Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.

Friday 1 December 2017

The Modena version of the Ferrari Museum has beaten all previous visitor numbers with a month to go.

The popularity of the Ferrari Museums continues to grow, hitting a record of more than 500,000 visitors from the start of the year to November, an increase of 12% compared to the same period last year. As such, the previous record of more than 478,000 tickets set at the end of 2016 has been beaten, well before the end of the year. 
The Museo Enzo Ferrari in Modena in particular registered an annual growth of 19% in November, equivalent to 150,000 visitors, drawn by the “Driving with the Stars” exhibition that sees the Ferraris driven by stars from the sporting, cultural, industrial and entertainments worlds on display. 

The Ferrari Museum in Maranello has also enjoyed significant success, with an 8% increase in visitors taking the total to 350,000. Over the course of the year, the museum has hosted the “Rosso Infinito” (‘Infinite Red’) exhibition - which is still underway - and “Under the Skin”, which has now been transferred to the Design Museum in London, running from 15 November to 15 April 2018. 
Sales of single tickets for both museums remain stable, representing around a fifth of the total, serving as confirmation of the superb synergy between these structures for another year. 
These results serve to confirm that the Ferrari Museums are among the most visited in Italy, attracting fans and enthusiasts from all over the world. They owe their appeal to the exciting attractions renewed every year, with major themed exhibitions, exhibits featuring iconic cars and original museum tours that take visitors on a journey through the history of the Prancing Horse brand.

Vauxhall launches a new top of the rnage trim level to the Grandland X - The Ultimate !

  • New top-of-the-range Ultimate trim level for Grandland X
  • Highly specified with leading-edge technology as standard
  • New 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel (177PS) engine debuts
  • Available to order now, priced from £33,995 on-the-road
Following the successful launch of the all-new Grandland X SUV at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, Vauxhall has introduced a new top-of-the-range variant to the line-up. The new Ultimate trim level, which is also available on the popular Mokka X and Crossland X models, has a high level of equipment as standard and debuts the new 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel (177PS) engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Grandland X already offers a selection of ultra-modern assistance and comfort features regardless of trim. OnStar, Dual Zone Climate Control, Lane Departure Warning and Rear Parking Sensors are just some highlights available across the range.
Sitting on 19-inch BiColour alloys, the new Ultimate Grandland X adds to this impressive list of features with kit including Automatic Cruise Control and a Denon premium sound system. Also standard are black roof and door mirrors, alloy sports pedals, heated steering wheel, heated rear outer seats, 360-degree Panoramic Camera and Premium LED Adaptive Forward Lighting Pack with projector headlights. Few SUVs in this class are as well-equipped.
New 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel (177PS) Engine
The Grandland X Ultimate also introduces Vauxhall’s new top-of-the-range 2.0-litre diesel engine, allied with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The new diesel engine is refined and powerful, delivering 177PS at 3,750rpm and 400Nm of torque at 2,000rpm to give effortless acceleration. This helps it achieve 0-60mph in 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 133mph.

With performance comes also economy, the Grandland X 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel (177PS) Blue Injection engine offers official CO2 emissions of 128g/km and 57.6mpg combined.
A rarity in this class, the Grandland X Ultimate also sees the range debut of an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Similar to that seen in Vauxhall’s flagship Insignia range, it has been engineered with a smooth linear shift pattern.
Available to order now, the new Grandland X Ultimate is priced from £33,995 on-the-road.

The All-New Bentley Continental GT is launched with a First Edition model, I want one.

