2019 BMW i8 Roadster Review

In Malaysia's luxury sports car market, there are not many hybrid options that combine eco-friendliness and performance. The 2019 BMW i8 Roadster, as the brand's representative hybrid sports car, targets high-end consumers who pursue driving pleasure while paying attention to technological innovation and unique design. The most core selling point of this car lies in its "hybrid sports car identity" - the combination of a 1.5T three-cylinder engine and an electric motor not only delivers sports car-level acceleration but also ensures lower fuel consumption. Together with the unique experience of a convertible design, it has sparked curiosity among many car enthusiasts about its actual performance. This time we got the actual car to test its design, space, and driving performance, to see if it truly matches the positioning of a luxury hybrid sports car, providing potential buyers with a clear reference.

From a distance, the overall design of the 2019 i8 Roadster is highly recognizable, with a typical sports car's low-slung stance and sleek, sharp lines. Particularly notable is the waistline that extends from the front to the rear of the car, paired with frameless doors, fully emphasizing the sporty feel. At the front, the iconic kidney grille is not very large but has a three-dimensional design, accented by blue trim that highlights its hybrid identity; the narrow and angular LED headlights on both sides feature high visibility when illuminated. On the side, 20-inch multi-spoke wheels paired with wide front 215/45R20 and rear 245/40R20 tires further enhance its sporty attributes. The convertible mechanism is hidden in the rear and the top folds into the trunk in about 15 seconds, a process that can also be operated at speeds of up to 50km/h. The rear design remains simple with horizontally arranged LED taillights echoing the design of the front headlights. The lower diffuser is understated but functional, with no exaggerated exhaust layout typical of traditional sports cars, aligning with the hybrid model's identity.

Sitting inside the car, the interior style of the 2019 i8 Roadster leans toward a tech-driven and minimalist approach, with the dashboard angled toward the driver for easier operation. In terms of materials, the seats and the inner side of the doors are wrapped in genuine leather, while parts of the dashboard are made from soft-touch materials that feel pleasant. The multifunctional steering wheel comes with paddle shifters and provides a full grip. For core configurations, the 8.8-inch touchscreen is responsive and supports functions like Bluetooth and CarPlay. The fully digital instrument cluster displays information clearly and has different interface styles for various driving modes. A standard HUD head-up display projects speed, navigation, and other information to enhance driving convenience. The seats feature front-row power adjustment with memory function and offer moderate cushioning, ensuring comfort during long drives. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning cools quickly. Although there are two rear seats, the space is quite limited and more suited for temporary use or storing items. For storage, the front door panels have compartments that can hold two bottles, and the center armrest box space is limited. The trunk volume is adequate when the convertible top is closed, but it significantly decreases when the top is open. It can accommodate two carry-on suitcases for daily use.

In terms of power, the 2019 i8 Roadster is equipped with a hybrid system combining a 1.5T three-cylinder turbocharged engine and an electric motor. The engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 234PS, and with the electric motor's assistance, the combined power output is strong. It officially accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds. During actual driving and switching to sport mode, the motor's instantaneous torque at startup provides a noticeable push-back feeling. Although mid-to-high range acceleration is not as aggressive as a pure electric supercar, it is more than capable of meeting daily overtaking needs. The transmission is an AT type, offering smooth gear shifts. In sport mode, the gear shift timing is delayed to maintain high RPM, providing consistent power output.

In terms of handling performance, the steering wheel is precise with minimal play, and you can clearly feel the trajectory of the wheels when cornering. The suspension system is on the stiffer side, resulting in noticeable vibrations on bumpy city roads, but it provides sufficient support during high-speed cornering, with minimal body roll and good stability. The drivetrain is an all-wheel drive system, offering strong grip on slippery roads during take-off, preventing slippage. In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 3.41L/100km, while the actual daily driving (half city, half highway) fuel consumption is around 5L, which is excellent for a sports car.

In terms of driving comfort, the seats strike a good balance between support and cushioning, allowing for long drives without causing back pain; noise control is average, with noticeable wind and tire noise at high speeds, particularly when the convertible top is open, which further increases wind noise. The energy recovery system offers various intensity levels, with the strongest mode providing significant drag when you release the accelerator, making it suitable for long downhill stretches. In the normal mode, the drag feeling is less pronounced, closely resembling the driving experience of a traditional fuel vehicle.

Overall, the core highlights of the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster lie in its unique identity as a hybrid sports car, its futuristic design, impressive dynamic performance, and relatively economical fuel consumption. Compared to other hybrid sports cars in the same class, it boasts more standout brand value and design aesthetics, but the rear space and storage capacity are less than ideal. This car is perfect for those who pursue individuality, value environmental ideologies, and wish to enjoy the thrill of driving a sports car, especially young entrepreneurs or high-end white-collar professionals. It meets the needs of daily commuting or weekend short trips. If you are seeking a luxurious sports car that symbolizes status without being too fuel-intensive, the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster is worth considering.