DecodedCars2015 BMW i8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 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 — 18% better than the average 2015 subcompact car (23.7 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 10 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 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), 18% better than the 2015 subcompact car average of 23.7 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 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2015
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 i8 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 i8 →
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 | +18% | $2,950 | 198 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 BMW i8.
Similar 2015 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 BMW i8 (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Audi A3 | 35 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2015 Audi A5 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2015 BMW i3 | 39 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2015 BMW 2 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2015 Lexus RC | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2015 Audi S5 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Dec 28, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V882000 · 16 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 i8 vehicles manufactured May 29, 2015, to June 5, 2015. Improperly drilled holes within the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) hydraulic unit may restrict one or more pistons impairing the DSC functions, including braking.
- Risk
- Impaired DSC functionality may negatively impact vehicle handling and braking and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the DSC hydraulic unit, and replace if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2015 BMW i8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 BMW i8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 10,860 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 2015 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 →