BMW Malaysia lifts veil on i8 Roadster (+ Video)

Latest BMW iPerformance model makes Malaysia debut at CEPSI 2018

The latest plug-in hybrid sports car from BMW, the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster made its maiden appearance in Malaysia at Conference of the Electric Power Supply Industry (CEPSI) 2018. BMW Malaysia was the official E-Mobility partner.

The Roadster is a two-seater soft-top convertible based on the BMWi8 Coupé. The electric roof opens and closes almost silently in 15 seconds. The roof mechanism can be operated at speeds of up to 50km/h. When open, the roof is stored vertically, a specially-designed compact system which allows 100 litres of additional storage space behind the seats. The rear window acts as a windshield.

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The two i8 variants, the Roadster and the Coupé share the same drivetrain, details of which are summarised below. Both are built on the LifeDrive vehicle architecture which consists of an aluminium chassis front and rear and carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) occupant cell although the Roadster weighs 60kg more and can be identified by the  “Roadster” badge attached to the C-pillar.

The latest iDrive operating system with Navigation System Professional, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and model-specific BMW Head-Up Display all come standard. The BMW Head-up Display changes to a sports display that includes revs, gears and shift lights when performing manual gear changes in SPORT mode. Other standard specifications include leather sports steering wheel with multifunction buttons and shift paddles, electrically adjustable seats, the multifunctional instrument display, the Driving Assistant including Surround View, and the Navigation System Professional. The main menu in the Control Display is now presented in the form of horizontally arranged tiles with a live mode.

The First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster comes in Exterior E-Copper with Accaro interior design and has 20-inch light alloy wheels. The retail price (on the road, without insurance) for the BMW i8 Roadster starts from RM 1,508,800.00. This includes the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience of:

  • BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme.

  • BMW 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Programme for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services.

  • BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline.

  • The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW White Card.

  • BMW Service Online.

Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia is available for the BMW i8 Roadster with monthly instalments starting fromRM 17,268.00, based on estimates of an 80% loan over five years.

BMW i8 Roadster
Price  starting from RM1.5million
Engine  3 cyls, 1300cc, petrol, plus one electric motor
Power  231bhp (total output)
Torque 320Nm (total output)
Gearbox eight-speed auto
Kerb weight 1595kg
0-100km/h 4.6sec
Top speed 250km/h
Economy 50km/L (NEDC)