The BMW i8 was one of the most futuristic-looking sports cars money could buy when it arrived in 2014. With its dramatic butterfly doors, carbon-fiber construction, and plug-in hybrid powertrain, it looked like something straight out of a concept car exhibition.
However, the i8 hasn’t exactly held its value over the years. A 2014 example that originally carried a starting price of around $135,700 is now listed for just $37,500, showing just how dramatically these once-expensive sports cars have depreciated.
The car is advertised on duPont Registry by a seller in Waterbury, Connecticut, and has covered only 19,136 miles. Finished in white with a matching light-colored leather interior, it still looks remarkably modern despite being over a decade old.
At its asking price, this particular i8 represents a depreciation of approximately 72% compared with the model’s original MSRP. That’s a substantial drop for a car that still looks capable of turning heads outside an exotic-car dealership.
Exotic Looks With Three-Cylinder Power
Underneath its striking bodywork, the i8 hides a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine that drives the rear wheels via an automatic six-speed gearbox, while an electric motor powers the front axle.
Together, the system produces 357 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to send the i8 from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 4.2 seconds. Respectable, if not lightning fast.
The i8 also features a carbon-fiber-reinforced passenger cell and an aluminum chassis structure. These engineering choices helped BMW combine relatively low weight with the technology needed for its plug-in hybrid system.
Why Has The BMW i8 Lost So Much Value?
Despite the i8’s exotic appearance, it was never intended to compete directly with traditional supercars. Its focus was on demonstrating BMW’s electrification technology rather than delivering enormous horsepower or a dramatic engine soundtrack.
Production ended in 2020 after BMW built 20,465 units, including coupes and roadsters. While that’s a relatively small number, the i8 hasn’t developed the same collector demand as some other unusual performance cars.
Potential maintenance costs are another consideration. Its complex hybrid drivetrain, high-voltage battery, and specialized carbon-fiber construction could make certain repairs expensive, particularly as these cars continue to age.
A Tempting Used Sports Car With Some Risks
For $37,500, this low-mileage i8 offers a distinctive combination of decent performance, unusual engineering, and exotic styling. Few cars at this price point look quite as dramatic.
However, prospective buyers should investigate the condition of the hybrid battery, review the service history, and arrange a specialist inspection before purchasing. A relatively affordable asking price doesn’t necessarily mean affordable ownership.
Whether the i8 eventually becomes a sought-after modern classic remains to be seen, but depreciation has certainly made one of BMW’s most recognizable sports cars surprisingly accessible.