DecodedCars2019 BMW i8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 1.5L 3-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 26 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2019 subcompact car (23.5 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 — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 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 27 MPG combined (26 city / 29 highway), 15% better than the 2019 subcompact car average of 23.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file.
What changed for 2019
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 i8 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 i8 →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I8 Coupe Plug-in Hybrid | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 26 / 29 / 27 | +15% | $3,050 | 191 |
| I8 Roadster Plug-in Hybrid | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 26 / 29 / 27 | +37% | $3,050 | 191 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2019 BMW i8.
Recalls (2)
Electrical System · Aug 14, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V599000 · 139 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 i3 BEV, i3 REx, and i8 vehicles. A circuit board problem within the Electric Motor Electronics (EME) module may shutdown the supply of high-voltage electrical power.
- Risk
- A shut down of high-voltage electrical power would result in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EME module, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Equipment › Electrical · Sep 20, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V652000 · 3,501 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 330e iPerformance, i3 Rex, i3 Sport Rex, X5 xDrive40e, i3 BEV, i3 Sport BEV and 2019 i8 and i8 Roadster vehicles and 2018-2019 530e iPerformance, 530e xDrive iPerformance and 740Le xDrive iPerformance vehicles. Capacitors within the TurboCord Portable Chargers may fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.
- Risk
- An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the charging cable, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2019 BMW i8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2019 BMW i8 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2019 BMW i8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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 2019 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 →