BMW i8 Interior design and cockpit
The interior is simple, ultra-modern but still instantly recognizable as a BMW. The floating instrument pod and other interior features are made of unusual materials, including fabrics with a high recycled fiber content.
See the charts below for a complete list of standard equipment. Every model has niceties such as leather upholstery, a heads-up display, heated front seats, a Harman/Kardon sound system, and Apple CarPlay integration (unfortunately Android Auto was never available).
Regarding infotainment and connectivity, in the center of the dashboard you’ll spot an 8.8-inch infotainment screen with BMW’s familiar iDrive controller mounted between the front seats.
Despite the i8’s focus on design versus practicality, front-seat occupants won’t feel cramped. Both front occupants sit low, as in any sports car, with the wide, tall tunnel for the battery pack separating them.
Storage space in the i8 is limited to the center-console bin and cup-holders, plus a small glovebox. The compact interior means there isn’t really room for much more than a few phones and wallets, although the rear seats are handy for somewhere to throw your bags.
Dashboard Modes
Comfort Mode
All the power you need as soon as you drive off. In this mode, the fully charged BMW i8 starts electrically. Purely electrical driving up to roughly 60 km/h is possible in the city; even pulling away from traffic lights and overtaking are purely electrical.
Eco Pro Mode
The Eco Pro mode allows the BMW i8 to prove its efficiency. The accelerator, engine, heating and cooling systems are all adjusted to be as efficient as possible. Purely electrical driving is possible up to a speed of 60 km/h, In addition to this, the combustion engine is activated at high speeds or when the battery’s charge level falls under a specified minimum.
Comfort mode
Eco Pro mode
Sport Mode
As an alternative to the drive setting “D” for automatic driving, the driver can also use the gear lever to change gears in Sport Mode.
This mode also includes manual gear selection – via the gear shift or paddles on the steering wheel. Sport mode also activates vehicle settings especially suited to sporty driving.
The combustion engine and the electric motor unfold their driving torque with full dynamics, the accelerator’s characteristic line is programmed to react spontaneously and the driver gets the full impact of the electric motor’s boost function. To ensure there is always enough energy available, the Sport setting also affords maximum brake energy regeneration in the thrust and brake phases.
Don’t forget about the eDrive mode
Ultra silence, speeds up to 120 km/h
Pressing the eDrive button gives the car free rein to demonstrate it electrical performance. This button can be deployed in Comfort and Eco Pro modes. In Comfort mode with eDrive, the car drives without support from the combustion engine until the battery is almost exhausted. Purely electrical driving at speeds of up to 120 km/h is possible with eDrive. If the button isn’t pressed the combustion engine kicks in at 60 km/h.
eDrive button underneath
the Start / Stop button
BMW iDrive Screen
The non-touch 8.8″ BMW screen — the focal point of the iDrive navigation system — lets you see vehicle information, navigation directions, messages and more. The iDrive split screen options allow using navigation and music side-by-side, for extra convenience.
You control the screen using a dial to rotate through the interface and click to select; it’s flanked with shortcut buttons to major areas.
Cargo trunk space is limited
There’s not that much luggage space under the rear cover of the i8, so most owners will use the two small rear seats as extra luggage space (the rear seats don’t fold).
