[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/bmw-i8-convertible-reviews\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/bmw-i8-convertible-reviews\/","headline":"BMW i8 Convertible reviews","name":"BMW i8 Convertible reviews","description":"The BMW i8\u2019s powertrain is very similar for the droptop, which means it combines the efforts of a 228bhp 1.5-litre three-pot turbo petrol engine with electric motors. However, these motors have been upgraded to account for the extra weight, receiving the equivalent of a 12bhp upgrade to produce 141bhp. Even after this, the convertible BMW i8 suffers a slight pace penalty with the 4.4-second 0-62mph sprint of the coupe stretched to 4.6 seconds here. Top speed is electronically limited to […]","datePublished":"2018-05-10","dateModified":"2018-12-05","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/BMW-i8-Convertible-front-side-3-FEATURE.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/BMW-i8-Convertible-front-side-3-FEATURE.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/bmw-i8-convertible-reviews\/","about":["BMW","ELECTRIC CARS","HYBRID","HYBRID SUPERCAR","LATEST CAR NEWS","SUPERCARS"],"wordCount":416,"keywords":["bmw","BMW i8","electric cars"],"articleBody":"The BMW i8\u2019s powertrain is very similar for the droptop, which means it combines the efforts of a 228bhp 1.5-litre three-pot turbo petrol engine with electric motors.However, these motors have been upgraded to account for the extra weight, receiving the equivalent of a 12bhp upgrade to produce 141bhp. Even after this, the convertible BMW i8 suffers a slight pace penalty with the 4.4-second 0-62mph sprint of the coupe stretched to 4.6 seconds here. Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph as before.Regardless, Autocar\u2019s Greg Kable remained impressed, writing \u2018don\u2019t let anyone tell you the i8 roadster is lacking speed\u2019.For \u00a3124,735, you could easily buy a quicker car, he admitted. However, none of them would combine electric and petrol power to achieve such \u2018brutish four-wheel drive accelerative qualities off the line and great long distance touring traits on the open road\u2019.The Autocar tester also liked the i8 droptop\u2019s \u2018excellent flexibility across a broad range\u2019 and \u2018stirring engine note\u2019. Writing for the Sunday Times\u2019 Driving section, Mat Watson agreed that the topless i8\u2019s rivals (Porsche 911, Audi R8) were faster, but perhaps didn\u2019t boast such involved handling.He liked how it felt every bit as sharp as the standard i8, \u2018devouring twisty roads with a hunger that belies its large size and blasts away any negative preconceptions of hybrid power\u2019.Mat added that the roadster cruises relatively comfortably without too much buffeting, while the fabric roof minimises wind noise at motorway speeds.LooksIf you were fond of the i8\u2019s styling before, then there\u2019s no reason why that should change with the roof packed away.According to Autocar, losing the lid only enhances the visually powerful i8\u2019s futuristic lines, especially so around the back, where you\u2019ll find two large buttresses replacing the coupe\u2019s liftback-style tailgate.Auto Express agreed, saying the i8 worked \u2018remarkably well as a piece of design\u2019 and was even more visually striking than its coupe counterpart from every angle with the roof down.\u00a0Find out more on the i8 Convertible.RatingsPretty much every media outlet we found awarded the i8 Convertible four stars. That includes Auto Express, Autocar, Sunday Times: Driving, WhatCar? and Evo. Only Carbuyer broke ranks with its 3.6 rating.Worth it?It seems so. Of course, we\u2019ve only skimmed the surface of this remarkable roadster, but the general consensus is that it\u2019s \u00a3124k well spent.But what do you think? Tell us down there in the comments. "},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"BMW i8 Convertible reviews","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/bmw-i8-convertible-reviews\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]