BMW i8 RoadStyle Edition is a Swan Song for BMW's Hybrid Coupe

BMW has taken the wraps off of two special editions based on the i3 and i8. While the i3 Roadstyle looks to be just another special edition, the i8 Roadstyle Edition has more importance as it will mark the end of production for the hybrid coupe. First launched in 2014, the i8 has gone on to become the most successful hybrid plug-in sports car.

Official Release: BMW i8 RoadStyle Edition & i3 Roadstyle Edition

Today, BMW introduces two exclusive editions to its BMW i lineup of electric and PHEV vehicles. The i3s Edition RoadStyle takes the quickest and sportiest i3, the purely electric s model, and adds aggressive Fluid Black paint with exclusive details not available before. Just under 1000 units of the special edition i3s will be available worldwide. The i8 Ultimate Sophisto Edition will be available in Coupe and Roadster models, both featuring a very elegant combination of E-Copper trim with special details and interior touches. The i8 Ultimate Sophisto Edition will be available in a very limited 200 units globally, first-come, first-serve and will mark the end of production for the most successful plug-in hybrid sports car in the world.

i3s Edition RoadStyle

The i3s Edition RoadStyle features Fluid Black exterior paint with E-Copper finishing touches to the kidney grille inlays, front bumper air deflectors and side skirt accents. The 20-inch double-spoke light alloy BMW i wheels are finished in Jet Black. The cabin features a Dalbergia Brown natural leather interior with a Dark Oak matt fine wood trim and exclusive headrests embroidered with “Edition RoadStyle”.

The all-electric i3s is powered by an eDrive motor producing 181 hp @ 4,100 rpm and 199 lb-ft of torque from 0 rpm. A 120 Ah / 42.2 kWh battery allows for a range of up to 153 miles and a 0 to 60 mph sprint of 6.8 seconds.

The Carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell not only allows for a roomy and spacious interior but is also lightweight with a total curb weight of 3,040 lbs. The BMW i3s applies the concept of sustainability throughout using recycled plastics, renewable raw materials and natural fibers. Over 80 percent of the surfaces visible to the passengers are made from recycled materials or renewable resources.

i8 Ultimate Sophisto Edition

The BMW i8 Ultimate Sophisto Edition is the final chapter in the story of a very special car which, since its launch in 2014, has become the world’s most successful plug-in-hybrid sports car.

Both the i8 Coupe and Convertible feature Sophisto Grey metallic paint with E-Copper accents applied to the 20-inch radial-spoke BMW i light alloy wheels, kidney grille inserts and side skirt accent. The tailgate inlay is finished in High-gloss Black while C-pillar trim elements in Shadowline. The brake calipers are also painted High-gloss Black and feature blue detailing and BMW i badging.

The door sill plates display the words “Ultimate Sophisto Edition” and an interior badge adds the car’s status as being “1 of 200”. E-Copper detailing carries into the i8’s interior.

The i8 Coupe and Convertible Ultimate Sophisto Edition combine 369 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque with all-wheel drive, a CFRP passenger cell and an aluminum chassis to deliver an emotion-stirring, visceral driving experience. The i8 Coupe will sprint to 60 mph from a standstill in 4.2 seconds with the Roadster right behind in 4.4 seconds, all while delivering 69 MPGe.