Boot Space
| i8 Coupe 2014-2017 | 4.7 cu-ft (133 liters) |
| i8 Coupe 2018-2020 | 5.4 cu-ft (154 liters) |
| i8 Roadster 2018-2020 | 3.1 cu-ft (88 liters) |
Interior Dimensions
| Passenger / Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Total Passenger Volume | 81 cubic feet |
| Front Head Room | 38.7 inches |
| Front Leg Room | 43.1 inches |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 inches |
| Second Row Head Room | 32.4 inches |
| Second Row Leg Room | 28.2 inches |
| Second Row Shoulder Room | 29.6 inches |
Audio and Communication
| 20GB Hard Disc Drive (HDD) memory |
| Access to BMW Connected+ for 12 months from vehicle production |
| Auxiliary input for auxiliary playing devices |
BMW ConnectedDrive Services, comprising: – BMW Apps interface |
| Real Time Traffic Information |
| Remote Services |
| BMW Professional radio without CD player |
| Control Display – 8.8″ high-resolution flat screen colour display |
| DAB digital radio |
| Enhanced Bluetooth telephone preparation with USB audio interface and Voice Control |
| Favourite buttons |
| Head-up Display |
| iDrive Touch Controller with shortcut buttons |
| Loudspeaker system – Harman / Kardon |
| Digital Sound Processing |
| Multi-functional Instrument panel |
| Navigation system – BMW Professional Multimedia |
| On-Board Computer (OBC), comprising: – Average speed – Clock – Fuel Consumption and range – Journey computer – Outside Temperature display |
| Personal Profile |
Base 2-door AWD Drive Coupe
INTERIOR STANDARD EQUIPMENT
| Front Heated Bucket Seats |
| 6-Way Power Driver Seat |
| 6-Way Power Passenger Seat |
| Bucket Front Facing Rear Seats |
| Manual Tilt / Telescoping Steering Column |
| Gauges (Speedometer, Odometer, Tachometer, Traction, Battery Level, Power/Regen, Trip Odometer and Trip Computer) |
| Fixed Rear Windows |
| BMW Online Full Service Internet Access |
| Sport Leather / Metal-Look Steering Wheel |
| Front Cupholder |
| Rear Cupholder |
| Proximity Key For Doors and Push Button Start |
| Interior Lock Disable |
| Valet Function |
| Power Fuel Flap Locking Type |
| Remote Keyless Entry w/integrated Key Transmitter, Illuminated Entry, Illuminated Ignition Switch and Panic Button |
| Remote Releases including Power Cargo Access |
| Garage Door Transmitter |
| Cruise Control w/ Steering Wheel Controls |
| Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning |
| HVAC Under Seat Ducts and Residual Heat Recirculation |
| Illuminated Locking Glove Box |
| Driver Foot Rest |
| Interior Trim (Metal-Look Instrument Panel Insert, Metal-Look Door Panel Insert, Metal-Look Console Insert and Metal-Look Interior Accents) |
| Full Cloth Headliner |
| Leather Door Trim Insert |
| Leather / Metal-Look Gear Shifter Material |
| Day-Night Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror |
| Driver and Passenger Visor Vanity Mirrors w/ Driver and Passenger Illumination |
| Full Floor Console w/ Covered Storage, Mini Overhead Console, Rear Console w/ Storage and 2 x 12V DC Power Outlets |
| Front Map Lights |
| Fade-to-Off Interior Lighting |
| Full Carpet Floor Covering (Carpet Front and Rear Floor Mats) |
| Carpet Floor Trim and Carpet Trunk Lid / Rear Cargo Door Trim |
| Cargo Area Concealed Storage |
| Cargo Net |
| Folding Cargo Cover |
| Cargo Features (Spare Tire Mobility Kit) |
| Cargo Space Lights |
| Fob Controls (Cargo Access and Windows) |
| Integrated Navigation System w/ Voice Activation |
| Tracker System |
| Smart Device Integration |
| Power 1st Row Windows w/ Driver and Passenger 1-Touch Up/Down Control |
| Delayed Accessory Power |
| Power Door Locks w/ Autolock Feature |
| Systems Monitor |
| Heads-Up Display on Windowshield |
| Redundant Digital Speedometer |
| Trip Computer |
| Outside Temp Gauge |
| Digital Appearance |
| Fixed Front Head Restraints |
| Front Center Armrest |
| 2 x Seatback Storage Pockets |
| Perimeter Alarm |
| Engine Immobilizer |
| Air Filtration |
ENTERTAINMENT
| Radio: Multicast FM Stereo w/HD (No AM Band) |
