Icon of a new era. 

Singapore. BMW Asia and Performance Motors today launched the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster, a car that takes the BMW i8’s combination of locally emission-free mobility and high-calibre performance and sprinkles the drop-top driving experience into the mix. The first-ever BMW i8 Roadster exudes a whole new sensation of freedom, opening the door to virtually silent motoring with zero CO2 emissions and bringing an extra edge of purity to open-air motoring.

The BMW i8 has performed the role of sports car of the future with extraordinary success since the day it was launched. The progressively designed 2+2-seater doubles up as an eye-catching object of desire and a technological pioneer. Indeed, the i8 has been the world’s highest-selling hybrid sports car since it first hit the roads in 2014 and has collected an array of awards in recognition of its visionary design and trailblazing vehicle concept. The BMW i8’s plug-in hybrid drive system has won the International Engine of the Year Award three years in succession (2015 – 2017) and paved the way for the constantly expanding number of plug-in hybrid models from the BMW and MINI brands. Now the allure of sustainable driving pleasure is poised to enter another new dimension.

The first-ever BMW i8 Roadster is based on the LifeDrive vehicle architecture designed for BMW i cars. The aluminium Drive module brings together the powertrain, high-voltage battery, suspension, crash system and structural functions, while the Life module takes the form of a passenger cell hewn from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).

The first-ever BMW i8 Roadster also benefits from a low-weight construction, complete with low centre of gravity and even weight distribution. The aerodynamically optimised exterior – with model-specific gullwing doors and a soft-top roof that also displays great visual lightness – is a fine exponent of the signature BMW i design language. The result is a two-seater boasting a Page 2 of 14 distinctive and elegantly stretched silhouette, and delivering an immediate promise of instantaneous power ready to be unleashed.

Passengers inside the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster will look up to find either the open sky or a high-quality, all-season fabric soft-top with additional soundproofing. All-electric operation ensures the roof opens or closes in an almost silent hush, within 15 seconds and while travelling at up to 50 km/h, if required. The broad, wide-opening lid guarantees an emotionally-engaging driving experience shaped in no small part by the sun and on-rushing air.

The first-ever BMW i8 Roadster is alone among its rivals in offering owners a fabric soft-top which stows away into a perpendicular position in the rear when opened and therefore takes up very little space. The three segments of the roof fold vertically in a Z. And between the roof box and the seats for the driver and front passenger is around 100 litres of additional storage space. Together with the load area in the rear, which can accommodate 88 litres of cargo, the rear compartment helps to ensure the open-top version of the plug-in hybrid sports car is also as well equipped as possible for everyday use and trips away.

Opening the roof raises the rear window automatically by around 30 millimetres into a comfort position. This allows it to mimic the effect of a conventional draught stop in reducing air turbulence inside the cabin and ensuring those on board can enjoy the pleasure of open-top driving pleasure in comfort. The driver can adjust the height of the rear window at the touch of a button and thus control the impact of the inflowing air as desired.

Intelligent lightweight design and innovative production technology also play a key role in the construction of the soft-top. For example, aluminium elements connecting the roof mechanism with the body of the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster are produced in a new 3D printing process. This manufacturing method for aluminium components breaks new ground in the automotive industry and allows the topologically optimised bracings to be produced in a geometric form, which would not be possible using conventional casting techniques and ensures an optimum balance between component rigidity and weight.

Rigorously further developed BMW eDrive technology powers the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster. The number of driving situations where the electric motor is solely responsible for powering the car has been significantly increased. By contrast, the combustion engine is only brought into play when accelerating hard, and is switched off again far more frequently with a measured driving style. The optimised operating strategy of the intelligent energy management underscores the future-focused character of the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster and enables drivers to enjoy silent open-top motoring with zero local emissions to the full.

Underpinning this new level of locally emission-free electric mobility is the updated version of the lithium-ion battery developed for the BMW i8. The high-voltage unit is located centrally in the car’s underbody and its cell capacity is up from 20 to 34 Ah. All of which means the electric motor has more energy at its disposal. Plus, the cell configuration allows a 9 kW/12 hp increase in peak output to 105 kW/143 hp, lacing quick sprints on pure-electric power with an even sharper streak of dynamism.

The electric range of the i8 has also been increased. The first-ever BMW i8 Roadster can now cover up to 53 kilometres with zero local emissions in the NEDC test cycle. And that broadens the reach of all-electric mobility well beyond the city limits.

