The BMW i8 is a discontinued plug-in hybrid sports car, not a battery-electric-only model. Its rear-mounted turbocharged three-cylinder engine drives the rear wheels while an electric motor drives the front wheels. For a 2020 U.S. price reference, Kelley Blue Book displayed Fair Purchase Prices of $62,000 for the Coupé and $68,500 for the Roadster through September 2026; actual used-car prices depend on the individual vehicle and location.
How the BMW i8 powertrain works
The i8 combines a 1,499 cc turbocharged gasoline three-cylinder engine at the rear axle with an electric motor at the front. That arrangement gives the car hybrid-specific all-wheel drive: the engine powers the rear wheels and the electric motor powers the front. It is a plug-in hybrid with limited electric-only driving capability, rather than an EV.
BMW’s 2018 European media information lists the engine at 231 hp and 320 Nm, and the electric motor at 143 hp and 250 Nm. The combined system output is 374 hp. These are BMW specifications, not independent test measurements.
BMW i8 performance: European and U.S. figures
Performance figures differ by market and measurement convention, so European and U.S. numbers should not be treated as interchangeable.
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- BMW i8 concept radio remote control car is an authentic 1/14 scale replica; Car measures 13.2"x6.3"x3.7"; Color available in matt black.
- Forward, reverse, stop, left, right motion controls; Features with scissor doors opened by remote; It works best on the flat surface and can be used indoors or outdoors.
- LED headlamps and taillights will be working as the rc car moves forward and reverses; Features with shock absorption in front wheel and differential mechanism in rear wheel.
- Radio remote controlled, Speed 5 mph, Remote range up to 98 ft, Frequency at 2.4Ghz, you'll never get any radio interference, which enable multiple cars to racing together at the same time and place.
- Requires 5 x AA for the car and 1 x 9V for the remote controller (batteries not included); Manufactured by Rastar Group, Choose Rastar Official for free replacements, accessories, and better after-sale service.
| Specification | Coupé | Roadster | Source and qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| System output | 374 hp | 374 hp | BMW 2018 European specification |
| 0–100 km/h | 4.4 seconds | 4.6 seconds | BMW 2018 European specification |
| Top speed | 250 km/h | 250 km/h | BMW 2018 European specification |
| Electric range | 55 km | 53 km | BMW 2018 European figures under a European test-cycle framework; not guaranteed real-world range |
BMW’s U.S. update instead reported 369 hp and preliminary 0–60 mph times of 4.2 seconds for the Coupé and 4.4 seconds for the Roadster. It described electric driving range as up to 18 miles, also preliminary. These U.S. figures should not be combined with the European 0–100 km/h times or test-cycle range.
BMW i8 Coupé vs. Roadster
The choice is primarily between the Coupé’s added seating and the Roadster’s open-top layout. The European performance specifications show a small acceleration and electric-range difference between them.
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- AUTHENTIC DESIGN: Licensed BMW i8 die-cast metal model car with precise 1:36 scale detailing and sleek exterior finish
- INTERACTIVE FEATURES: Working doors that open and close plus pull-back action motor for exciting play value
- QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Durable die-cast metal body with rubber tires and detailed plastic components for enhanced realism
- PERFECT SIZE: Compact 5-inch length makes it ideal for display or play while maintaining impressive detail
- SAFETY TESTED: Suitable for children ages 3 and up, constructed with high-quality materials for lasting durability
| Feature | i8 Coupé | i8 Roadster |
|---|---|---|
| Body and seating | Fixed-roof 2+2 | Retractable soft top; two seats |
| 0–100 km/h | 4.4 seconds | 4.6 seconds |
| European test-cycle electric range | 55 km | 53 km |
| KBB Fair Purchase Price for model year 2020 | $62,000 | $68,500 |
The acceleration and range values in this table are BMW’s 2018 European specifications; the prices are Kelley Blue Book’s displayed U.S. benchmarks valid through September 2026. The figures describe different markets and sources.
Design and photos
The i8’s low body, visible aerodynamic detailing, and forward-and-upward-opening gullwing-style doors make its shape distinctive. BMW describes its construction as a carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic passenger cell combined with an aluminum chassis. The Coupé has a fixed roof and rear seats; the Roadster replaces the rear seats with an open-air configuration and retractable soft top.
