The third member of the BMW ‘i’ family, the i8
Roadster, will go on sale across the United States in just a few weeks.
According to a document shared by BMWBlog, it will have a starting price of US$ 164,295, including the US$ 995 destination charge, or about US$ 20,000 more than its
fixed roof sibling.
Among its standard features, the new BMW i8 Roadster
is said to get 20-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, heated seats and a head-up
display, but if you’re looking for the coveted laser headlights, then get ready
to spend another US$ 6,300 on them.
The black brake calipers and ceramic controls are
another US$ 2,500, and the optional colors carry a US$ 1,800 premium, so a properly
equipped model will cost some US$ 175,000 or more.
Just like the latest i8 Coupe, the new i8 Roadster
uses an updated plug-in hybrid powertrain, which combines a 1.5-liter
three-cylinder engine with an electric motor. The total output produced by the
assembly is 374 hp, which allows the open-top variant to cover the 0-96 km/h sprint in 4.4 sec. Top speed is identical in both cars – 250 km/h, but the i8 Coupe is 0.2 sec faster to 96 km/h.
As per NEDC, the BMW i8 Roadster can travel for up
to 33 miles (53 km) on electric power alone, at speeds of up to 105 km/h,
or 120 km/h in the eDrive mode.