  • Exclusive First Edition model is the ultimate expression of legendary Grand Tourer
  • Specification curated by the award-winning Bentley design team
  • High specification includes Bentley Rotating Display
  • Unique Dual Veneers available as standard, including exclusive Grand Black
  • Mulliner Driving Specification, City Specification and Touring Specification help create the most luxurious Grand Tourer ever
Bentley Motors has created an exclusive First Edition of the all-new Continental GT. This ultimate expression of the Grand Tourer represents the pinnacle of Bentley craftsmanship, handcrafted and designed in Great Britain.
Exquisitely appointed, the interior specification of the Bentley Continental GT First Edition has been painstakingly curated by the Bentley design team. The new model combines all the finest features available on the third generation Continental GT, brought together to create the most luxurious Grand Tourer ever produced.
A stunning showcase of technology and design, the First Edition includes the unique Bentley Rotating Display. This system enables the driver to seamlessly switch between three different fascia panels to suit the mood of the cabin. 
The default 12.3” touchscreen can be substituted with a more classically styled instrument display if preferred; one that features three analogue dials. When the engine is off, the third veneer-only face is displayed for an uninterrupted flow of wood right across the dashboard.
Customers can choose from one of four unique Dual Veneers for the dashboard fascia. These beautiful wood options include Tamo Ash, Liquid Amber, Dark Stained Madrona and Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus, always combined with Grand Black, which is exclusive to the First Edition.
These exceptional finishes help create the impression of even more space inside an already sumptuous cabin, and complement a striking interior design that is beautifully enhanced by mood lighting and illuminated sills emblazoned with ‘Bentley’, visible when opening the doors.
Mirroring the performance of the new Grand Tourer’s 6.0-litre, twin turbocharged W12 TSI engine; the Mulliner Driving Specification is also included with the First Edition. This driver-focused collection adds drilled alloy foot pedals, jewel-finish oil and filler caps, and unique, 22” wheels, available in bright paint, black and hand polished or fully polished finishes.
The specification is complemented by diamond-in-diamond quilt pattern on seats, door panels and rear quarter panels, all featuring a unique contrast stitch only available with the First Edition.
Other key additions to the ultimate list of standard equipment include the City Specification and Touring Specification, with features such as park assist, pedestrian warning and traffic sign recognition. The Bentley 650 watts audio system can be upgraded with either the Bang & Olufsen system of 1500 watts, or for the true audiophile the top-of-the-range Naim audio system with 2200 watts.
Discreet Union Flag First Edition badging throughout the interior and exterior of the Continental GT identify the car’s exceptional credentials, in addition to a unique Union Flag tread plate plaque.

After such a long, drawn out process, the Urus from Lamborghini nears its launch date

The design of a Lamborghini is always unmistakable. The Urus is undoubtedly a Lamborghini, taking cues from the LM002 as well as the super sports cars that are fundamental to Lamborghini heritage: the Urus has outstanding proportions, adopting the two thirds body, one-third window ratio of Lamborghini super sports cars.

The front hood starts powerfully low, rising to a proud dome housing the V8 twin-turbo engine. The equally commanding, muscular rear, exudes a new level of power and potential. A dynamic character line along the side of the Urus links a perfect architecture, including angular windows and diagonal lines in both front bonnet and rear glass that echo those of the Countach. Hexagonal wheel arches are cues taken from the first Lamborghini SUV, the LM002, A small triangular air outlet reminiscent of the LM002 features on the side of the Urus, adorned with an Italian flag: the Lamborghini Urus Super SUV is born and made in Italy.
The interior design of the Urus is equally engaging. The driver ‘feels like a pilot’, and the Urus has a low seat position integrated within the interior. An encompassing dashboard and controls ergonomically surround the cockpit, with the Lamborghini hexagonal design theme as evident inside as it is on the exterior.

The Kia Stinger has been shortlisted to just three for North American Car of the Year 2018.

  • Stinger is the First Kia to Place Amongst the Final Three for Prestigious Award 

Designed in Frankfurt and developed on the Nürburgring, the all-new Kia Stinger fastback sport sedan was named as one of three finalists for the 2018 North American Car of the Year.
“Today marks an important milestone in Kia’s history and the jurors’ acknowledgement of Stinger’s world-class style, performance and value honors the global research, development and planning teams that ushered the Stinger from concept car dream to reality,” said Justin Sohn, president and CEO, Kia Motors America.

