BMW i8 Roadster Review

In Malaysia's high-end sports car market, hybrid models that balance environmental protection and performance have always been a niche yet precise choice. Users who want to experience the fun of driving a sports car without completely sacrificing daily practicality often turn their attention to this type of vehicle. The 2019 BMW i8 Roadster, representing the brand's hybrid sports cars, attracts consumers who seek individuality and balance with its unique convertible design, technology-filled interior and exterior, as well as a hybrid system that combines power and fuel efficiency. This time, through static experience and dynamic testing, we delve into whether it can truly find the perfect balance between 'sports car passion' and 'daily usability'.

Looking at its exterior, the 2019 i8 Roadster fully continues the signature futuristic design of the brand. The overall lines are smooth and low-slung, with dimensions of 4689mm in length, 1942mm in width, and 1298mm in height paired with 20-inch staggered tires (front 215/45R20, rear 245/40R20), creating a highly aggressive visual impression. The front features a large black grille, paired with sharp LED headlights and daytime running lights, greatly enhancing recognition; the butterfly doors on the sides are the main highlight, providing a sense of ceremony when opened and making entry and exit more convenient. The rear's through-style LED tail lamps align with the dual exhaust layout, preserving the sporty feel of a sports car while softening the ostentatiousness of traditional sports cars with clean lines. Notably, the convertible mechanism can be opened or closed within 15 seconds at speeds below 50km/h, with the folded top stored behind the rear seats, without taking up too much storage space.

Sitting inside, the combination of technology and luxury is well executed. The overall interior uses dark tones complemented by silver trim; the center console tilts toward the driver for easier operation. In terms of materials, a large amount of soft leather covers touchable areas, while the seats use electrically adjustable sports seats with memory functions, offering support and comfort fitting of a sports car, ensuring long drives are not fatiguing. Configuration-wise, the fully LCD instrument cluster and the 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment display are interconnected, providing clear visuals and smooth operation; the HUD (head-up display) projects information like speed and navigation onto the windshield, preventing distractions while driving; and the Harman Kardon 16-speaker audio system delivers delicate sound quality. However, as a two-seater sports car, the storage space is indeed limited, with only the central armrest box and side door compartments available for storing daily personal items.

The dynamic performance is the core highlight of the i8 Roadster. It is powered by a hybrid system composed of a 1.5T three-cylinder turbocharged engine and an electric motor. While the overall system output is not explicitly mentioned, the engine alone provides 234PS horsepower, and with the motor's assistance, the official 0-100km/h acceleration takes just 4.6 seconds. During our actual test drive, the instantaneous torque output from the motor at the start delivers a noticeable push-back experience, while mid-to-high speed acceleration relies on the continuous output of the engine, offering linear and abundant power response. The transmission system is matched with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which, although not aggressively quick in changing gears, is impressively smooth. Switching to sports mode adjusts the shifting logic to be more proactive, and paired with the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, it caters to certain handling demands.

The chassis tuning leans toward sporty, and the suspension system provides sufficient support when cornering, effectively controlling body roll. The steering is precise with minimal play, giving the driver ample confidence. However, when dealing with the bumpy roads commonly found in Malaysia, the suspension's ability to absorb vibrations is limited, and the road feel can be quite direct, which is a common trade-off for sports cars. As a hybrid model, its fuel economy is commendable, with an official combined fuel consumption of only 3.41L/100km. During actual test drives in urban conditions, the fuel consumption was about 4.2L/100km, and on highways, it could be controlled at around 3.5L/100km, which is quite economical for a sports car. Additionally, the wind noise control in the convertible state is excellent; conversation inside the car is hardly affected at speeds below 120km/h. When the convertible top is closed, the sound insulation is comparable to that of a hardtop sports car, and both tire noise and engine noise are kept within reasonable limits.

In terms of safety features, the i8 Roadster is very comprehensive, coming standard with six airbags, active braking, forward collision warning, and a 360-degree panoramic camera, providing ample protection for the driver. However, as a 2019 model, its intelligent driving assistance features are relatively basic, lacking lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, which may seem a bit insufficient in today's context.

Compared to other hybrid sports cars in the same class, such as the Porsche 911 Hybrid, the i8 Roadster has a price advantage (RM 1,508,800) and its convertible design along with futuristic appearance make it more distinctive. However, it may fall slightly short in terms of brand premium and pure driving dynamics. Overall, the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster is better suited for consumers who value individuality, emphasize environmental friendliness and a balance of performance, and also need a certain level of daily practicality—it can be used for enjoying convertible cruising fun on weekends or occasionally as a daily commuter car.

In conclusion, the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster is a hybrid sports car with distinct features. Its unique design, balanced powertrain, and relatively economical fuel consumption fill a gap in the premium hybrid sports car market. If you're looking for a sports car that is not overly "hardcore" but still stylish and unique, it could be a good choice.