summary
While the current i8 hasn't lived up to the sporting intentions BMW had, that doesn't seem to be keeping the German luxury brand away from high-value hybrid sports cars. Development of the next i8—we like to call it the i8 M, considering it represents a significant performance upgrade over the current model—is underway, and BMW's Vision M Next concept from mid-2019 is proof of that. A massive power increase, longer all-electric driving range, updated styling, and a more capable chassis are expected to differentiate the i8 M from the model it will eventually replace.
What's New in 2024?
The i8 M—or whatever BMW is calling its next-generation hybrid sports car—will be new for the 2024 model year.
Without knowing how the i8 M will be equipped or what options are available, it's difficult to recommend a particular model. We expect the i8 M to be offered in a fixed-roof coupe body style as well as a ragtop roadster, similar to the current model range.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Little is known about the i8 M's cabin so far, but we hope BMW addresses the i8's entry and exit difficulties by equipping the new car with front-hinged doors and lower side sills to make the interior more accessible. Like the current car, the i8 M will be BMW's playground for future styling and should feature unique materials, cutting-edge features, and eye-catching design. Storage and cargo capacity will likely remain limited, but a front trunk (or "frunk") may appear to provide additional luggage space.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A lot can change in the world of in-car infotainment in just over three years, so details about what might be offered in the i8 M are still anyone's guess. In the Vision M Next concept, BMW shows off futuristic infotainment the company calls Boost Pod; which consists of multiple glass screens and a head-up display to give the driver access to car-related information and on-board entertainment features.
Real World Fuel Economy and MPG
The EPA hasn't tested the i8 M or released its fuel consumption estimates—which isn't surprising since the car doesn't exist yet. In addition to increasing the electric driving range, we expect the i8 M to offer slightly better fuel economy ratings than the current i8, despite anticipated improvements in acceleration and driving performance. For more information on the i8 M's fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The i8 M's plug-in hybrid powertrain is expected to follow the same basic setup as the current i8, meaning an electric motor driving the front wheels a mid-mounted petrol engine, and an electric motor for the rear wheels. In place of the i8's 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder gas engine, BMW says the new car will offer a turbocharged four-cylinder engine; The company also claims total system output—gas and electric power combined—of 591 horsepower, significantly more than the i8's output of 369 hp. This upgraded powertrain will help the i8 M compete with rivals such as the Acura NSX, Lexus LC500h, and Pole 1 Star.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The current i8's 18-mile electric driving range isn't particularly impressive. BMW is tight-lipped on details such as battery size but says the electric driving range for the Vision M Next concept is claimed to be 62 miles. That means BMW engineers either found a way to utilize the current car's 11.6 kWh battery or found room for a much larger unit. This is almost certainly the last resort. More information will be available regarding the i8 M's battery, range, and charging capabilities closer to the car's on-sale date.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Considering the i8 M is still a few years away, more advanced driver assistance features may be featured, including perhaps a true autonomous driving system. Time will tell. For more information about the i8 M's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features will likely include:
Standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Standard lane departure warning with lane keep assist
Adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode is available
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
BMW's warranty coverage may change between now and 2024, but if things remain stable in this area, then the same warranty package will be available on the current lineup. The hybrid component-specific warranty is just a reassurance, and we hope BMW continues to offer a three-year free maintenance plan for all new models.
The limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
The powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Hybrid components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles
Free maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
