BMW i8 Ultimate Sophisto Edition means curtains for the hybrid supercar
The BMW i8 will be discontinued in April 2020 and to mark the occasion BMW has built a special edition, limited to just 200 units globally
BMW has announced it will cease production of the i8 next year. To mark the occasion, the German brand has built a special edition version of the plug-in hybrid sports car, called the i8 Ultimate Sophisto Edition. Limited to just 200 units globally, the run-out special edition will be available from November 2019 in both Coupe and Roadster body styles.
The BMW i8 Ultimate Sophisto Edition features a set of lightweight, copper-coloured 20-inch alloy wheels, gloss black brake calipers, transparent rear light lenses and fresh gloss black trim for the tailgate. Its bodywork is finished in exclusive “Sophisto Grey Brilliant Effect” paint, which is accented by a range of copper highlights.
Inside, the limited edition BMW i8 features a pair of leather sports seats, an Anthracite- coloured headliner, a head-up display and a Harmon Kardon stereo system. It also comes with a pair of unique treadplates, stamped with the ‘Ultimate Sophisto Edition’ logo, as well as a numbered plaque for the centre console.
The limited edition BMW i8 features the same plug-in hybrid powertrain as the standard car, which comprises a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, producing a combined output of 369bhp and 570Nm of torque. Its performance is identical, with a 0–62mph time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 155mph.
BMW looks set to replace the i8 in 2021, with a new car previewed by the Vision M NEXT concept. The prototype PHEV sports car features a new hybrid system, comprising a small-displacement supercharged four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, for a combined output of 592bhp. BMW claims a top speed of 186mph and a 0–62mph time of three seconds.
BMW has also announced a limited edition version of the 181bhp all-electric i3, called the Edition RoadStyle. It’s limited to 1,000 units worldwide and features the same grey and copper colour scheme as the special edition i8. It also gets a new kidney grille, fresh 20-inch alloy wheels, and a brown leather interior, embroidered with the “Edition RoadStyle” logo.
What do you make of BMW’s decision to axe the i8? Let us know in the comments section below…
