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2019 BMW i8 Roadster: A stylish, topless plug-in

BMW's out-of-this-world i8 is even better with a little more range and a lot more wind in your hair.

Steven Ewing
Steven Ewing spent his childhood reading car magazines, making his career as an automotive journalist an absolute dream job. After getting his foot in the door at Automobile while he was still a teenager, Ewing found homes on the mastheads at Winding Road magazine, Autoblog and Motor1.com before joining the CNET team in 2018. He has also served on the World Car Awards jury. Ewing grew up ingrained in the car culture of Detroit -- the Motor City -- before eventually moving to Los Angeles. In his free time, Ewing loves to cook, binge trash TV and play the drums.
Steven Ewing
2019 BMW i8 Roadster
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The i8 Roadster is the new, topless version of BMW's plug-in hybrid i8.

2019 BMW i8 Roadster
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For 2019, electric driving range has been increased from 20 to 33 miles.

2019 BMW i8 Roadster
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You can drive in electric mode up to 75 miles per hour.

2019 BMW i8 Roadster
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Combined with a three-cylinder gas engine, the powertrain is good for 364 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.

2019 BMW i8 Roadster
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Despite the extra folding roof hardware, the Roadster only weighs 132 pounds more than the Coupe.

2019 BMW i8 Roadster
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It'll hit 62 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds slower than the i8 Coupe.

2019 BMW i8 Roadster
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The i8 Roadster costs $163,300, or nearly $20,000 more than its hardtop sibling.

2019 BMW i8 Roadster
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Overall performance is enjoyable without being startling.

2019 BMW i8 Roadster
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Despite its sporty style and 20-inch wheels, the i8 Roadster is not a sports car.

2019 BMW i8 Roadster
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Keep scrolling for more photos of the BMW i8 Roadster.

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