Initiated in 1994, the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle awards are judged by 60 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. Jurors determined the finalists after evaluating dozens of new vehicles based on segment leadership, innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. 

The New BMW i8 coupe and roadster, tweaked exterior belies the large amount of work thats been achieved under the metal.

  • The sports car of the future – now available in two body variants.
  • Further developed BMW eDrive technology enables longer range.
  • All-electric roof opens and closes within 16 seconds whilst travelling at speeds of up to 31mph.
  • Sub-50g/km CO2.
  • World premiere of the BMW i8 Roadster at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December 2017.
  • On sale January 2018, prices for the BMW i8 Coupé starts at £112,730 OTR and the Roadster is priced from £124,730 OTR.
The BMW i8 is the sports car of the future in the showrooms of today. The 2+2 seater has been a technological pioneer and the world’s best-selling hybrid sports car since it arrived in 2014.

Now, the allure of sustainable driving pleasure is poised to enter another new dimension. The all new i8 Roadster takes the combination of emission-free and high-performance and adds open-top thrills. It is unique in offering such performance and silent acceleration with the pure sensation of roof-down driving.

Following the world premiere of the i8 Roadster at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2017, the order book will open in January 2018. The Roadster will be joined in showrooms by the mid-life update of the i8 Coupé, with both models based on the LifeDrive vehicle architecture purpose-built and designed for BMW i cars. The aluminium ‘Drive’ module brings together the powertrain, high-voltage battery, suspension, crash system and structural functions, while the ‘Life’ module takes the form of a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell, unique to the segment.

The i8 Roadster benefits from lightweight construction, complete with a low centre of gravity and even weight distribution. The aerodynamic exterior – with model-specific dihedral doors – is a fine exponent of the signature BMW i design language.

The BMW i8 Roadster: two-seater with electrically operated soft-top roof and additional on-board stowage space.
Passengers inside the i8 Roadster will look up to find either the open sky or a high-quality, all-season fabric soft-top with high-level soundproofing. All-electric operation ensures the roof opens or closes in an almost silent hush, within 16 seconds and while travelling at up to 31mph.

The i8 Roadster is unique in offering a fabric soft-top which stows into a perpendicular position in the rear when opened, therefore taking up very little space. The three segments of the roof fold vertically in a Z-shape, leaving an additional 100 litres of storage space between the roof box and the seats, on top of the 88 litres of cargo space in the rear compartment.

Opening the roof raises the rear window automatically by around 30mm, reducing air turbulence inside the cabin and ensuring passengers can enjoy the pleasure of open-top driving with minimal disturbance. The driver can adjust the height of the window at the touch of a button and control airflow as desired.

Intelligent lightweight design and innovative production technology also play a key role in the car’s construction. For example, aluminum elements connecting the roof with the body of the car are produced via a new 3D printing process. This manufacturing method breaks new ground in the industry and allows the parts to be produced in a geometric form, which would not be possible using conventional casting techniques.

Optimised BMW eDrive technology: more power, increased range; electric driving experience raised another notch.
BMW’s rigorously developed eDrive technology powers both the i8 Roadster and Coupé. The number of driving situations where the electric motor is solely responsible for powering the car has been significantly increased. By contrast, the combustion engine is only brought into play when accelerating hard, and is switched off again more frequently with a measured driving style.

Underpinning its improved emission-free range is an updated version of the i8’s lithium-ion battery. The high-voltage unit is located centrally under the car, and its cell capacity is increased from 20 to 34Ah. All of which means the motor has more energy at its disposal. Plus, the cell configuration allows a 12hp increase in peak output to 143hp.

The improved technology means the i8 Roadster can cover up to 33 miles with zero emissions, while the i8 Coupé can achieve up to 34 miles, broadening the reach of all-electric mobility well beyond the city limits.

Design.
Groundbreaking lightweight design, systematic improvement of aerodynamics and advanced plug-in hybrid technology are the mainstays of a trailblazing concept turned reality.