The BMW i8 is the world’s first sports car to be developed from the outset primarily under the banner of sustainability. Groundbreaking lightweight design, systematic improvement of aerodynamics and advanced plug-in hybrid technology form the mainstays of a trailblazing concept that completed its journey to reality with the car’s launch in 2014. The framework for the concept’s implementation was provided by the brand new LifeDrive vehicle architecture for BMW i models, whose horizontally split structure comprising an aluminium chassis and a CFRP passenger cell offers an exceptional degree of design freedom. The first-ever BMW i8 Roadster translates the unmistakable BMW i design language to another vehicle concept, fusing the dynamic proportions of the i8 with signature roadster features to give it a character all of its own.

Their proportions, lines and surface design mark out the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster as belonging to a new breed of sports car. A flat bonnet, visible aerodynamics measures, short overhangs, a Page 4 of 14 long wheelbase, large track widths and an elongated roofline create an aura of dynamism, lightness and efficiency. The first-ever BMW i8 Roadster exudes the freedom of open-top motoring for two.

The design of the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster is awash with individual highlights that radiate elegance and fire the emotions. The soft-top roof has a visual lightness to go with its low physical weight and serves as a defining element of the silhouette in reinforcing the road-hugging impression made by the car’s low centre of gravity. The body’s dynamic wedge shape can also be best appreciated when viewing the two-seater in profile.

When opened, the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster’s broad roof retracts fully into the rear end, lending greater emphasis still to the car’s low-slung silhouette. The CFRP passenger cell’s robust structure means the soft-top could be designed with generous width and so create an amply sized window to the sky. The rear window extends into a comfort position as the roof folds away and can serve as a draught stop in any setting.

The C-pillars of the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster are emblazoned with beautifully made model-specific badges bearing the inscription “Roadster”. A similar logo can be found on the tail of the sporty two-seater.

The design cues of the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster include the gullwing doors that open forwards and upwards as well as optimised aerodynamics. The low bonnet, almost totally blanked off BMW kidney grille, air flap control system, Air Curtains in the front apron, sealed underbody, contoured side skirts, “stream flow” lines of the car’s flanks, and air ducts between the rear lights and roof frame allow the air to be channelled extremely effectively as it hits the car. The flow of cooling air at the front has now been rerouted. Instead of rushing out through the outlet in the bonnet, the air escapes at the sides of the car near the wheel arches and into the underbody. This ensures a pleasant cabin temperature is maintained at all times, especially when travelling in the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster with the roof down.

E-Copper metallic and Donington Grey metallic have been added to the choice of exterior paint finishes available for the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster. Both are combined with accents in Frozen Grey metallic.

The first-ever BMW i8 Roadster is equipped as standard with exclusive 20-inch light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design with mixed-size tyres. Intelligent lightweight design also make an impact here, with each wheel weighing around one kilogram less than the lightest wheels previously available for the BMW i8.

The progressive style of the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster also shines through clearly in its interior design. Standard specification for both models includes a sports steering wheel and multifunctional instrument display. New to the appointments portfolio for the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster is the Accaro interior trim that features a high-end cloth/leather upholstery in an Amido/E-Copper colour scheme (also new).

With its intoxicating blend of advanced BMW eDrive technology, a compact, heavily turbocharged combustion engine, sophisticated chassis technology, hybrid-specific all-wheel drive and rigorously applied lightweight design measures, the BMW i8 has come to epitomise the future of driving pleasure. Since its market debut in 2014, it has established itself as the world’s highest-selling plug-in hybrid sports car. It succeeds in melding sports car performance qualities with the sort of fuel economy and emissions usually associated with compact models. The LifeDrive architecture, meanwhile, ensures a perfect distribution of weight.

The first-ever BMW i8 Roadster is powered by a drive duo in the form of a hybrid synchronous electric motor and a three-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The engine’s power is channelled to the rear wheels through a six-speed Steptronic transmission, while the electric motor propels the front wheels via a two-speed automatic gearbox. The end result is a hybrid-specific all-wheel-drive system that glues the car to the road.

The constant process of development has enhanced the performance capabilities offered by BMW’s eDrive technology. The energy capacity of the latest version of the model-specific lithium-ion battery is far greater, battery cell capacity having increased from 20 to 34 ampere hours (Ah) and gross energy capacity from 7.1 to 11.6 kilowatt hours (kWh, net energy capacity: 9.4 kWh). This advance is rooted primarily in advances made to the battery cell technology, which in turn stem from the BMW Group’s ever-increasing expertise in the field of electrical energy storage.

These extra energy reserves have made it possible to raise the electric motor’s peak output by 9 kW/12 hp to 105 kW/143 hp. In typical electric motor fashion, it generates its maximum torque of 250 Nm from rest, which means it is ideally equipped to deliver razor-sharp responses to the slightest movement of the accelerator. The electric motor developed by the BMW Group also stands out with its consistent power delivery up to very high revs.