| Radio w/Seek-Scan, MP3 Player, Clock, Speed Compensated Volume Control, Aux Audio Input Jack, Steering Wheel Controls, Voice Activation, Radio Data System, External Memory Control and 20 Gb Internal Memory |
| SiriusXM Sat. Radio w/ 1 Year All Access Subscription |
| Harman / Kardon Premium Sound System |
| Enhanced USB & Bluetooth w/ Smartphone Integration |
| 11 Speakers |
| 360w Regular Amplifier |
| Automatic Equalizer |
| Audio Theft Deterrent |
| Digital Signal Processor |
| Window Grid Diversity Antenna |
| 2 x Front LCD Monitors |
| Real-Time Traffic Display |
| Radio: Multicast FM Stereo (Apple CarPlay Compatibility, 1 year trial) |
| Radio w/ Seek-Scan, MP3 Player, Clock, Speed Compensated Volume Control, Aux Audio Input Jack, Steering Wheel Controls, Voice Activation, Radio Data System, External Memory Control and 20 Gb Gracenote Internal Memory |
| 12 Speakers |
| 360w Regular Amplifier |
| Automatic Equalizer |
| Audio Theft Deterrent |
| Digital Signal Processor |
| Window Grid Diversity Antenna |
| Radio Control US |
| HD Radio |
| SiriusXM Sat. Radio w/1 Yr All Access Subscription |
| Harman / Kardon Premium Sound System |
| Enhanced USB & Bluetooth w/ Smartphone Integration |
| 2 x LCD Monitors In The Front |
| Real-Time Traffic Display |
SAFETY
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) |
| ABS and Driveline Traction Control |
| Side Impact Beams |
| Dual Stage Driver and Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags |
| BMW Assist eCall Emergency Sos |
| Front and Rear Parking Sensors |
| Forward Collision Mitigation and Rear Collision Warning |
| Aerial View Camera System |
| Collision Mitigation-Front |
| Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning |
| Dual Stage Driver and Passenger Front Airbags w/ Passenger Off Switch |
| Curtain 1st and 2nd Row Airbags |
| Airbag Occupancy Sensor |
| Driver and Passenger Knee Airbag |
| Outboard Front Lap and Shoulder Safety Belts (Pretensioners) |
| Back-Up Camera |
| Front Camera |
| Left Side Camera |
| Right Side Camera |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) |
| ABS and Driveline Traction Control |
| Side Impact Beams |
| Dual Stage Driver and Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags |
| BMW Assist eCall Emergency Sos |
| Park Distance Control Front and Rear Parking Sensors |
| Active Blind Spot Detection Blind Spot |
| Frontal Collision Warning w/ City Collision Mitigation and Cross-Traffic Alert Rear |
| Lane Departure Warning |
| Aerial View Camera System |
| Collision Mitigation – Front |
| Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning |
| Dual Stage Driver and Passenger Front Airbags w/ Passenger Off Switch |
| Curtain 1st and 2nd Row Airbags |
| Airbag Occupancy Sensor |
| Driver and Passenger Knee Airbag |
| Outboard Front Lap and Shoulder Safety Belts (Pretensioners) |
| Surround View Back-Up Camera |
| Surround View Front Camera |
| Surround View Left Side Camera |
| Surround View Right Side Camera |
Special Trim Packages
Ceramic Controls, Black Brake Calipers, Headliner In Anthracite, Tera Copper Leather & Cloth Accent, Leather Engine Cover
Ceramic Controls, Black Brake Calipers, Headliner In Anthracite, BMWi Blue Seatbelt Strap, Tera Leather & Cloth Accent, Leather Engine Cover
Standard Interior Materials (Varies by Year)
- Giga Amido, Full Perforated Leather Upholstery
- Giga Ivory White, Full Perforated Leather Upholstery
- Mega Carum Spice Gray, Leather/Cloth Upholstery
- Pure Impulse Carum Spice, Full Perforated Leather Upholstery
- Tera Excl Dalbergia Brown, Natural Leather/Cloth Upholstery
Base 2-door AWD Drive Roadster
INTERIOR STANDARD EQUIPMENT
| Heated Front Seats |
| 6-Way Driver Seat |
| 6-Way Passenger Seat |
| Manual Tilt / Telescoping Steering Column |
| Gauges (Speedometer, Odometer, Tachometer, Traction Battery Level, Power / Regen, Trip Odometer and Trip Computer) |
| BMW Online Selective Service Internet Access |
| Electric Seat Adjustment |
| Sport Leather / Metal-Look Steering Wheel |
| Front Cupholder |
| Rear Cupholder |
| Proximity Key For Doors and Push Button Start |
