2015 BMW i8

These days, every major motor manufacturer has to have hybrid or all-electric models in the range, and in BMW's case the company even went so far as to launch a new brand – BMW i – to promote these more environmentally friendly cars. Flagship of the range, the i8, was first seen in concept form at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, with the production version going on sale in April 2014. A plug-in hybrid, the i8 is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine driving the rear wheels, and an electric motor located within the front axle assembly. Maximum outputs are 228bhp and 139 bhp equivalent respectively, giving the i8 simply remarkable acceleration - 0-60mph in under 4.4 seconds - and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Built around a carbon fibre reinforced passenger cell, the svelte coupé body boasts 'butterfly' doors and has a commendably low drag co-efficient, reducing fuel consumption at high speeds, whilst a selection of driving modes helps manage the competing requirements of speed and economy. As discreet as a bicycle when dawdling along under electric power yet seriously quick at the flick of a switch, those flat-6 and V8-loving dinosaurs amongst us simply have to accept that the i8 was the start of the future.

Offered here for auction is a beautiful BMW i8 finished in a glorious colour scheme with Protonic Blue over Frozen Grey metallic paintwork and an Ivory White BMW ' i Spheric' perforated full leather interior. This UK-supplied, right-hand drive example was first registered in January 2015 and our vendor purchased the car directly from Stratstone BMW in April 2017 with the purchase invoice on file. Forming part of a private collection the car has been maintained by a professional vehicle management company whilst in the ownership of our vendor and invoices for maintenance are also on file along with the original BMW owners hand-book, some old MOTs with the most recent MOT showing 22,769 miles with no advisories and valid until January 2023.

One of the world’s most popular electric-hybrid sports cars and for all the right reasons these fast, great looking and comfortable sports cars paved the way for more eco-friendly alternative transport and, now out of production, are becoming something of a modern classic. Swerve the rapidly expanding emission control zones in towns and citys across the country in this rather stylish sports car offered at a very competitive guide price.