The battery cells’ higher capacity means that the proportion of all-electric driving can be increased substantially, even in hybrid mode. With the default driving mode engaged, the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster is capable of pulling away and reaching speeds of up to 105 km/h purely on the electric motor’s power, making it possible to drive with zero local emissions not just in town, but on country roads as well. And if the eDrive button is pressed, the all-electric threshold is increased further to 120 km/h.

The new high-voltage battery benefits the electric range of the plug-in hybrid sports car too. In the EU test cycle, the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster achieves a maximum range of 53 kilometres.

The i8’s combustion engine has also undergone further optimisation to ready it for the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster. The turbocharged three-cylinder unit featuring direct injection and VALVETRONIC variable valve timing extracts a maximum output of 170 kW/231 hp from its displacement of just 1.5 litres, plus peak torque of 320 Nm. It is pleasantly refined and generates a distinctive soundtrack that now has an even sportier note when its power reserves are called upon. The engine also runs more cleanly, as it now comes equipped with a particulate filter as standard that effectively absorbs all the particulate matter contained in the exhaust gases.

The system output produced by the electric motor and engine acting in unison has increased to 275 kW/374 hp in the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

In hybrid mode, the electric motor provides a power boost to assist the engine when vigorous acceleration is required. The electric motor is also able to recuperate energy and feed it to the high-voltage battery on the overrun and under braking. The petrol engine’s high-voltage starter-generator can similarly generate additional reserves of electricity, thereby ensuring that sufficient energy is on tap at all times for the electric drive system in the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster.

This blend of dynamism and efficiency is further honed by the intelligent energy management’s proactive function. When the navigation system’s route guidance function is activated, the energy management ensures the electric motor is employed as extensively and as wisely as possible from an efficiency point of view. The system analyses the route in full and prompts the powertrain management to run on purely electric power, particularly over low-speed sections of the journey.

The high-end chassis technology in the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster is based on a double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle, whose aluminium components have been engineered for optimum weight and rigidity using specific design techniques and production processes. Also standard is Dynamic Damper Control. The bespoke tuning of the suspension and damping systems, the specially configured steering characteristics, a firmer roll stabilisation set-up and precise tweaks of the DSC parameters together ensure the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster boasts all of the plug-in hybrid sports car’s hallmark handling and performance qualities.

The approach of making systematic use of lightweight design measures has been meticulously adapted to the specific requirements of the Roadster model. The open-top two-seater comes with newly designed frameless gullwing doors made from CFRP with an aluminium outer shell, while the windscreen frame is made entirely from CFRP. This ultra-strong high-tech material is ideally equipped to provide exceptional rigidity, maximising the car’s occupant protection even if it rolls over. CFRP is also used to manufacture the side skirts with their extra-large cross-section. The skirts are a further contributory factor in the body’s stiffness, as are the additional panels in Page 8 of 14 the rear suspension and the specially designed struts for the front and rear axle. Thanks to the high-strength CFRP body, the chassis and body elements of the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster result in an extremely small weight gain when compared to other open-top models. The unladen weight of the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster stands at 1,595 kilograms.

Both the display and control concept and the equipment of the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster serve to enhance its exhilarating sports car feel and the intense hybrid driving experience. As well as its multifunction buttons, the leather sports steering wheel also comes with shift paddles for changing gear manually.

Drivers will find an eDrive button in the centre console alongside the Driving Experience Control switch to allow them to adapt not just the vehicle’s set-up but also the drive system’s operating strategy. This provides a total of five driving modes to choose from: hybrid drive with COMFORT, SPORT or ECO PRO settings and all-electric driving in COMFORT or ECO PRO mode. If the eDrive button is pressed in either COMFORT mode – which strikes an even balance between sporty and efficient characteristics – or ECO PRO mode (designed for particularly fuel-efficient driving), power is provided by the electric motor alone up to a speed of 120 km/h. The combustion engine will only cut in automatically if the battery’s energy reserves are nearly fully depleted or the driver summons full power via kickdown.

It is in SPORT mode that the intelligently controlled interaction between electric motor and combustion engine can be experienced at its most intense. Both power units deliver extra-sharp performance, accelerator response is faster and the power boost from the electric motor is maximised. And to keep the battery topped up, SPORT mode also activates maximum energy recuperation on the overrun and under braking. The intelligent energy management’s mode of operation can be visualised by calling up the energy flow graphic in the Control Display via the iDrive menu.

