Chris Harris goes to Los Angeles to become the first journalist to drive the final production version of the highly anticipated BMW i8 hybrid electric sports car. It’s a 2+2 sports coupe with three sources of power, a design from the pages of science fiction, and an interior akin to that of a spaceship, we imagine. But all that means nothing if it doesn’t drive like a proper sports car.

So with Harris as the judge, let’s go for ride in the BMW i8 and see what’s what:

BMW i8 Technical Specs:

• Length: 4632 mm
• Height: 1280 mm
• Width: 1955 mm
• Wheelbase: 2800 mm
• No. of seats: 2 + (2)
• Kerb weight: 1480 kg
• Output
  • Combined: 260 kW (550 Nm)
  • Petrol engine: 164 kW (300 Nm)
  • Electric motor: 96 kW (250 Nm)
• Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) [limited]
• Acceleration
  • 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 4.6 s
  • 80-120 km/h (50-75 mph): 4.0 s
• Fuel consumption (EU cycle): 2.7 l/100 km (104 mpg imp)
• CO2: 66 g
• Electric range: approx. 35 km (20 miles)
• Battery charge time
• Standard: 1:45 h for 100% charge
• Luggage compartment: approx. 150 litres