in our tests. Like most luxury cars from European manufacturers, BMWs fall on the expensive side of our assessments of maintenance and repair costs, but some specific models are a good option to buy used. However, shoppers considering a preowned BMW should opt for warranties or budget for repairs.

The i8 is a low-slung, all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid sports car with a 129-hp electric motor powering the front wheels and a 220-hp, 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine driving the rear. Combined output is 357 hp, good for a blistering 0-60 mph run in 4.2 seconds, BMW claims. The i8 has an all-electric range of about 17 miles, for 2019-2020 models, and 14 miles for the earlier model years, before the gas engine kicks in, though the engine can be tapped as needed for maximum performance. Total range is about 310 miles. Charge time is said to be about 1.5 hours with 240-volt, and 3.5 hours with 120-volt. Like the i3, the i8 is also made of carbon fiber, and it weighs less than 3,500 pounds.

Freshened for 2019, the i8 is a low-slung, all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid sports car in roadster and coupe versions. A 129-hp electric motor powers the front wheels and a 228-hp, 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine driving the rear result in a combined output of 369 hp, 12 more hp than previous model.