i8 Coupe Retired

The BMW i8 Coupe represents one of the most visually arresting vehicles of the 2010s, a plug-in hybrid sports car that arrived in 2014 as BMW's halo model for its then-new 'i' sub-brand focused on sustainable mobility. With its dramatic butterfly doors, spaceship-like bodywork, and a hybrid powertrain years ahead of its time, the i8 signaled BMW's vision for the future of performance cars. Production ended in 2020 after a six-year run that produced fewer than 20,000 examples worldwide, making the i8 an instant collectible.

The i8's distinctive design features a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell that keeps weight to just 3,455 pounds despite the hybrid battery pack. Butterfly doors open upward and outward in a theatrical display, while the exterior's layered surfacing and floating C-pillar create an aesthetic that still looks futuristic a decade later. Laser headlights cut through darkness with unprecedented intensity, while stream flow taillights and blue-accented kidney grilles announce the i8's electrified mission.

Power comes from a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower, positioned mid-ship behind the cabin and driving the rear wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. An electric motor mounted at the front axle adds 129 horsepower and powers the front wheels, creating an all-wheel-drive system with 357 combined horsepower. The electric motor enables up to 18 miles of silent, zero-emission driving before the three-cylinder awakens with a surprisingly sporty exhaust note enhanced by acoustic tuning through the cabin speakers.

The i8 accelerates to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155 mph, impressive figures considering its efficiency focus—the EPA rated it at 69 MPGe combined. Inside, a driver-focused cockpit features eDrive controls, a digital instrument cluster, and materials befitting a six-figure sports car. The i8's rarity, distinctive design, and historical significance as BMW's first plug-in hybrid sports car make it a standout in any collection. Explore similar innovative vehicles in our fleet or discover more from our BMW collection.

Rent the BMW i8 Coupe in the Hamptons and pilot one of the most distinctive sports cars of the modern era, a plug-in hybrid that turns every arrival into a spectacle with its butterfly doors and futuristic bodywork. The i8’s low-slung silhouette and layered design language photograph spectacularly against Southampton estates, Montauk beaches, and Sag Harbor waterfront, creating unforgettable social media moments and drawing crowds wherever you park.

Navigate Montauk Highway in electric mode for silent, zero-emission cruising, the i8 gliding past beach clubs and restaurants without a whisper. Engage the hybrid powertrain and the turbocharged three-cylinder creates a surprisingly aggressive soundtrack while 357 combined horsepower delivers spirited acceleration along coastal stretches. The i8’s carbon fiber construction and low center of gravity make it exceptionally agile on Hamptons back roads, carving through curves with precision.

The butterfly doors create dramatic entrances at Bridgehampton polo matches, East Hampton gallery openings, or Meadow Lane dinner parties. Park along Further Lane and watch reactions as the doors swing skyward, revealing the high-tech interior. The i8 excels at making statements while remaining relatively practical—two seats and a small cargo area handle weekend getaway essentials, while plug-in capability means you can charge overnight at estates and run morning errands emission-free.

Drive to North Fork wine country and the i8’s efficiency shines, hybrid operation maximizing range between charging stops. The rarity factor intensifies in the Hamptons—BMW produced fewer than 20,000 i8s globally before ending production in 2020, making sightings uncommon even in exotic car capitals. This is your opportunity to experience automotive history: a hybrid sports car that prioritized design and sustainability without sacrificing the drama and performance Hamptons summer demands.

Thumb the start button with your foot on the brake and the BMW i8 Coupe awakens in electric mode, completely silent. Press the eDrive button to select Sport mode and the turbocharged three-cylinder rumbles to life, its sound amplified through the cabin via acoustic enhancement that creates a surprisingly aggressive timbre. Despite being a 1.5-liter three-cylinder, the engine sounds purposeful and sporty, a credit to BMW’s audio engineering.

Push the throttle and 357 combined horsepower propels the lightweight carbon fiber chassis with urgency, the electric motor’s instant torque eliminating any lag while the mid-mounted engine spools its turbocharger. The 6-speed automatic shifts smoothly, routing power to the rear wheels while the electric motor drives the fronts in an all-wheel-drive configuration. The i8 feels nimble and tossable, its low center of gravity and 50/50 weight distribution creating balanced handling through Hamptons curves.

The butterfly doors aren’t just for show—they provide practical benefits in tight parking spaces, swinging upward rather than outward. Once inside, the driver-focused cockpit surrounds you with high-tech materials and a digital display that provides real-time information on power flow between electric motor, engine, and battery. Laser headlights illuminate Montauk Highway with daylight intensity, while the panoramic view through the wraparound windshield enhances visibility.

Switch to pure electric mode and the i8 becomes a silent spaceship, gliding through Sag Harbor or East Hampton on battery power alone for up to 18 miles. The transition between electric and hybrid operation is seamless, the powertrain computer choosing the most efficient configuration automatically unless you override it. Everywhere you drive, heads turn—the i8’s futuristic design still looks fresh years after production ended, its distinctive silhouette unmistakable against Hamptons coastal landscapes.