Green Machine Breathe Easy- The Eco-Friendly BMW i8 Is Here

BMW calls its i8 the world’s “most progressive sports car.” It’s not hot air. The i8 is the company’s first plug-in hybrid—a car that uses both electric power and a combustion engine to drive performance. It works like this: The 131 horsepower electric drive is located on the front axle. The rear axle is driven by a 231 hp BMW TwinPower Turbo 1.5-liter, three-cylinder petrol engine. At start up and low speeds, the car utilizes electric power. Hit the gas and the combustion engine kicks in, satisfying growl and all.

But the kicker is the fuel consumption for a ride this sexy. BMW estimates the i8 can achieve 41 miles to the gallon. She can also hit a top speed of 154 mph and do zero to 60 in 4.5 seconds. Don’t try that in your Prius.

 

bmwusa.com; $136,625