Chris Harris is one of the first journalists to drive the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid and here is the full 10+ minute video review from Los Angeles.
The i8 is powered by a 213bhp 1.5 litre three-cylinder turbo petrol with 320Nm of torque, working together with a hybrid synchronous electric motor producing another 131bhp and 250Nm of torque.
Combined power output is 357bhp, taking it from 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. On purely electric mode it has a range up to 23 miles. Average fuel economy is an impressive 134.5mpg with CO2 emissions of just 49 g/km.
It is the second ‘i’ model, after the i3 and surely one of the most interesting cars from BMW in recent years.
Chris Harris says that the i8 sounds like a 911, though he does point out the sound is digitally enhanced to give it that sporty and aggressive feel.