The BMW i8 Is Now a Used Bargain: A Supercar for the Price of a Sedan

The BMW i8 set a new standard in the automotive world, delivering supercar performance without a massive engine. Now, you can get one for a bargain price.

In today’s world, hybrid sports cars are becoming commonplace as automakers learn more about the benefits of electrically assisted powertrains. Advanced models cost as much or more than the i8 when it was new, but now you can buy this BMW hybrid supercar for a lot less than you might expect.

Once a $150,000 futuristic icon, the BMW i8 is now selling for less than a new sedan.

How much does the i8 cost?

Depending on the number of miles driven, the first model year of this BMW supercar could cost as little as $43,999. That is certainly below the average new car price on the market today and much less than most sedans cost. If you want a newer version of this hybrid supercar, you’ll be surprised to know that you could score a 2020 model for as little as $58,000 and might not have to pay much more than $75,000. These prices make this car a virtual bargain compared to its original price, which was typically more than $150,000.

BMW made it for everyday driving

The BMW i8 has show-stopping good looks with its dihedral doors that open upward, giving you an attention-getting feature right from the start. The i8 was offered as a coupe or convertible, and it wasn’t made to be a track-only car, but a car that could be useful during every day driving. The limited storage space and compromised cabin access could make it hard to bring everything home with you, but it can get the job done.

Only a few choices

Most of the features and qualities built into this BMW supercar were already decided before the car ever made it to market. The only choice most new owners had was between the coupe or convertible body styles. The convertible is certainly worth the added cost, giving you the open-air feeling desired when you want a fun and exciting car to show off wherever you go.

Every model has leather upholstery, a head-up display, heated front seats, a Harman/Kardon audio system, and Apple CarPlay integration. The 2020 version could also be found with the Tera World package, which includes ceramic controls, black brake calipers, blue seatbelts, and an exclusive brown interior that looks fantastic.

Only one powertrain for the ride

Every version of the BMW i8 begins with a small 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder gas engine. This doesn’t sound like a car that might have supercar statistics, but the 11.6-kWh battery pack and two electric motors help give this car the extra juice required. This combination is good for 369 horsepower, which is sent to all four wheels. It might not be the fastest supercar of its time, but the sprint to 60 mph of 4.1 seconds is enough to make this car a lot of fun on any road.

Steering could be better

BMW is known for excellent driving prowess, but the i8 suffers from a light steering feel, which was common in BMW models during the previous decade. It would be nice to have more feedback, especially in a car that’s supposed to be sporty and fun. The ride quality is impressive, making bumps less bumpy during your time behind the wheel.

Going inside the i8

This BMW has a strong focus on design over practicality, but that doesn’t stop the front seats from being comfortable and enjoyable on any road. There are only two seats, and the folding top takes the space that is reserved for a pair of jump seats in the coupe version. This means if you choose a convertible i8, you won’t have the jump seats.

Don’t expect much room for luggage; the BMW i8 has minimal cubby space, and the rear cargo area is long but shallow, which means you don’t have much space for stuff to go with you. Still, the storage area has enough room for one carry-on suitcase.

Fun at a great price

The BMW i8 is an interesting car that was used to test and prove that hybrid supercars could be a reality in the modern automotive market. BMW didn’t offer many options or choices for this car, making it a low-selling performance model.

The i8 doesn’t hold its value well, which could be to your benefit if you want to enjoy this hybrid supercar and spend a lot less than when it was new. Will you choose an i8 to drive and show off wherever you want to go?