Are you curious about the cost of owning the futuristic and eco-friendly BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car? This guide will dive deep into the pricing details of the i8, covering everything from new vehicle MSRPs to used model values and long-term ownership costs.
The BMW i8 combines exotic supercar styling with a cutting-edge hybrid powertrain for an unparalleled driving experience. But how much will you have to pay to get behind the wheel of this tech-laden performance machine? This article breaks down pricing for new and used i8 models, explores factors that affect costs, and helps you determine if the i8 is the right value for your needs and budget.
New BMW i8 Pricing
If you want the latest and greatest BMW i8 straight from the factory, be prepared to pay a premium price tag. For the 2020 model year (the final year of i8 production), the base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) was:
- i8 Coupe: $148,495
- i8 Roadster (convertible): $164,295
Even the “base” models came loaded with goodies like BMW’s hybrid synchronous electric motor, a turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, intelligent all-wheel drive, and a lightweight aluminum chassis. The Roadster convertible commanded an extra $15,800 over the fixed-roof Coupe.
BMW offered the i8 in just two trim levels: the base pure models mentioned above and the almost $20,000 pricier Ceramic Edition. This range-topping special edition featured:
- Ceramic White exterior paint
- Ceramic trim elements inside and out
- LED headlights
- Unique 20-inch wheels
- Head-Up Display
With options and fees, a loaded 2020 BMW i8 could easily surpass the $180,000 mark when new.
What Features Come Standard on the i8?
Even the “base” BMW i8 arrived jam-packed with premium features and cutting-edge tech. Key standard equipment included:
- Hybrid drivetrain with gas engine and dual electric motors (362 combined hp)
- All-wheel drive
- Lightweight aluminum chassis
- Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) body panels
- Regenerative braking
- LED headlights
- Adaptive suspension
- Power liftgate
- Heated front seats
- Keyless entry and start
- Navigation
- Head-Up Display
- Forward collision warning
As you can see, BMW spared little expense in outfitting the i8, making it feel every bit a premium supercar despite its hybrid powertrain and eco-credentials.
Used BMW i8 Pricing
Given the i8’s six-figure new pricing and low production volumes, finding an affordable used model requires some digging. Here are some typical asking prices for used i8 models based on current listings:
- 2014 BMW i8 Coupe: $47,950 – $61,990
- 2015 BMW i8 Coupe: $50,899 – $59,999
- 2016 BMW i8 Coupe: $44,998 – $58,991
- 2017 BMW i8 Coupe: $54,999 – $68,495
- 2019 BMW i8 Coupe: $68,888 – $74,000
- 2019 BMW i8 Roadster: $72,900 – $93,777
As you’d expect, pricing depends heavily on factors like:
- Model year
- Mileage
- Overall condition
- Accident history
- Location
- Seller (private party vs dealer)
You’ll generally find the best used i8 prices by looking at models a few years old with average miles in the 30,000 – 50,000 range. Newer, lower mileage examples command a premium.
For maximum peace of mind, consider a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) i8, which must meet strict age, mileage, and inspection requirements from BMW.
Certified Pre-Owned BMW i8 Costs
BMW’s CPO program provides extended warranty coverage and other benefits over non-certified used models. You’ll typically pay a bit more for a CPO i8, but the added coverage can be worth it, especially for a complicated plug-in hybrid model like this.
On average, expect to pay $5,000 – $10,000 more for an i8 with the CPO seal of approval versus a non-certified model with similar age and miles. The exact price premium varies based on factors like the i8’s age and remaining factory warranty coverage.
For example, a 2019 CPO i8 Coupe currently lists for around $83,258 with 20,000 miles. A non-CPO 2019 with similar miles could be had for closer to $72,988 from the same dealer.
BMW’s CPO warranty provides the following coverage:
- 6 years/unlimited miles from the original service date (can be upgraded for a fee)
- Coverage includes most vehicle components and hybrid system parts
So if you’re keeping the i8 for several years, the added warranty protection of a CPO model could prove very valuable and worth the upfront costs.
The Cost of Owning a BMW i8
Of course, the upfront purchase price is just one factor in evaluating the ownership costs of the BMW i8. You’ll want to account for fuel/electricity usage, maintenance, insurance, and other expenses.
