Open-top version of the i8 gets the same powertrain as the pioneering coupe variant but with longer all-electric driving range.
BMW Thailand has added a second body derivative to the local i8 lineup in the guise of the open-top Roadster.
Priced at 12.999 million baht, the i8 Roadster features a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid with plug-in facility producing a combined 362hp of power.
This is the same drivetrain as in the pioneering Coupe variation, although the slightly heavier Roadster is 0.2sec slower from 0-100kph, at 4.6sec. BMW says the soft-top can open or close in 15sec at speeds of up to 50kph.
However, the i8 Roadster has an improved lithium-ion battery with a cell capacity improved from 20-34Ah to increase the all-electric driving range from 37-53kph.
This upgraded pack has also been deployed into the updated i8 Coupe, although it has yet to come to Thai shores to supersede the current pre-facelift model.
The i8 Coupe has been sold in various editions costing between 11.839-12.839 million baht. At the moment, there’s still no sports car with plug-in hybrid to directly rival the i8.