The instrument cluster takes the form of a fully digital multifunctional instrument display, which shows the car’s speed and driving status information in a format and colour scheme selected to suit the driving mode engaged. Traditional, orange-coloured circular dials appear in SPORT mode, Page 9 of 14 in COMFORT mode, a blue “power meter” display keeps the driver up to speed on what the electric motor is up to, and ECO PRO mode supplements this with an efficiency gauge.

The Navigation system Professional, also included as standard, is controlled using the iDrive operating system, comprising both a Touch Controller on the centre console and an 8.8-inch freestanding Control Display screen. The main menu is now presented on the screen in the form of horizontally arranged tiles with a live mode. The audio system features a seven-channel amplifier as well as a USB port and a Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system.

When it comes to driver assistance systems, the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster is equipped as standard with a cruise control system with braking function as well as the Driving Assistant including Surround View. The latter system comprises of Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear, High Beam Assistant, Speed Limit Info, and the Side View and Top View functions. There is also a model-specific BMW Head-Up Display. When the driver is shifting gears manually in SPORT mode, this switches to a sport display that adds an rpm readout, gear indicator and Optimum Shift Indicator.

The BMW i8 was the world’s first production vehicle to be equipped with pioneering laser headlights. The non-dazzling BMW Laserlight with BMW Selective Beam achieves a remarkable high-beam range of 600 metres, double that of the full-LED headlights fitted as standard on the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster, which are themselves exceptionally powerful.

The enthralling driving experience offered by a plug-in hybrid sports car is further enriched by the digital services offered by BMW Connected and ConnectedDrive. Intelligent connectivity between vehicle, driver and the outside world paves the way for remarkably efficient mobility, increases comfort, expands the infotainment offering and helps with individual mobility planning.

BMW Connected is a personal mobility assistant that interfaces the vehicle with the customer’s selected touchpoints, such as a smartphone or smartwatch, via the flexible Open Mobility Cloud platform. This turns the personal mobility assistant into a seamlessly integrated component of the Page 10 of 14 driver’s digital life, available anytime and anywhere. The first-ever BMW i8 Roadster also benefit from the latest BMW Connected and BMW Connected+ digital services. These include intelligent route planning, complete with refuelling stops at a charging station or filling station (Send my Routes to Car), sharing of the current trip status by text message and live link (Share Live Trip Status), personalised display of the relevant in-vehicle information (BMW Onboard), seamless transfer of route guidance to a smartphone or smartwatch once the car has been parked (Navigate Door-to-Door).

ConnectedDrive Services are also included as standard, providing access to functions such as BMW Online, Remote Services and Real Time Traffic Information, as well as the Concierge Services. The car’s built-in SIM card also allows drivers to use the BMW Teleservices and Intelligent Emergency Call with automatic locating and accident severity detection.

The standard BMW Display Key provides the driver with a handy way of accessing important vehicle status information at any time. Not only can the fuel level, battery charge, range and service information all be viewed on its 2.2-inch touchscreen display, the BMW Display Key can also be used to operate the door locks and power windows. Meanwhile, the BMW Connected personal mobility assistant also allows the most important vehicle information – such as the remaining range and battery charge – to be accessed on the customer’s digital touchpoints (e.g. their smartphone or smartwatch).

BMW i represents an all-embracing concept for sustainable and forward-looking mobility and has bundled together an extensive ecosystem of solutions for electric driving under the umbrella of 360° ELECTRIC. These products and services are designed to help make electric mobility in the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster a convenient and practical experience every day. It is supplied with a mode 2 charging cable as standard, enabling the high-voltage battery fitted in the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster to be recharged from a standard domestic socket in under four-and-a-half hours. The new mode 3 cable can also be used to hook up the car to a public charging point for high-power charging.

The BMW i Wallbox Plus makes home charging particularly easy and convenient. The latest version of the Wallbox allows the high-voltage battery to be recharged at a rate of up to 3.7 kW, meaning that charging can be completed in under three hours. There is additionally a facility for controlling the charging process from a smartphone via BMW Connected and for managing usage with an access card. Drivers have to register just once to gain universal access to Singapore’s largest network of public charging stations via the ChargeNow card, which currently opens up an array of 40 public charging stations across 39 locations island wide.

The first-ever BMW i8 Roadster is now available for viewing at the Performance Motors showroom. 

