DecodedCars2014 BMW i8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 1.5L 3-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 28 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 20% better than the average 2014 subcompact car (23.4 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 7 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2014 BMW i8 is a subcompact car offered with a 1.5L 3-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (28 city / 29 highway), 20% better than the 2014 subcompact car average of 23.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,950 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i8 Plug-in Hybrid | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 28 / 29 / 28 | +20% | $2,950 | 198 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2014 BMW i8.
Similar 2014 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 BMW i8 (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2014 Audi A5 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2014 BMW i3 | 39 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2014 BMW 2 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2014 Audi S5 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2014 Infiniti Q60 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2014 Cadillac ELR | 33 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Auxillary Tank · Oct 27, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V674000 · 223 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 i8 vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2014, to September 16, 2014. A bolt used to attach a ground cable between the tank and the vehicle chassis may not have been properly welded during manufacturing.
- Risk
- An inadequate weld of the bolt to the fuel tank could cause a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could lead to a fire.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel tank if necessary, free of charge. The recall began in November 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or [email protected].
Not every 2014 BMW i8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2014 BMW i8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Suspension — 1 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 24,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2014 BMW i8. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other i8 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →