What's all this about?
BMW has injected some colour into the i8 range. Now, we love the look of the i8 and it comes in some funky exterior combinations that make it look really futuristic and obviously part-electric; Tron always springs to mind when we think of the black-and-blue examples. However, if you're an extrovert who has always wanted to show off the car's lines to best effect, BMW UK has answered your prayers.
In what way?
It is offering a wider range of exterior paint finishes for the i8 through the Individual collection. If you want one of these shades, it'll cost you £5,495. Not cheap, then, but perhaps peanuts to the sort of people who can afford an i8 in the first place.
What colours are on offer?
There's a large choice through Individual, but some of the names listed include Twilight Purple Pearl, Frozen Grey (that's the super-cool, silvery-looking matte-finish i8 in the main picture, front and left), Frozen Black (another matte-finish), San Marino Blue and Grigio Telesto Pearl. However, take a look at the bright Solar Orange, Java Green and Speed Yellow models in the images - they look absolutely superb, especially the yellow car that is wearing the black W-spoke wheels that are also introduced as part of the Individual programme. Magnificent.
Why is BMW doing this?
It recently launched a limited edition Protonic Red car, which - as limited editions go - was literally just the paint job. However, orders for that car were strong and so BMW felt it wise to widen the palette. Incidentally, these new i8 hues are exclusive to the UK; no other market is offering them, as yet.
Do you get any more power or frugality?
Nope, the i8's 362hp/570Nm four-wheel drive hardware remains, powering the BMW from 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 155mph, while also returning figures of 134.5mpg and 49g/km CO2 in the process. The best of all worlds.
Will this increase sales?
It's hard to say, although as BMW has shifted more than 1,400 i8s in the UK since 2014, it doesn't really need this fillip. Nevertheless, Richard Hudson, the sales director for BMW UK, said: "The BMW i8 embodies the accomplished vision of a modern and sustainable sports car. The new paintwork colours not only complement the BMW i8s emotive styling and design, they also work harmoniously with the BMW i brand and provide customers with exclusive personalised options."
Matt Robinson - 23 May 2016
