The Very Last BMW i8 Rolled Off The Production Line

Production of the BMW i8 has ended after six years, during which 20,500 units of the electrified sports car were made.

The final example, an i8 Roadster finished in Portimao Blue, which was shipped to a customer in Germany, rolled off the assembly line at the Leipzig plant last week and was celebrated accordingly. This was one of 18 vehicles highly customized at the factory, boasting personal colors and trims.

Final BMW i8

“The BMW i8 is a unique vehicle that was manufactured by unique employees. The experience gained here at the Leipzig plant ensures that the BMW Group has lightweight construction expertize that is unique in the automotive industry”, said plant manager Hans-Peter Kemser. “The BMW i8 is an integral part of Leipzig. It is a brand ambassador for the BMW Group and for our plant.”

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It wasn’t the fastest or best looking Bimmer, but the i8 did play an important role for the German automaker, paving the road for other electrified BMWs that followed it. The car is built on an aluminum chassis with a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell, which compensates for the added weight of the battery. It has a combined output of 369 HP and 420 lb-ft (570 Nm) of torque and was available from $150,000. Even a decent used example will set you back in the region of $65-70K.

BMW Vision M Next Concept

Sending off the i8 won’t leave BMW without an electrified sports car for long, as they’re reportedly working on its successor. The model was previewed by the Vision M Next Concept and should boast M1-inspired looks, as well as a turbo-four and either one or two electric motors, for a total output of around 600 HP. The electric driving range is expected to improve from the i8’s 18 miles (29 km) to at least 60 miles (96 km). Pricing will still be steep, with a rumored MSRP of around $160K when it arrives in 2023.