Granted, a 0 to 130km/h (equal to 0-81mph) sprint is not indicative of the performance of a higher-end sports car, but in the case of the new $135,700 (plus delivery) BMW i8 plug-in hybrid, it does give us a first idea of what it sounds like – and this, is an equally important factor for most drivers.

While other performance BMWs employ turbocharged six and V8 engines, the 4.7-meter-long and relatively light at 1,490kg or 3,285 lbs i8 gets a tiny turbo’d 1.5-liter three-cylinder unit that cranks out 231PS (228hp) driving the rear wheels and a 131PS (129hp) electric motor for the front axle, with the two units producing a combined  362PS (357hp) for a 0-100km/h (62mph) time of 4.4 seconds.

Sound could be an issue in theory, but this video of an i8 accelerating from standstill to 130km/h from Bimmerpost, suggests otherwise, with the i8 producing a satisfactory tune more akin to a V8, and all this, with the standard Active Sound Design (ASD) systems for both the exterior and interior, deactivated, according to the poster, nicknamed Dackelone , who also mentioned:

“Our video shows the i8’s gauge graphics as the car accelerates in Sport Mode, as well as providing a listen at the i8’s raw mechanical sounds as it accelerates. While the production i8 will be equipped with Active Sound Design (enhanced interior sound technology), this particular car we’re hearing has its Active Sound Design (ASD) disabled for testing purposes. ASD will not be able to be turned off by the driver in the production model (though BIMMERPOST members have foundworkarounds on other BMW models). ASD will sound different depending on the selected driving mode(s) – Sport, Comfort, Eco Pro.”

“Another interesting feature we’ve learned is about the i8’s exterior sound. The i8 will also feature Active Sound Design on the outside(as well as the inside of the cabin). The left exhaust pipe(dummy) is an external speaker used for the exterior sound projection while the right side is for regular (engine)emissions. Also the exterior ASD cannot be disabled.

Hear the sounds of the i8 for yourself in the video below, and then hit the comments to voice your thoughts.

By John Halas

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