The Long Awaited Performance Plug-In Hybrid Unveiled in Malaysia.

Following the Malaysian launch of the updated BMW i8 Coupé last August 2018, BMW Group Malaysia has also unveiled the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster a month after (last September 2018), in conjunction with the Conference of the Electric Power Supply Industry (CEPSI) 2018, at which BMW Group Malaysia was the official E-Mobility partner. 

Conceptualised and unveiled as the BMW i8 Concept Spyder in 2012, the BMW i8 Roadster is an open-top 2 seater sibling to the BMW i8 Coupé with main differences being the roof section, the +2 seating at the rear section of the coupé and the coupé/roadster design lines of the rear section. Visual difference is noticeable immediately by looking at the C-pillars, where the designation of either “Roadster” or “Coupé” will be in place. 

The +2 seats of the coupé were cleverly traded in for approximately 92 litres of additional storage space. When opened, the Roadster’s broad roof retracts fully into the rear end – where a unique mechanism allows the soft-top to be folded into a compact package and stowed away in a perpendicular position. The electric roof opens and closes quietly in 15 seconds, a process which could be initiated while travelling up to 50 km/h.  

Dropping down the roof raises the rear window by around 30 millimetres where it also serves as a wind deflector that reduces turbulence for the occupants. The height of this fully retractable rear window can be varied as desired by just a touch of a button. 

The designers at BMW i were also able to retain the Coupé’s distinctive dihedral doors for the Roadster, designing new frameless units made from carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) overlaid with aluminium while the windscreen frame is made entirely from CFRP. With CFRP, which is an ultra-strong high-tech material, the rigidity of the car is of exceptional strength but without the weight load, and this further maximises the car’s occupant’s protection. The BMW i8 Roadster is only 60kg heavier than the Coupé at 1,595 kg, which is a remarkably low figure for an open-top vehicle. 

The other improvements and upgrades, which were made to the updated BMW i8 Coupé were also reflected on the BMW i8 Roadster. These includes the improved plug-in drivetrain with bigger EV range – increased output by 9 kW to a total 105 kW and EV range extension to 53 kilometres.

The combined system output of the BMW i8 Roadster produced by both the electric motor and engine acting in unison has also increased to 275 kW or 374 hp – and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds, just a mere 0.2 seconds shy of the BMW i8 Coupé sibling.

As for the interior cockpit area, the BMW i8 Roadster spots similar layouts and improvements as the BMW i8 Coupé – which could further be read here.

The BMW i8 Roadster is available in the signature E-Copper with Accaro interior design at all BMW i dealerships with a retail price (on the road, without insurance) from RM 1,508,800.00. 

Dynamic Financial Programme

With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the New BMW i8 Coupé can be owned with monthly instalment plans starting from RM 17,268.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).

Complete Premium Ownership Experience.

Customers of the New BMW i8 Coupé can also experience the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:

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

• BMW 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Program 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.