The framework was provided by the new LifeDrive vehicle architecture for BMW i models, whose horizontally split structure comprising an aluminium chassis and a CFRP passenger cell offers an exceptional degree of design freedom. The visionary styling of the i8 Coupé therefore succeeds in expressing not just the car’s dynamic performance, but also its outstanding efficiency. The new i8 Roadster translates the BMW i design language to another vehicle concept, fusing the proportions of the i8 with signature roadster features to give it a character all of its own.

The proportions, lines and surface design mark out the i8 Coupé and the i8 Roadster as belonging to a new breed of sports car. A flat bonnet, visible aerodynamics, short overhangs, a long wheelbase, broad track and an elongated roofline create an aura of dynamism, lightness and efficiency.

The i8 Roadster’s broad roof retracts fully into the rear end, lending greater emphasis to the car’s low-slung silhouette. The CFRP passenger cell’s robust structure means the soft-top could be designed to be wide, creating a large view to the sky. The rear window extends into a comfort position and acts as a windbreak.

The C-pillars are adorned with beautifully made model-specific badges bearing the inscription “Roadster”. A similar logo can be found on the tail of the sporty two-seater.

New exterior paint finishes, exclusive light-alloy wheels. 
The design cues common to both the i8 Coupé and Roadster include dihedral doors that open forwards and upwards as well as optimised aerodynamics. The low bonnet, the BMW kidney grille, air flap control system, Air Curtains in the front apron, sealed underbody, contoured side skirts, “stream flow” lines of the car’s flanks, and air ducts between the rear lights and roof frame allow the air to be channeled extremely effectively. The flow of cooling air at the front has now been rerouted, instead of flowing out through the outlet in the bonnet the air escapes at the sides of the car near the wheel arches and into the underbody. This ensures a pleasant cabin temperature is maintained at all times, especially when travelling with the roof down.

E-Copper metallic and Donington Grey metallic have been added to the choice of exterior paint finishes available. Both are combined with accents in Frozen Grey metallic.

The i8 Roadster and Coupe are equipped with exclusive 20-inch light-alloy wheels in a W-spoke design. Intelligent lightweight design also makes an impact here, with each wheel weighing around one kilogram less than the lightest wheels previously available for the i8. Customers can also choose from another three light-alloy wheel variants with the same dimensions.

Innovative interior design in a range of new looks.
The progressive style of the i8 Coupé and Roadster shines through clearly in the interior design. Standard specification for both includes a sports steering wheel and multi-functional instrument display, plus Carpo interior trim comprising full-leather upholstery in Ivory White for the Coupé and Ivory White/Black for the Roadster. Carpo trim can alternatively be specified in dark Amido for both models and there is also the option of Halo interior trim featuring cloth/leather upholstery in a Dalbergia colour scheme.

A new high-line ‘Accaro’ interior trim, featuring cloth/leather upholstery in an Amido/E-Copper colour scheme is also a new option.

Powertrain, chassis and body.
The new BMW i8 Coupé and new BMW i8 Roadster are powered by a hybrid synchronous electric motor and a three-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The engine’s power is fed to the rear wheels through a six-speed Steptronic transmission, while the electric motor propels the front wheels via a two-speed automatic gearbox. The end result is a hybrid-specific all-wheel-drive system that glues the car to the road.

Further refined high-voltage battery, electric motor with more power for superior driving pleasure in all-electric mode.
Continual development has enhanced the performance offered by BMW’s eDrive technology. The energy capacity of the latest version of the i8’s lithium-ion battery has increased from 20Ah to 34Ah and gross energy capacity from 7.1kWh to 11.6kWh (net energy capacity: 9.4kWh). This advance is down to advances made in battery cell technology, which in turn stem from the BMW Group’s ever-increasing expertise in the field of electrical energy storage.

These extra energy reserves have made it possible to raise the electric motor’s peak output by 12hp to 143hp. In typical electric motor fashion, it generates its maximum torque of 250Nm from rest, which means it is ideally equipped to deliver razor-sharp responses to the slightest movement of the accelerator. The electric motor developed by the BMW Group also stands out with its consistent power delivery up to high revs.