Additional information enclosed: 

1. The first-ever BMW i8 Roadster price. 

2. The first-ever BMW i8 Roadster specifications.

Tel: (+65) 6319 0268

In 2017, the BMW Group sold over 2,463,500 passenger vehicles and more than 164,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2016 was approximately € 9.67 billion on revenues amounting to € 94.16 billion. As of 31 December 2016, the BMW Group had a workforce of 124,729 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

Google+: http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com

2002 - In an industry first, PML initiated a customer lifestyle and rewards programme which evolved into the ‘BMW 7 Series Privileges Programme Plus’ – a distinctive lifestyle and rewards programme that is exclusively available to owners of new BMW 7 Series in Singapore. Exclusive premium experiences covering golfing, driver training, chauffeur services and lifestyle have been specially designed with the discerning taste of the BMW 7 Series customers in mind.

2003, 2004 - PML received awards from BMW Asia in recognition of the BMW 7 Series’ segment leadership. 2005 – PML sales powered to the top of the Singapore luxury car market. PML added to its collection of BMW awards the Best Sales performance in the Asian region. PML sales established BMW as the leading premium car brand in Singapore.

2006, 2007– PML claimed market leadership among premium car brands in Singapore for three consecutive years. The flagship BMW 7 Series limousines used to transport world leaders during the 2006 World Bank meetings and all key government events was once again reaffirmed as the choice for leaders as the official car for various high-profile events such as Barclays Singapore Open, the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings and the Singapore Airshow.

2008 - PML opened the new Sime Darby Performance Centre, the benchmark BMW Sales and Aftersales facility in Asia in September. The two existing premises at the Sime Darby Centre and in East Coast Centre continue to serve BMW customers and strengthen PML’s service excellence in conjunction with this new Performance Centre at 303 Alexandra Road.

2009 - BMW continued to be the limousine of choice for the APEC meetings. PML was honoured as one of the Top 3 entries in the Conquest BMW 7 series of BMW Excellence in Sales 2009 categories, the international competition for outstanding sales performance.

2010 – PML broke the 4,000 unit sales record and set a new milestone in its retail history with a remarkable achievement of being the Top Luxury Car Brand in Singapore. PML reopened its refurbished Aftersales facility in East Coast Centre (ECC) at 280 Kampong Arang Road.

2011 - PML became the first ever luxury car brand and dealer to surpass the competition, in a highly competitive car market that has traditionally been dominated by volume driven marques. This is the first ever situation anywhere in the world where BMW is the leading car brand.

2012 – PML continued its trailblazing success and retained pole position as the Number One car brand in Singapore for a second consecutive year. PML’s Motorrad division proudly recorded a year-on-year increase in sales of 50%. BMW continued to be the official limousine brand for the Barclays Singapore Open for the sixth consecutive year.

2013 - BMW was appointed the official limousine brand of the 2013 International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference. Performance Motors sponsored a fleet of 220 units of BMW 5 and 7 Series for the high-profile conference dedicated to maritime defence. BMW Motorrad achieved remarkable growth to become the top selling luxury bike brand in Singapore for the second consecutive year.

2014 – PML announced the official inauguration of a new BMW facility at 315 Alexandra Road, which integrated a new BMW Motorrad showroom and an Aftersales facility dedicated to BMW Fast Lane services. BMW fleets continued to be the choice limousines for the Singapore Airshow 2014, BNP Paribas WTA Finals 2014 and Louis Vuitton High Jewellery event.

2015 - BMW was the preferred limousine brand to chauffeur delegates for the World Engineers Summit 2015 and the Asia Pacific Homeland Security 2015. PML also welcomed the launch of BMW ConnectedDrive, as well as, the all-new BMW 7 Series.

2016 - PML recorded an all-time high for new car registrations and was named the Best Dealer in Sales at BMW Group’s Excellence in Sales Awards 2016. PML also launched the Future Retail concept at the newly renovated BMW showroom at Sime Darby Performance Centre, which sets new standards in the automotive industry through the use of innovative digital tools and engaging retail environment. As a leading luxury car brand in Singapore, BMW remained the preferred limousine brand for the Singapore Airshow 2016, SMBC Singapore Open 2016 and Louis Vuitton High Jewellery Event 2016. BMW was also proudly designated as the limousine brand of choice for the Singapore Beach Polo Championship 2016, Singapore International Water Week 2016 and National Gallery Singapore Gala 2016.

2017 - PML continued to trailblaze and achieved yet another sterling record of high performance in a second consecutive year. The introduction of five new BMW iPerformance models and an updated BMW i model saw PML cementing its position as the industry leader for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) in Singapore. BMW was appointed the official car brand for numerous prestigious and high profile events including ASEAN Tourism Forum 2017, SMBC Singapore Open 2017, Singapore Yacht Show 2017, IMDEX Asia 2017, Miss Universe Singapore 2017 and Singapore International Energy Week 2017.