BMW i8 Roadster 2019 Review

The 2019 BMW i8 Roadster is currently priced at 1,508,800 MYR, positioned in the luxury hybrid sports car segment. As the brand's flagship sports car that combines futuristic design with eco-friendly power, its core selling points lie in the performance balance of the hybrid system, the removable hardtop convertible design, and its iconic sci-fi appearance. This test drive will focus on verifying its practicality for daily driving, the quality of the convertible experience, and the performance of its hybrid powertrain under a sports car setting.

In terms of appearance, the i8 Roadster retains the family’s signature streamlined sci-fi design, featuring a low and flat profile, with body lines extending from the front to the rear, creating a strong diving sense. The front fascia adopts a large double kidney grille, paired with sharp LED headlamp units and L-shaped daytime running lights, which have high recognition value. Along the sides, the butterfly door design is the biggest highlight, exuding ceremony when opened; 20-inch dual-tone multi-spoke wheels paired with 215/45R20 front and 245/40R20 rear tires further enhance its sporty attributes. At the rear, the floating rear spoiler automatically rises at speeds over 110km/h, and the full LED taillights blend seamlessly with the car's body lines; the removable hardtop convertible is made of carbon fiber material, with open and close times of just 15 seconds and operable at speeds of up to 50km/h.

Inside the car, the interior is mainly black, accented with silver trim, and the dashboard is angled towards the driver, emphasizing a driver-oriented design. The seats are wrapped in leather and offer power adjustment with memory functions, combining support and comfort; carbon fiber trim can be found beneath the seats and on the door panels, enhancing the sporty atmosphere. As for configuration, the 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment screen comes with the iDrive system for smooth operation; the fully digital instrument cluster displays hybrid system status, power distribution, and other information; HUD head-up display, keyless entry, and dual-zone automatic climate control are all standard. Storage space is limited due to the hybrid system and convertible structure, with only the front central armrest box and door panel storage compartments available. The trunk has a small capacity, accommodating only two small carry-on suitcases, making it more suitable for short trips.

The power system features a 1.5T three-cylinder turbocharged engine and electric motor hybrid combination, with unspecified system combined power. However, the engine provides a maximum horsepower of 234PS, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. During daily driving, in pure electric mode, the startup is quiet and smooth, making it ideal for low-speed commutes; switching to sports mode sees the engine engage quickly with a responsive and aggressive power delivery. The official 0-100km/h acceleration is 4.6 seconds, and during actual experience, mid-to-high range acceleration still provides a good sense of thrust. In terms of handling, the steering is precise with minimal play, and the suspension leans towards firmness, offering excellent body control during cornering; however, on bumpy roads, the dampening effect is average, transmitting road feedback directly, aligning with its sports car identity.

Fuel efficiency-wise, the official combined fuel consumption is 3.41L/100km, with actual tests showing about 4.2L/100km in urban conditions and around 3.8L/100km on highways. The fuel tank capacity is 32L, comfortably meeting daily short-trip needs. In convertible mode, wind noise is well-controlled, allowing unimpeded conversation inside the cabin at speeds of up to 120km/h; with the roof closed, there is slight transmission of road and tire noise, but overall, it's within an acceptable range. As for seat comfort, the lumbar support is slightly insufficient after prolonged driving, making it more suitable for short trips or weekend outings.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster lie in its unique sci-fi appearance, the sense of ceremony brought by its removable hardtop convertible, and the balance of performance and environmental friendliness in its hybrid system. Compared with the same-class Porsche 911 Convertible, the i8 Roadster has greater advantages in design distinctiveness and technological features but slightly falls short in traditional fuel performance and practicality. This car is more suitable for consumers who pursue unique design, emphasize environmental concepts, and primarily use it for weekend short-distance drives or city commutes, making it less suitable for long journeys or users with high storage space demands.

As a hybrid sports car that combines a sense of futurism and driving pleasure, the i8 Roadster meets the core needs of luxury sports car consumers in terms of design, features, and driving experience. Its unique market positioning makes it an irreplaceable choice in its segment.