The battery cells’ higher capacity means that the proportion of all-electric driving can be increased substantially, even in hybrid mode. With the default driving mode engaged, both the new BMW i8 Coupé and new BMW i8 Roadster are capable of pulling away and reaching speeds of up to 65mph purely on the electric motor’s power, making it possible to drive with zero emissions not just in town, but on country roads as well. And if the eDrive button is pressed, the all-electric threshold of both models is increased further to 75mph.

The new high-voltage battery benefits the electric range of the two plug-in hybrid sports cars too. In the EU test cycle, the new BMW i8 Coup̩ achieves a maximum range of 34 miles Рaround 50 per cent more than before Рwhile the figure for the new BMW i8 Roadster is 33 miles.

Three-cylinder petrol engine with improved sound and lower emissions.
The i8’s combustion engine has also undergone further improvements. The turbocharged three-cylinder unit featuring direct injection and VALVETRONIC variable valve timing extracts a maximum output of 231hp from its displacement of just 1.5-litres, plus peak torque of 320Nm. It is pleasantly refined and generates a distinctive soundtrack that now has an even sportier note when its power reserves are called upon. The engine also runs more cleanly, as it now comes equipped with a particulate filter as standard that effectively absorbs all the particulate matter contained in the exhaust gases.

The system output produced by the electric motor and engine acting in unison has increased to 374hp. The new BMW i8 Coupé accelerates from zero to 62mph in 4.4 seconds, while the new i8 Roadster takes 4.6 seconds. Both models have an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

Combined fuel consumption, as calculated in the EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles, stands at 149.8mpg for the BMW i8 Coup̩ and 134.5mpg for the BMW i8 Roadster Рwhich equates to petrol CO2 emissions of 42 and 46g/km respectively Рplus 14.0kWh of electricity for the BMW i8 Coup̩ and 14.5kWh for the BMW i8 Roadster. In everyday driving, both models return fuel consumption and emissions figures that undercut those for conventionally powered sports cars with similar outputs by around 50 per cent. A typical commute through city traffic and along country roads can be negotiated with fuel consumption of over 56mpg when using both drive units. On long-distance journeys with prolonged sections of country and motorway driving, the intelligent energy management ensures that average economy betters 40mpg.

Model

Power  ( hp)
Torque  (Nm)
0 – 62mph (Seconds)
Top Speed (mph)
Combined (mpg)
CO2 Emissions (g/km)
Range
From
(OTR)
BMW i8 Roadster
Electric:143

Petrol: 231

Total: 374
320
4.6
155
134.5
46


33


£124,730
BMW  Coupé
Electric:143

Petrol: 231

Total: 374
320
4.4
155
149.8
42


34


£112, 730

*Figures are provisional and yet to be confirmed.
Maximum driving pleasure with intelligent energy management and hybrid-specific all-wheel drive.
In hybrid mode, the electric motor provides a power boost to assist the engine when vigorous acceleration is required. The electric motor is also able to recuperate energy and feed it to the battery on the overrun and under braking. The petrol engine’s high-voltage starter-generator can similarly generate additional reserves of electricity, thereby ensuring that sufficient energy is on tap at all times.

The blend of dynamism and efficiency is further honed by the intelligent energy management’s proactive function. When the navigation system’s route guidance is activated, the energy management ensures the electric motor is employed as extensively and as wisely as possible from an efficiency point of view. The system analyses the route and prompts the powertrain to run on purely electric power, particularly over low-speed sections of the journey.

BMW i8 Roadster with model-specific chassis and body features.
The high-end chassis technology in the new i8 Coupé and Roadster is based on a double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle, whose aluminium components have been engineered for optimum weight and rigidity using specific design techniques and production processes. Also standard on both models is Dynamic Damper Control. The bespoke tuning of the suspension and damping systems, specially configured steering characteristics, a firmer roll stabilisation set-up and precise tweaks of the DSC parameters together ensure the new i8 Roadster boasts all of the plug-in hybrid sports car’s hallmark handling and performance qualities.

