overview
In spite of Current i8 did not live up to the intention of sport BMW car had for it, that doesn’t seem to have taken the German luxury brand away from expensive hybrid sports cars. Further i8 development—we prefer to call it the i8 M, as it will represent a significant performance improvement over the current model—is underway and BMW’s Vision M Next concept from mid-2019 is proof. Significantly increased power, a longer all-electric driving range, updated styling and a more aggressive chassis are all expected to separate the i8 M from the model it will later replace.
What’s new for 2026?
The i8 M — or whatever BMW decides to call the next-generation hybrid sports car — will be all-new for the 2026 model year. We hope to learn more as the car’s release date approaches, is predicted around 2025 as a 2026 model.
Price and which one to buy
Without knowing how the i8 M will be equipped or what options it might have, it’s hard to recommend a specific model. We expect the i8 M to be offered in both fixed roof coupe body styles as well as ragtop convertiblesimilar to the product line of the previous generation.
Engine, transmission and performance
i8 US plug-in hybrid powertrain is expected to follow the same basic setup as the current i8, meaning an electric motor drives the front wheels and a mid-mounted petrol engine and an electric motor powers the rear wheels. In place of the i8’s turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine, BMW says the new car will offer a turbocharged four-cylinder; the company also claims the total system output — gas and electric power combined — is 591 hp, much higher than the i8’s 369 hp. This highly regarded powertrain will help the i8 M compete with rivals like Lexus LC500h and the new one Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray.
Range, charge and battery life
i8 previous generation At least the 18-mile tram range is unimpressive. BMW hasn’t revealed details like battery size but says the electric driving range for the Vision M Next concept is 100 km. That means either BMW engineers have found a way to save more miles than the current car’s 11.6 kWh battery pack, or they’ve found space for a much larger unit. It is almost certainly the latter. More information on the i8 M’s battery, range, and charging capabilities will be available as the car’s sale date approaches.
Real-world fuel economy and MPG
The EPA hasn’t tested the i8 M or given its fuel economy estimates—which isn’t surprising since the car doesn’t exist yet. In addition to improving electric driving range, we expect the i8 M to offer a slightly better fuel economy rating than the current i8, albeit with predictable improvements in acceleration and efficiency. driving power. For more information on the i8 M’s fuel economy, visit EPA’s website.
Furniture, amenities and merchandise
So far, little is known about the i8 M’s cabin, but we hope BMW solves the i8’s difficult entry issues by equipping the new car with hinged front doors and sills. lower side for easier access to the interior. Like the car before it, the i8 M will be BMW’s playground for future styling and will feature unique materials, advanced features and eye-catching design. Storage and cargo capacity will likely remain limited, but the front trunk (or “frunk”) could appear to provide additional luggage space.
Infotainment and connectivity
A lot could change in the world of in-car infotainment between now and 2026, so it’s easy to guess the details of what could be offered in the i8 M. In the Vision M concept Next, BMW showed off a futuristic infotainment system that the company calls the Boost Pod; it includes a number of glass screens and a head-up display to give the driver access to car-related information and in-car entertainment features.
Safety features and driver assistance
Considering the i8 M is still a few years away, it could be more premium driver assistance feature will be introduced, perhaps including a true autopilot. Time will answer. Key safety features may include:
- Standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane departure warning with lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control available with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and maintenance coverage
BMW’s warranty coverage may vary between now and 2024, but if things go well in this regard, expect the same warranty package available across the lineup today. The warranty on dedicated hybrid components is certain, and we expect BMW to continue to offer a free three-year maintenance plan for all new models.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Hybrid components are warranted for 8 years or 100,000 miles
- Free maintenance covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
