MUMBAI: BMW, the German automobile manufacturer has launched its i-series model in India. BMW i8 has been officially launched in India at the hands of none other than legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. BMW i8 is the first i-series model to be launched in India.
i8 is powered by a petrol engine in combination with electric motor. The price declared by the company for the world-famous car is Rs 2.29 crore (ex-showroom). The lavish launch ceremony also introduced the entry of sub-brand BMWi in India while yet another hybrid car BMW i3 was on showcase.
BMW also made it clear that the car won’t be available for masses but will have very limited customers because of the high global demand. Reportedly, the company also claimed that the demand is so high that BMW can’t manufacture i8 to meet the demand leading to waiting period of up-to several months. The recently launched car has the capability to compete with most desirable vehicles of Ferrari and Lamborghini.
BMW i8 plus-in is powered by 3-cylinder, 1.5litre, twin petrol engine along with electric motor and Lithium-ion battery. Petrol engine can generate maximum power of 231bhp and peak torque of 320Nm, whereas on electric supply, it generates a maximum power of 362PS and 570Nm torque. This leads to combined maximum output of 370Ps that enables the car to reach 100kmph in about 4.4 seconds. The sports car has its rear wheels run by petrol engine while front ones run by electric motor and has the top speed of 250kmph. Even if there’s a large battery pack present, BMW i8 weighs as low as 1490kg, this is because the machine mostly has the body of fibre. The vehicle is considered as environment-friendly as it emits only 50.36gm/kg of Carbondioxide, BMW claims. Reportedly, the car on average delivers mileage of about 47.45kmpl depending on driving conditions.