The lightweight design approach was meticulously adapted to the specific requirements of the Roadster model. The open-top comes with new frameless gullwing doors made from CFRP, with an aluminium outer shell, while the windscreen frame is made entirely from CFRP. This ultra-strong high-tech material is ideally equipped to provide exceptional rigidity, maximising the car’s occupant protection even if it rolls over. CFRP is also used to manufacture the side skirts with their extra-large cross-section. The skirts also contribute to the body’s stiffness, as do the additional panels in the rear suspension and the specially designed struts for the front and rear axle. Thanks to the high-strength CFRP body, the chassis and body elements specific to the BMW i8 Roadster result in an extremely small weight gain when compared to other open-top models. The unladen weight of the i8 Roadster stands at 1,595kg, just 60kg more than the Coupé.  

Driving Experience Control switch and eDrive button provide five driving modes.
Drivers will find an eDrive button in the centre console alongside the Driving Experience Control switch to allow them to adapt not just the vehicle’s set-up but also the drive system’s operating strategy. This provides a total of five driving modes to choose from: hybrid drive with COMFORT, SPORT or ECO PRO settings and all-electric driving in COMFORT or ECO PRO mode. If the eDrive button is pressed in either COMFORT mode – which strikes an even balance between sporty and efficient characteristics – or ECO PRO mode (designed for particularly fuel-efficient driving), power is provided by the electric motor alone up to a speed of 75mph. The combustion engine will only cut in automatically if the battery’s energy reserves are nearly fully depleted or the driver summons full power via kickdown.

It is in SPORT mode that the intelligently controlled interaction between electric motor and combustion engine can be experienced at its most intense. Both power units deliver extra-sharp performance, accelerator response is faster and the power boost from the electric motor is maximised. And to keep the battery topped up, SPORT mode also activates maximum energy recuperation on the overrun and under braking. The intelligent energy management’s mode of operation can be visualised by calling up the energy flow graphic in the Control Display via the iDrive menu.

The instrument cluster takes the form of a fully digital multifunctional instrument display, which shows the car’s speed and driving status information in a format and colour scheme selected to suit the driving mode engaged. Traditional, orange-coloured circular dials appear in SPORT mode, in COMFORT mode, a blue “power meter” display keeps the driver up to speed on what the electric motor is up to, and ECO PRO mode supplements this with an efficiency gauge. 

BMW Professional Navigation system and Driving Assistant as standard.
The BMW Professional Navigation system, also included as standard, is controlled using the iDrive operating system, comprising both an iDrive Touch Controller on the centre console and an 8.8-inch freestanding Control Display screen. The main menu can be customized by the driver and displayed on tiles showing live date relating to the journey. The audio system features a seven-channel amplifier as well as a USB port, harman/kardon hi-fi speaker system and a DAB tuner for digital radio reception as standard.

When it comes to driver assistance systems, the BMW i8 Coupé and BMW i8 Roadster are both equipped as standard with a cruise control system with braking function as well as the Driving Assistant including Surround View. The latter system comprises Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear, High Beam Assistant, Speed Limit Info including No Passing Info display, and the Side View and Top View functions.

The list of optional extras includes a model-specific BMW Head-Up Display. When the driver is shifting gears manually in SPORT mode, this switches to a sport display that adds an rpm readout, gear indicator and Optimum Shift Indicator.

Non-dazzling laser headlights with high-beam range of 600 metres.
The BMW i8 was the world’s first production vehicle to be equipped with pioneering laser headlights. The non-dazzling BMW Laserlights with BMW Selective Beam achieves a remarkable high-beam range of up to 600 metres, double that of the full-LED headlights fitted as standard on the i8 Coupé and Roadster, which are themselves exceptionally powerful.

