BMW i8 first UK drive - pictures

The i8 is BMW's headline-grabbing petrol/electric plug-in hybrid supercar. 

The BMW i8 is fitted with a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine from the MINI Cooper plus an electric motor.

The interior of the BMW i8 is every bit as futuristic and stylish as the exterior. 

The dash in the BMW i8 is dominated by the 8.8-inch infotainment display. 

The BMW i8 sports a futuristic exterior design that sets the benchmark for cars to come. 

The i8’s boot is only suitable for a couple of small weekend bags, but cars like this aren't designed for load-lugging. 

With a combined power output of 357bhp and 570Nm of torque, the i8 sprints from 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds and will go on to reach a top speed of 155mph.

Through a series of bends, the i8 feels light on its feet, with barely any body roll and a crisp response from the light steering. 

It takes around 3 hours to charge the i8 from a domestic socket. For faster charges BMW offers an iWallbox at £315.

The upright rear seats are cramped, even for children. 

In full electric mode, the BMW i8 will travel up to 22 miles. 

The BMW i8 promises 134.5mpg and 49g/km of CO2 emissions.