DecodedCars2020 BMW i8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 1.5L 3-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 228 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 2
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 26 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2020 subcompact car (22.9 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 2020 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), 18% better than the 2020 subcompact car average of 22.9 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 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2020
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 i8 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 i8 →
Trims, performance & features
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Leipzig, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2020 i8 configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
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 | +18% | $3,050 | 191 |
| I8 Roadster Plug-in Hybrid | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 26 / 29 / 27 | +38% | $3,050 | 191 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2020 BMW i8.
Recalls (1)
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery · Sep 30, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V601000 · 4,509 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.
- Risk
- The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
- Fix
- BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2020 BMW i8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 BMW i8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 952 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 2020 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 →