Fuel/Electricity Costs
Thanks to its plug-in hybrid setup, the i8 can operate as a gas-powered sports car, a pure electric vehicle for short jaunts, or a combination of both. This gives it excellent efficiency for daily driving:
- EPA combined 76 MPGe rating when using battery power
- EPA combined 28 mpg when operating as a conventional hybrid
With modest annual mileage, most owners can expect to pay $1,000 – $1,500 per year in gas/electric costs depending on local rates.
Maintenance and Repairs
Like any BMW (or exotic sports car for that matter), the i8 won’t be cheap to maintain and fix. Parts and labor at BMW dealers don’t come cheap.
Expect to budget around $1,500 per year just for basic maintenance like oil changes, brake fluid flushes, and other wear items on a used i8. Bigger repair bills could add thousands more annually, especially once the warranty expires.
Over 5 years, it’s reasonable to estimate $10,000 – $15,000 in maintenance and repair costs for a used i8.
Insurance Costs
Most insurers classify the BMW i8 in the same “exotic sports car” group as models like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and other ultra-high-end machinery. That means elevated annual premiums versus more mainstream vehicles.
Based on driver profile and location, you can likely expect to pay $2,500 – $5,000+ annually to insure an i8 for comprehensive coverage with typical deductibles and limits. That’s easily double or triple the rates for a run-of-the-mill luxury car or sedan.
Is the BMW i8 Affordable to Own Long-Term?
Adding up all the expenses over 5 years of ownership, here’s a reasonable estimate for the long-term costs of a used 2017-2019 BMW i8:
- Purchase Price: $60,000 (average for that model year range)
- Maintenance/Repairs: $12,500
- Fuel/Electricity: $7,500
- Insurance: $15,000
- 5-Year Total: $95,000
So in addition to the purchase price, you’re likely looking at another $35,000 in operating costs over 5 years. That’s significant, even for an exotic performance car.
By comparison, the hybrid Acura NSX runs around $10,000 less to own over the same period, while the conventionally-powered Porsche 911 is $5,000 – $10,000 cheaper than the i8 across 5 years.
If you plan to keep the i8 longer than 5 years, those differences become even more exaggerated versus traditional sports cars that don’t rely as heavily on advanced hybrid systems and light-weight construction techniques.
Price Trends and Resale Values
Now that we’ve covered pricing for both new and used i8 models, how has the i8’s price changed over time? And what can owners expect in terms of resale value down the road?
The i8’s pricing has remained relatively flat over its production run from 2014-2020. BMW made minor year-over-year adjustments, but the MSRP only increased around $4,000 – $5,000 total in that timeframe.
In the used market, i8 values have held up reasonably well so far. According to automotive research firms, the i8 retains around 40-45% of its value after 5 years of ownership. That’s better than many mainstream luxury cars but still below higher-end exotics like Ferraris and Lamborghinis.
Several factors will impact the i8’s resale value going forward:
- Limited production numbers (only around 20,000 units built)
- Desirability as a unique hybrid sports car
- Maintenance costs and complexity of hybrid systems long-term
- Battery pack degradation over time
- Arrival of newer plug-in performance models like the BMW i4 M50
For the first few years of ownership, an i8 will likely retain 50% or more of its original value if meticulously maintained. But 7-10 years down the road, values could start dropping more sharply as battery replacements loom and the i8’s tech grows dated.
Is the BMW i8 a Good Value?
With its composite construction, advanced powertrain, exotic styling, and performance capabilities, the BMW i8 delivers a lot of bang for the buck versus traditional supercars from Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc. It provides a more efficient, eco-conscious alternative without sacrificing head-turning looks and exhilarating dynamics.
However, the i8’s premium pricing and long-term operating costs mean it’s still a very exclusive vehicle that few can realistically afford to own and maintain long-term. If you want gasoline-free(ish) performance in a more affordable package, upcoming EVs like the Tesla Roadster may provide a better value proposition.
For those who can swing the costs, the i8 delivers a distinctive blend of cutting-edge tech, sustainable yet thrilling performance, and unmistakable curb appeal that few other vehicles can match. Just be prepared for its complexities and maintenance requirements.
Conclusion
Hopefully this guide has given you a comprehensive overview of how much the BMW i8 costs to purchase and own. While far from cheap, this plug-in hybrid sports car does provide excellent value for money in the rarified world of ultra-high-performance vehicles.
From its original six-figure new pricing to the long-term maintenance costs, the BMW i8 demands a premium. But for enthusiasts enamored with its sleek, futuristic design and advanced hybrid tech under the skin, those costs may be well worth it for such a distinctive and forward-looking automotive experience.
