2015 BMW i8
This is it, the 2015 BMW i8, finally on the road.
2015 BMW i8
From certain angles, the car looks decidedly plain.
2015 BMW i8
From others, the dramatic shapes at the rear of the car are readily apparent.
2015 BMW i8
The swooping shape of the rear offers this car a remarkable .26 coefficient of drag.
2015 BMW i8
Tires are large, but unfortunately skinny.
2015 BMW i8
If the styling of the body isn't dynamic enough for you, the multi-tone paint certainly will be.
2015 BMW i8
Doors open upward and outward dramatically, and the rear hatch opens as well.
2015 BMW i8
Skinny tires up front definitely compromise handling.
2015 BMW i8
It's a hatch, technically, and yes it is hot.
2015 BMW i8
There's a tiny trunk back there. The 1.5-liter engine is under that bit of fabric.
2015 BMW i8
Hood vent on the front allows air to flow out through the front radiators.
2015 BMW i8
There are also vents around the rear glass, extra cooling for the rear engine.
2015 BMW i8
Vents in the front grille close at high-speed to enhance aerodynamics.
2015 BMW i8
Seats are low, and getting in over that wide door sill is a bit of a challenge.
2015 BMW i8
The engine is under there if you dig for it, but it's not easily accessible, and not really intended to be opened by owners.
2015 BMW i8
Yes, there are rear seats. No, we wouldn't recommend trying them out.
2015 BMW i8
Steering wheel is nicely shaped and comfortable, with buttons easily accessible by the thumbs for radio tuning and cruise control.
2015 BMW i8
BMWs ubiquitous iDrive is here and makes an easy controller through the infotainment system.
2015 BMW i8
Dash design is simple and clean.
2015 BMW i8
The primary interface is this panel, that sits on the dash like a tablet -- but don't try to remove it.
2015 BMW i8
The interface is familiar BMW, much like found on the i3.
2015 BMW i8
This is the dashboard in default mode. All virtual dials.
2015 BMW i8
Hop into Sport mode and things get a bit more racy, with a proper tachometer.
2015 BMW i8
A full 360-degree camera is on offer.
2015 BMW i8
BMW's standard shifter is used here, rather than the funky one found on the i3.
2015 BMW i8
Buttons for toggling drive modes and the like.
2015 BMW i8
This is about all the room you have for storage in the cabin, two little compartments. Here's the first.
2015 BMW i8
And here's the second compartment. Yes, that's a picture of a BlackBerry in there.
2015 BMW i8
Much of the i8's structure is made of carbon fiber, which is raw and exposed in many areas.