MotorTrend finally tested the 2014 BMW i8 and posted their findings. Road and Track already posted their test figures much earlier this year but now we can compare what each major magazine got out of the car. The curb weight figures between the two are nearly identical with MotorTrend weighing the i8 at 3378 pounds and Road and Track getting 3380 pounds. Weight distribution is an excellent 49 front to 51 rear.

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0-60 is tested at the the exact same 3.8 second figure. The 1/4 mile for MotorTrend is a 12.4 @ 112.1 whereas Road and Track got a 12.3 @ 114. This minor discrepancy can likely be attributed to the currently warmer weather.

The car is not all about acceleration and the handling figures are solid with .93g pulled on the skidpad and a figure eight test of 24.6 seconds at .79g which puts the car on par with the Porsche Boxster S.

The i8 is a solid performer considering its specifications but what we all really want to see is this car get wider wheels and tires, a more aggressive suspension, and some real power. BMW has a nice base to work with here to produce a serious performer. Maybe we will see that in an i9.

2014 BMW i8
BASE PRICE $136,650
PRICE AS TESTED $138,650
VEHICLE LAYOUT Mid-engine, AWD, 4-pass, 2-door hatchback
ENGINE 1.5L/228-hp/236-lb-ft turbocharged DOHC 12-valve I-3 plus 129-hp/184-lb-ft front and 8-hp rear motors, 357 hp/420 lb-ft (comb)
TRANSMISSION 6-sp auto (gas, rr wheels), 2-sp auto (elec, fr wheels)
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3378 lb (49/51%)
WHEELBASE 110.2 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 184.9 x 76.5 x 50.8 in
0-60 MPH 3.8 sec
QUARTER MILE 12.4 sec @ 112.1 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 103 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.93 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT 24.6 sec @ 0.79 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON Not yet rated
RealMPG CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON 41.9/49.6/45.0 mpg (preliminary)