| Interior Lock Disable |
| Valet Function |
| Power Fuel Flap Locking Type |
| Remote Keyless Entry w/ Integrated Key Transmitter, Illuminated Entry, Illuminated Ignition Switch and Panic Button |
| Remote Releases (Power Cargo Access) |
| Garage Door Transmitter |
| Cruise Control w/ Steering Wheel Controls |
| Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning |
| HVAC (Residual Heat Recirculation) |
| Illuminated Locking Glove Box |
| Driver Foot Rest |
| Interior Trim (Carbon Fiber / Leather Instrument Panel Insert, Carbon Fiber Door Panel Insert, Carbon Fiber Console Insert, Metal-Look Interior Accents and Leather Upholstered Dashboard) |
| Full Cloth Headliner |
| Leather Door Trim Insert |
| Leather / Metal-Look Gear Shifter Material |
| Full Perforated Leather Upholstery |
| Day-Night Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror |
| Driver and Passenger Visor Vanity Mirrors w/ Driver And Passenger Illumination |
| Full Floor Console w/Covered Storage, Mini Overhead Console, Rear Console w/Storage and 2 x 12V DC Power Outlets |
| Front Map Lights |
| Fade-To-Off Interior Lighting |
| Full Carpet Floor Covering (Carpet Front and Rear Floor Mats) |
| Carpet Floor Trim and Carpet Trunk Lid / Rear Cargo Door Trim |
| Cargo Net |
| Cargo Features (Spare Tire Mobility Kit) |
| Cargo Space Lights |
| FOB Controls (Cargo Access and Windows) |
| Tracker System |
| Smart Device Integration |
| Navigation System |
| Power 1st Row Windows w/ Driver and Passenger 1-Touch Up/Down |
| Delayed Accessory Power |
| Power Door Locks w/ Autolock Feature |
| Systems Monitor |
| Heads-Up Display |
| Redundant Digital Speedometer |
| Trip Computer |
| Outside Temp Gauge |
| Digital Appearance |
| Fixed Front Head Restraints |
| Front Center Armrest |
| Seats w/ Leatherette Back Material |
| Perimeter Alarm |
| Engine Immobilizer |
| 2 x 12V DC Power Outlets |
| Air Filtration |
ENTERTAINMENT
| Radio: Multicast FM Stereo (No AM Band, Apple CarPlay Compatibility, 1 year trial) |
| Radio w/ Seek-Scan, MP3 Player, Clock, Speed Compensated Volume Control, Aux Audio Input Jack, Steering Wheel Controls, Voice Activation, Radio Data System, External Memory Control and 20 Gb Gracenote Internal Memory |
| 360w Regular Amplifier |
| Automatic Equalizer |
| Audio Theft Deterrent |
| Digital Signal Processor |
| Window Grid Diversity Antenna |
| Radio Control US |
| HD Radio |
| SiriusXM Sat. Radio w/1 Yr All Access Subscription |
| Harman / Kardon Premium Sound System |
| Enhanced USB and Bluetooth w/ Smartphone Integration |
| 11 Speakers |
| 2 x Front LCD Monitors |
| Real-Time Traffic Display |
SAFETY
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) |
| ABS and Driveline Traction Control |
| Side Impact Beams |
| Dual Stage Driver and Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags |
| BMW Assist eCall Emergency Sos |
| Park Distance Control Front and Rear Parking Sensors |
| Active Blind Spot Detection Blind Spot |
| Frontal Collision Warning w/ City Collision Mitigation and Cross-Traffic Alert Rear |
| Lane Departure Warning |
| Aerial View Camera System |
| Collision Mitigation – Front |
| Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning |
| Dual Stage Driver and Passenger Front Airbags w/ Passenger Off Switch |
| Airbag Occupancy Sensor |
| Driver and Passenger Knee Airbag |
| Outboard Front Lap and Shoulder Safety Belts (Pretensioners) |
| Surround View Back-Up Camera |
| Surround View Front Camera |
| Surround View Left Side Camera |
| Surround View Right Side Camera |
Special Trim Packages
Ceramic Controls, Black Brake Calipers, Tera Copper Leather & Cloth Accent
Ceramic Controls, Black Brake Calipers, BMWi Blue Seatbelt Strap, Tera Leather & Cloth Accent
Standard Interior Materials (Varies by Year)
- E-Copper Exclusive, Natural Leather/Cloth Upholstery
- Giga Amido, Full Perforated Leather Upholstery
- Giga Ivory White/Black, Full Perforated Leather Upholstery
- Tera Excl Dalbergia Brown, Natural Leather/Cloth Upholstery
A brilliant site long overdue with every conceivable detail.