BMW i8 0-60 Time: As bad as you think? (Post Mortem)

By: Max F. Arellano / February 15, 2024

Is it true that the BMW i8 0-60 time barely breaches 4 seconds, despite costing almost $150,000 and being branded as a supercar? Yes.

At first glance you might call that merely underwhelming, but after looking at the numbers, it's much worse than that.

BMW i8 0-60 time over the years

Breaking down the numbers

The i8 was introduced in 2014 featuring a 1.5 liter 3 cylinder turbocharger engine paired with a 7.1 kWh battery pack and two electric motors, producing 357 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque.

This was good for a 3.8 second 0-60 time.

No performance-related updates were made until 2019, when an upgraded 11.6 kWh battery back boosted the horsepower by 12, bringing it up to 369hp.

A convertible option was introduced, which is the only one that gets tested from this point forth, with times in the low 4 seconds.

For a car that is designed like a supercar, with supercar pricing, these times are terrible.

You could waive it off, saying that it being a hybrid supercar gives it a certain novelty factor, but given how fast it looks, there is something almost offensive about its performance.

For reference, here are some cars that are as fast or faster, costing significantly less:

                                                                                                                                                               

Year	Car	Price	0-60
2020	BMW 5 Series M550i xDrive	$76,650	3.8
2020	BMW Z4 sDrive M40i	$63,700	3.9
2019	Ford Shelby GT350 R	$67,135	3.9
2020	Chevrolet Corvette Stingray w/1LT	$58,900	3.3
2016	Cadillac CTS-V	$83,995	3.8
2017	Audi RS 3 quattro	$54,500	3.6
2020	Chevrolet Camaro 1SS	$37,000	4.0

You'd think the ZL1 is the Camaro we'd be comparing the i8 with, but it can't even outperform the SS, which had an MSRP $111,000 less than the i8.

To put that in perspective, you could buy 5 Camaro SS's for the price of 1 BMW i8.

So what 0-60 time should a $150,000 car get you. Let's take a look.

 

i8 0-60 time vs other expensive cars

   

The AMG G63 is an SUV in case you didn't know. To find a car with a comparable 0-60 time at the i8's price point, you have to move to a different segment of cars.

You might be wondering why anyone would buy an i8, that there must be some redeeming quality.

Well, back when it debuted in 2014 it filled a specific niche, which was hybrid technology, sports car performance, and supercar looks - most other high-performing hybrid cars at the time were much more expensive, like the Porsche 918 Spyder at $885,000 or the Ferrari LaFerrari at ~$1,200,000.   

With its butterfly doors, it certainly looks like a supercar more than any other car at that price point, and can serve adequately as a prop in a photoshoot at a much lower price than other more expensive supercars.

How can I improve the BMW i8 0-60 Time?

If you get an ECU tune, you can take the horsepower up to 409, increasing it by 40hp. That should improve acceleration.

To maximize acceleration in the stock i8, there are a couple things you can do.

First, make sure it's in sport mode. In sport mode, the BMW i8 adjusts various parameters such as throttle response, transmission shift points, and power delivery to maximize performance.

When launching the i8 from a standstill in sport mode, the electric motor and the gasoline engine work together seamlessly to provide instantaneous torque and acceleration.

Second, make sure traction control is off, otherwise you won't have access to launch control; the car engine also needs to be warmed up before launch control is enabled.

How does launch control affect the BMW i8 0-60 time?

 
• Optimize Engine RPM: Launch control systems often allow the driver to set a specific engine RPM at which the car will hold steady before launch. This RPM is usually within the engine's optimal power band for maximum acceleration.
 
• Maximize Traction: Launch control systems manage power delivery to the wheels to minimize wheelspin and optimize traction off the line. They may adjust torque distribution, throttle response, and other parameters to ensure the tires maintain grip on the road surface.
 
• Ensure Consistency: Launch control systems are designed to provide consistent and repeatable launches, ensuring that each acceleration attempt yields similar results. This consistency is crucial for drag racing and other competitive driving scenarios.
 
• Protect Components: While launch control allows for aggressive acceleration, it also incorporates safeguards to protect the drivetrain components from excessive stress and wear. This may include limiting engine torque or implementing temporary power cut-offs to prevent damage.

However, the single most effective thing you can do to improve the BMW i8's 0-60 time is swap it out for an M5 Competition, which will allow you to get to 60 over a second and a half faster, and save you money.

Does the i8's future look any better?

2020 was the last year of production for the i8. The successor is called the i8 M and is scheduled to drop in 2026 sometime.

Luckily BMW has a desire to rectify their mistake, as the i8 M will have a massive increase in performance, with estimates of 591 horsepower coming from a Four-cylinder turbocharged gas engine + electric motor, as reported by Top Speed.

Current price estimates put it at $160,000 for the coupe and $180,000 for the roadster.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average BMW i8 0-60 time?

The average i8 0-60 time is around 4 seconds. However, this may vary slightly depending on factors such as road conditions and driver skill.

How does the BMW i8's 0-60 time compare to other sports cars?

The BMW i8's 0-60 time is similar to the Camaro SS or a Shelby GT 350R.

Does the i8 have a launch control feature?

Yes, the BMW i8 does have a launch control feature which helps to optimize acceleration.

What impact does the BMW i8's hybrid technology have on its 0-60 time?

The i8's hybrid technology, which combines a traditional gasoline engine with an electric motor, allows for instant torque and helps to improve its 0-60 time.

Can the BMW i8's 0-60 time be improved with any modifications?

While the i8 is already a high-performing vehicle, there are some modifications such as a performance tune or upgraded tires that can potentially improve its 0-60 time.

Does the i8's 0-60 time affect its overall fuel efficiency?

No, the i8's impressive 0-60 time does not have a significant impact on its fuel efficiency. In fact, its hybrid technology helps to improve overall fuel efficiency compared to other sports cars.