Another optional extra available for both models is an acoustic pedestrian warning, which makes it easier for pedestrians to notice the vehicle when driving at low speeds in all-electric mode by generating a distinctive identifying sound similar to the noise from a turbine. The acoustic pedestrian warning is active up to 18mph, i.e. at the sort of speeds where tyre noise and wind noise are barely audible.

BMW Connected and ConnectedDrive: sustainable mobility as an integral part of digital lifestyles.
The enthralling driving experience offered by a plug-in hybrid sports car is further enriched by the digital services offered by BMW ConnectedDrive.

Intelligent connectivity between vehicle, driver and the outside world paves the way for remarkably efficient mobility, increases comfort, expands the infotainment offering and helps with individual mobility planning.

The BMW Connected App is a personal mobility assistant that interfaces the vehicle with the customer’s smartphone or smartwatch. This turns the personal mobility assistant into a seamlessly integrated component of the driver’s digital life, available anytime and anywhere.

The new BMW i8 Coupé and new BMW i8 Roadster also benefit from the latest digital services offered vis the BMW Connected App and BMW Connected+. These include intelligent route planning, complete with refueling stops at a charging station or fueling station (Send my Routes to Car), sharing of the current trip status by text message and live link (Share Live Trip Status), personalised display of the relevant in-vehicle information (BMW Onboard), seamless transfer of route guidance to a smartphone or smartwatch once the car has been parked (Navigate Door-to-Door) and linking of contact details and addresses so they can be imported directly into the navigation system (My Destinations).

ConnectedDrive Services are also included as standard, providing access to functions such as Concierge Services, Remote Services and Real Time Traffic Information, which now includes Hazard Warning and On-Street Parking Information. The car’s built-in SIM card also allows drivers to use the BMW Teleservices and Intelligent Emergency Call with automatic locating and accident severity detection. ConnectedDrive Services are also required to access additional services such as Online Entertainment, as well as allowing the integration of various apps.

The BMW Display Key and BMW Connected for smartphones and smartwatches allow the vehicle status to be checked at any time. The standard BMW Display Key provides the driver with a handy way of accessing important vehicle status information at any time. Not only can the fuel level, battery charge, range and service information all be viewed on its 2.2-inch touchscreen display, the BMW Display Key can also be used to operate the door locks and power windows. Meanwhile, the BMW Connected App also allows the most important vehicle information – such as the remaining range and battery charge – to be accessed on the customer’s digital touchpoints (e.g. their smartphone or smartwatch). The functions which can already be called up from the customer’s home using the Alexa voice-controlled assistant or Google Home, or controlled via Remote Services, can also be displayed fully by BMW Connected.

360° ELECTRIC: new charging cable, connected BMW i Wallbox.
BMW i represents an all-embracing concept for sustainable and forward-looking mobility and has bundled together an extensive ecosystem of solutions for electric driving under the umbrella of 360° ELECTRIC. These products and services are designed to help make electric mobility in the new i8 a convenient and practical experience every day. Both models are supplied with a mode 2 charging cable as standard, enabling the high-voltage battery to be recharged from a standard domestic socket in under four-and-a-half hours. The new mode 3 cable can also be used to hook up the car to a public charging point for high-power charging.

The BMW i Wallbox makes home charging particularly easy and convenient. The latest version of the Wallbox allows the high-voltage battery to be recharged at a rate of up to 3.6 kW, meaning that charging can be completed in under three hours. The BMW i Wallbox Connect extends the functionality of the unique BMW Digital Charging Service to enable intelligent charging based around optimised cost efficiency or preferential use of self-generated solar power. There is additionally a facility for controlling the charging process from a smartphone via BMW Connected and for managing usage with an access card. Drivers have to register just once to gain access to the UK’s largest network of public charging stations via the ChargeNow card, which currently opens up an array of more than 5,500 charging points.

On sale from January 2018, prices for the BMW i8 Coupé starts at £112,730 OTR and the Roadster is priced from £124,730 OTR.