Alessio Lidozzi offers a review of the BMW i8 - a plug-in hybrid sports car that was recently released. Alessio has been driving luxury sports cars for 20 years but views this car as a game-changer. The mixture of luxury, performance and fuel economy is unmatched when it comes to hybrid vehicles. Measuring in with a 0 to 60 time of under four seconds it's a pleasure to look at, a pleasure to drive and will keep some gas money in your pocket.
17. I remember opening the door,
feeling as though I was entering a
spaceship.
18. The doors are a split between a
scissor and a gull-wing door; they
open straight outward.
19. It’s one of the most unique doors
I’ve ever opened (unique would
become the theme of the whole i8
experience).
20. Once inside, I was immediately
overwhelmed with how luxury was
mixed in with a futuristic look.
21. It gave off the feeling of a hybrid
- but only for a minute.
22. Soon, I realized that the way the
interior was crafted made you feel
as if you were about to go fast -
really fast.
23. When I looked down at the
speedometer, my thoughts were
confirmed.
24. When I pushed the start button,
there are no signs of combustion but
the car is running.
25. The front electric motor is only 1.5
liters - but a second electric motor
contributes 357 combined
horsepower.
26. The motors are quiet; I could have
snuck up behind someone and
surprised them.
27. There are five distinct propulsion
modes to choose from; naturally, I
skipped all of the economy and
cruising modes in route to my
favorite - the sport mode.
28. I know this car can save you some
gas money (it can go 23 miles
without using a drop of fuel) but I
wanted to see how it could perform.
29. Putting my foot down, the car is
initially sluggish; soon, however, the
car would take off with potent
power.
30. It would take me less than four
seconds to get up to 60 mph.
31. The six-speed automatic accents the
engine notes with every upshift,
creating a load noise through the
exhaust that sounds the way any
sports car should.
32. And just like any BMW, this thing
hugs to the ground - taking corners
at a quick pace without feeling as
though you are going to slide out of
your seat.
33. The car feels light and agile
despite its long body.