Discover how the BMW i8 ignited a new era of electric performance.
What's new for BMW and how do they compare to the i8?
Today’s electrified BMW lineup transforms the i8’s pioneering blueprint into a full-scale performance ecosystem. Plug-in hybrids like the 550e xDrive and X5 xDrive50e now offer over 40 miles of electric range, 480+ hp, and refined daily comfort with four-zone climate control and adaptive suspension. The all-electric i4 M50 and i5 M60 deliver M-level acceleration with near-instant torque and zero tailpipe emissions. Flagships like the i7 introduce augmented reality navigation, 31" rear-seat theater screens, and Level 2+ hands-free driving with Highway Assistant. Meanwhile, the XM plug-in hybrid pushes the limits with 738 hp and a 3.4-second 0-60 time proving electrification isn’t just efficient, it’s exhilarating. From sport sedans to performance SUVs, every new model builds on the i8’s legacy with more power, smarter range management, and next-gen luxury tech. Contact BMW of Palm Springs to explore current BMW plug-in hybrid and all-electric models and reserve yours today.
The Future of BMW Plug-In Hybrid and All-Electric
Compare the i8’s Hybrid Power to Today’s BMW EVs
Start with the i8’s benchmark-setting hybrid layout: a 1.5L turbo 3-cylinder paired with a front electric motor delivering 369 hp, 420 lb-ft of torque, and a 0-60 in 4.2 seconds. While innovative, its 11.6 kWh battery limited electric range to about 18 miles. Today’s BMW plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles build on that architecture with larger batteries, higher output, and greater range. The X5 M Competition delivers 617 hp and sprinting to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Meanwhile, the 7 series produces 483 hp, and 0-60 in 4.6 seconds, matching i8 agility with daily drivability, executive refinement, and extended electric capability.
The i8’s Bold Design Language Shapes Modern PHEVs
The BMW i8 captivated with butterfly doors, a carbon-fiber frame, and aerodynamic drama. Its wide stance and futuristic lines became a design benchmark. Today’s plug-in hybrids and all-electric models echo that boldness in different ways. The X5 xDrive50e brings aggressive M cues and active aero, while sedans like the 550e xDrive reinterpret coupe-inspired silhouettes with flush lighting and seamless contours. These new models honor the i8’s spirit while adapting its aesthetic for everyday sophistication.
From Concept Cockpit to Daily Comfort
Inside the i8, carbon trim and sculpted E-Copper leather set a futuristic tone, but space was limited. Today’s electrified models merge modern design with full usability. The X5 xDrive50e introduces massaging seats and four-zone climate control. The XM Label elevates comfort with illuminated XM badging and Full Merino Leather. New interiors retain the i8’s cutting-edge flair while delivering everyday practicality and luxury throughout %(CITY2).
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How BMW’s Digital Cockpit Transformed Since the i8
Start with a foundation: the BMW i8 offered iDrive with an 8.8" screen, rotary controller, basic gesture input, and limited voice support. It delivered core features like navigation and a heads-up display but lacked wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or modern UI depth. Today’s BMW plug-in hybrids run on the advanced iDrive 8 system, pairing a 12.3" digital cluster with a 14.9" curved touchscreen under a unified glass display. Drivers gain wireless smartphone integration, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, augmented reality navigation, and 5G connectivity. Advanced driver aids like Driving Assistant Professional add hands-free highway driving and active lane centering. Compared to the i8, modern BMW's offer deeper personalization, smarter integration, and a cockpit that matches their electrified performance edge.
What Car Replaced the BMW i8?
Ask what succeeded the BMW i8, and the answer isn’t a single car it’s an evolution. When production ended in 2020, the i8’s legacy split across a new era of electrified models. For pure electric performance, the BMW i4 M50 offers the closest spiritual match with dual motors and M-grade agility. For those who admired the i8’s plug-in hybrid setup, models like the 550e xDrive and X5 xDrive50e offer more power, range, and usability. BMW’s innovation DNA continues in electric flagships like the iX and XM, blending futuristic design with advanced tech. The i8 didn’t get a direct replacement, it became the blueprint for BMW’s electrified future.
Does the BMW i8 Hold Its Value?
Appreciate the icon - The i8 broke new ground, but today’s electrified BMW vehicles push even further. Today’s BMW's, like the M5 Sedan and XM, outperform it in nearly every metric. Get up to 738 hp, faster 0-60 times (as quick as 3.4 seconds), and superior EV range, plus seating for five, modern tech, and real cargo space. The i8 made a statement. Modern BMW PHEVs and all-electric vehicles deliver on it every day, and for less.
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