BMW i8 generations
(Ground clearance)| Generation year | Ground clearance |
|---|---|
| i8, Model year 2014 (i8 I08) | 117 mm |
| i8, Model year 2018 (i8 I08 (1. Facelift)) | 117 mm |
Variants
BMW i8 variants: i8 Coupé vs. i8 Roadster
(Ground clearance)| Variant name | Ground clearance |
|---|---|
| i8 Coupé | 117 mm |
| i8 Roadster | 117 mm |
The ground clearance compared to other BMW models
In the grand pantheon of BMW models, where does the i8's ground clearance stand, you ask? Centrally, as a matter of fact, when you consider the broader lineup. Comparatively, the automotive giant's roster varies widely in clearance heights, from the ground-hugging M models, like the M4 CSL Coupé at 113 mm, to the lofty realms of the X series, with models like the X5 standing proud at 214 mm. The i8 occupies a sweet spot that allows it to wield the agility of lower-slung sports cars while not entirely dismissing the practical consideration of navigating less-than-ideal road terrains.
BMW i8 vs other current cars by BMW
(Ground clearance)| Variant name | Ground clearance |
|---|---|
| 4{series} M4 CSL Coupé | 113 mm |
| Z4 M Performance Roadster | 114 mm |
| Z4 Roadster | 117 mm |
| 8{series} Cabrio | 118 mm |
| 5{series} M5 CS Limousine | 119 mm |
| 3{series} M3 CS Limousine | 119 mm |
| 3{series} M3 Limousine | 120 mm |
| 4{series} M4 Coupé | 120 mm |
| 8{series} Coupé | 121 mm |
| 4{series} M4 Cabrio | 121 mm |
| 3{series} M3 Touring | 122 mm |
| 2{series} M2 Coupé | 123 mm |
| 4{series} Cabrio | 124 mm |
| 8{series} M Performance Cabrio | 125 mm |
| i4 | 125 mm |
| i4 M Performance | 125 mm |
| 4{series} M Performance Cabrio | 126 mm |
| 8{series} M8 Cabrio | 127 mm |
| 4{series} Coupé | 127 mm |
| 8{series} Gran Coupé | 128 mm |
| 8{series} M Performance Coupé | 128 mm |
| 8{series} M Performance Gran Coupé | 128 mm |
| 2{series} M Performance Coupé | 128 mm |
| 4{series} M Performance Coupé | 129 mm |
| 8{series} M8 Coupé | 130 mm |
| 8{series} M8 Gran Coupé | 130 mm |
| 3{series} M Performance Limousine | 130 mm |
| 3{series} M Performance Touring | 130 mm |
| 2{series} M Performance Cabrio | 130 mm |
| 5{series} M Performance Limousine | 131 mm |
| 5{series} M5 Limousine | 132 mm |
| i7 | 136 mm |
| i7 M Performance | 136 mm |
| i5 M Performance Limousine | 136 mm |
| 7{series} | 136 mm |
| 7{series} M Performance | 136 mm |
| i5 M Performance Touring | 137 mm |
| 6{series} GT | 138 mm |
| 5{series} Touring | 140 mm |
| 3{series} Limousine | 140 mm |
| 3{series} Touring | 140 mm |
| 4{series} Gran Coupé | 140 mm |
| 4{series} M Performance Gran Coupé | 140 mm |
| 2{series} Coupé | 140 mm |
| 2{series} Cabrio | 140 mm |
| 5{series} Limousine | 144 mm |
| i5 Limousine | 146 mm |
| i5 Touring | 147 mm |
| 1{series} | 153 mm |
| 1{series} M Performance | 153 mm |
| iX2 | 167 mm |
| iX1 | 170 mm |
| 2{series} Active Tourer | 171 mm |
| iX3 | 179 mm |
| X2 | 182 mm |
| X1 M Performance | 189 mm |
| iX | 203 mm |
| iX M Performance | 203 mm |
| X3 | 204 mm |
| X3 M | 204 mm |
| X3 M Performance | 204 mm |
| X4 | 204 mm |
| X4 M | 204 mm |
| X4 M Performance | 204 mm |
| X1 | 205 mm |
| X5 M | 212 mm |
| X6 M | 212 mm |
| X5 | 214 mm |
| X5 M Performance | 214 mm |
| X6 | 216 mm |
| X6 M Performance | 216 mm |
| X7 | 221 mm |
| X7 M Performance | 221 mm |
How does the ground clearance of the BMW i8 compare to it's nearest competitors?
When thrown into the gladiatorial arena against its closest rivals, how does the i8's ground clearance measure up? Against the likes of the Ferrari 488 GTB or the McLaren 570S, the i8's 117 mm might seem, at first glance, to be a middle-of-the-road proposition. However, when factors like wheelbase and overall length come into play, the i8 asserts itself as a cunningly designed contender. Its ground clearance offers a competitive advantage, striking a balance that contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency and driving dynamics. Against the Lotus Evora, with a similar clearance of 120 mm but a shorter overall length, the i8 demonstrates BMW's mastery of creating a vehicle that does not compromise performance for practicality, or vice versa. It's this careful consideration of design and engineering specs that positions the i8 uniquely in its class - a vehicle that, much like the driver behind its wheel, understands that to navigate the complexities of the road, one must maintain just the right distance from the ground.
BMW i8 vs. similar cars
(Ground clearance)| Car model | Ground clearance |
|---|---|
| Polestar 1 2020 | 142 mm |
| Lexus RC 2016 | 130 mm |
| ALPINA B4/D4 (4er-Reihe) 2014 | 130 mm |
| Bugatti Chiron 2016 | 125 mm |
| Aston Martin DB11 2016 | 122 mm |
| Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 2018 | 120 mm |
| BMW i8 2018 | 117 mm |
| Honda NSX 2016 | 104 mm |
| Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 2014 | 96 mm |
| McLaren Sports Series 2015 | 93 mm |