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- Official Licensed Authentic BMW i8 Replica: With official BMW authorization, this model highly restores the iconic futuristic design, distinctive butterfly doors, aerodynamic body lines and signature hybrid supercar styling of the BMW i8, fully presenting the unique charm of this innovative eco-friendly supercar.
- 1:24 Large Scale with Rich Detailed Craftsmanship: Adopting 1:24 large proportion, this model shows more comprehensive and delicate details than smaller scales, including realistic interior structure, accurate logo layout, textured body finish and refined wheel design, highlighting the sophisticated engineering of the BMW i8.
- High-Quality Zinc Alloy & Premium TPE Tires: Made of high-grade zinc alloy with solid structure and fine polished finish, it is durable enough for long-term collection and display. Equipped with high-quality TPE rubber tires that offer soft texture, anti-slip performance, realistic appearance and smooth rolling, these gentle tires will not scratch or damage desktops, display cabinets, wooden surfaces or any other display & sliding areas.
- Interactive Design with Openable Doors & Hood: Equipped with functional openable butterfly doors and hood, allowing you to view the detailed simulated engine and interior structure, bringing a more immersive and interactive collection experience beyond static display.
- Ideal High-End Gift for Car Enthusiasts & Collectors Aged 14+: Exquisitely designed with official BMW branding, this model is perfect for collectors and BMW fans aged 14 and above. It serves as an extraordinary gift for birthdays, Christmas, New Year, festivals, anniversaries, graduation, promotion, Father's Day, Thanksgiving, retirement, business gifts and personal collections, perfectly expressing passion for innovative hybrid supercars.
BMW’s legacy i8 model page shows separate Coupé and Roadster imagery. BMW’s April 2018 media information and photo overview also includes images identified as P90285377.jpg and P90285403.jpg, with Roadster and Coupé shots. Check BMW’s captions so the body style shown is correctly identified; image reuse rights should be confirmed separately.
BMW i8 price: original MSRP and used-value context
The i8 is no longer a new BMW model: production ended in 2020. Kelley Blue Book’s displayed September 2026 U.S. Fair Purchase Price for model year 2020 is $62,000 for the i8 Coupé 2D and $68,500 for the Roadster 2D. These are dated valuation benchmarks, not universal asking prices or a guarantee of what a particular car will sell for.
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- Challenge yourself by building this 121-piece model kit
- Kit features multi-part engine, detailed electric motor, open/closed doors, detailed interior, rotating wheels, and extensive decal set
- Model scale 1:24
- Recommended for ages 12 years and older
- Paint and glue are sold separately
| 2020 U.S. model | Original MSRP listed by KBB | KBB Fair Purchase Price displayed through September 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| i8 Coupé 2D | $148,495 | $62,000 |
| i8 Roadster 2D | $164,295 | $68,500 |
KBB notes that used prices vary with equipment, mileage, condition, and location. Its condition-specific trade-in and private-party estimates are tied to particular ZIP codes and dates, so they should not be generalized to every U.S. buyer. For a purchase, compare local listings and the specific car’s condition rather than relying on one national guide figure. These cited prices are U.S.-specific; they do not establish values in other markets.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Production and discontinuation
BMW Group said in March 2020 that more than 20,000 i8 units had been sold since 2014. A separate BMW USA overview gives total production as 20,500 vehicles. “Sold” and “produced” are different measures, so the figures should not be read as identical counts.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Officially licensed – 1/24 scale rc car BMW i8 is a replica under license of BMW; 1:24 scaled back basing on the real BMW car; BMW i8 toy car measures 7.5x3.5x2.1 inch; Color comes in silver grey.
- Full functions - Forward, reverse, stop, turn left & right; the BMW i8 model car works best on the flat surface and can be used indoors or outdoors.
- Excellent performance - Radio remote controlled, Speed 4 mph, Remote range 59-80 feet, Single frequency available in 2.4GHz, which allows multi-users to race several cars together at the same time without interference.
- Striking interior & exterior - Features with precise lines, stream flow design, 4-wheel independent suspension system, rims and tires and metallic paint finish.
- Batteries NOT included - Requires 3 x AA for the BMW rc car and 2 x AA for the remote controller; Great BMW car toy for kids; Choose Rastar Official for free replacements, accessories, and better after-sale service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
