BMW i3 & i8

[aap1966]

Had a look at both the other day.

The i3 is (incredibly) not as ugly in real life as in the photographs, but it does have an air of cheapness and generally "trying too hard". Clever packaging and tech, a bit like the original Merc A class, and will probably appeal to the same type of purchaser. I'd take a 1 or 2 series any day.

The i8 however, can only be described as spectacular. Looks fantastic. Styling, seating position and visibility all made me think of a modern Lotus Espirit, but with great build quality. The "giving birth to a 911" apparent in rear view photos is just not that noticeable standing behind the car. Only criticism I had is around the doors the carbon fibre was made obvious to remind you that it's a carbon tub, but the "industrial" look of the carbon fibre, while honest, did appear a bit unfinished. I suspect because we're used to seeing carbon fibre as trim rather than in a structural role.
Would I buy one?
In a heartbeat.
(Rear seats are strictly emergency only, as in parcel shelves with strap downs rather than seats)

[nostatic]

Which trim level ("world") i3 did you check out? The base "Mega" is ho hum but the "Giga" is pretty cool. Yes, they are trying hard to have an aesthetic that doesn't look like very other interior out there - and they largely succeeded imho.

The i8 is a pretty spectacular beast. Had one at my local dealer in the showroom for a few days before the new owner picked it up (having paid $100K over sticker).

[aap1966]

Originally Posted by nostatic

Which trim level ("world") i3 did you check out? The base "Mega" is ho hum but the "Giga" is pretty cool.

Marketing has decided on different names for the Australian market, but yeah, it was the base level trim. I suspect that nicer trim may substantially change "first impressions".

[911SauCy]

Not surprised to hear about the perception of "cheapness" on the i3. A recent adventure in a '14 328xi loaner was that of utter disappointment...Hyundai is a better quality build.

[nostatic]

i3 and 3-series are very different aesthetics, design, and materials. Any time with a 3-series tells you pretty much zero about the i-series.

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by aap1966

Marketing has decided on different names for the Australian market, but yeah, it was the base level trim. I suspect that nicer trim may substantially change "first impressions".

Did you drive it? The interior design makes a bit more sense when you spend some time behind the wheel. But it certainly isn't traditional nor for everyone. Some don't like the unfinished CFRP on the dash and door jams, and there are other elements that can be polarizing. The Giga is a two-tone leather/wool that my wife loves. The Tera is dark brown leather and is more towards a typical BMW interior vibe. The base Mega is more towards the Toy Story side of things imho.

[David]

I think the unfinished CFRP at all openings of the i3 is amazing. I didn't think it would happen this soon.

I was looking at an i3 at the dealer the other day and went to look at the i8 they had on the showroom. When I got up close to the i8, I was really surprised to find out it was a large plastic model! I wonder how many of them BMW made.

[sand_man]

My son and I went to the movies last night, and there was an i3 in the parking lot. First time I have ever seen one in the flesh. I was intrigued enough to walk around it and "check it out". Pretty cool. Of course this is coming from a guy who secretly likes the Honda Element (dear god, I think I just came out of the closet on a public forum)...

[Seahawk]

I have yet to see an i8 in the metal, so I can only comment on the i3, which I would own.

Just drive one. If I was an urban soul instead of living a sand wedge from the edge of the earth, I'd be happy to burn many happy stored electrons in pursuit of fun.

So I drive a 2015 Tundra TRD, therapy of a different kind.

[911SauCy]

Originally Posted by nostatic

i3 and 3-series are very different aesthetics, design, and materials. Any time with a 3-series tells you pretty much zero about the i-series.

Makes sense as my comment to my MIL about the 3-series was "That thing is such crap you'd think a different company made your 535"

Focus is clearly being lasered in on certain things at BMW