At the 2016 International Engine of the Year awards, BMW’s plug-in hybrid system powering their i8 sports car again took class victory in the 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre displacement category.
The BMW i8’s drive system is a very innovative little nugget, and overall another feature in Munich-based automaker’s cap. But this continued success and industry accolades only serves to underline BMW’s commitment to more forward-thinking solutions to automotive needs.
Not only that, but it provides further evidence of the real world performance potential of their Efficient Dynamics technology package to improve driver engagement and enjoyment through the augmentation of new and environmentally sound methods.
In case you need a little refresher, the BMW i8’s powertrain comprises of a mid-mounted 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 170kW and sent to the rear wheels while a 96kW electric motor (the battery to which can also be charged with a conventional domestic power socket) drives the two front wheels.
In tandem, they generate enough urge to send the i8 to 100km/h from standstill in 4.4 seconds and to a limited top speed of 250km/h. That level of performance is countered by its twin ability to also run up to 37 kilometres and up to 120km/h in fully electric mode – making zero emissions short commutes possible – and has a claimed combined fuel consumption figure of just 2.1-litres/100km.
For more on BMW vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
