2026 BMW i8 M
Overview
Even though the current i8 hasn’t lived up to the sporting intentions BMW had for it, that apparently hasn’t put the German luxury brand off of high-dollar hybrid sports cars. Development of the next i8—we’re a fan of calling it the i8 M, considering it should represent a significant performance improvement over the current model—is underway, and BMW’s Vision M Next concept from mid-2019 is proof. A massive increase in power, a longer all-electric driving range, updated styling, and a more capable chassis are all expected to separate the i8 M from the model it will ultimately replace.
What’s New for 2026?
The i8 M—or whatever BMW decides to call its next-generation hybrid sports car—will be all-new for the 2026 model year. We expect to find out more as we get closer to the car’s on-sale date, which is predicted to be sometime in 2025 as a 2026 model.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Without knowing how the i8 M will be equipped or what options may be available, it’s hard to recommend a particular model. We expect the i8 M to be offered in both a fixed-roof coupe body style as well as a ragtop roadster, similar to the previous generation model’s lineup.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The i8 M’s plug-in hybrid powertrain is anticipated to follow the same basic setup as the current i8, which means an electric motor driving the front wheels and a mid-mounted gasoline engine and electric motor for the rear wheels. In lieu of the i8’s turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder gas engine, BMW has said the new car will offer a turbocharged four-cylinder; the company also claims a total system output—gas and electric power combined—of 591 horsepower, which is far more than the i8’s 369-hp output. This up-rated powertrain will help the i8 M compete with rivals such as the Lexus LC500h and the new Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The previous generation i8’s 18-mile electric driving range was unimpressive to say the least. BMW has been mum on details such as battery size but said the electric driving range for the Vision M Next concept was a claimed 62 miles. That means either BMW’s engineers found a way to squeeze a lot more miles out of the current car’s 11.6-kWh battery pack or they found space for a much larger unit. It’s almost certainly the latter. More information will be available regarding the i8 M’s battery, range, and charging capability closer to the car’s on-sale date.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA has not tested the i8 M or released estimates for its fuel consumption—which is not surprising since the car doesn’t exist yet. In addition to improving the electric driving range, we’re expecting the i8 M to offer slightly better fuel economy ratings than the current i8, despite an anticipated improvement in acceleration and driving performance. For more information about the i8 M’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Little is known about the i8 M’s cabin so far, but we are hoping BMW addresses the i8’s difficult ingress and egress by equipping the new car with front-hinged doors and a lower side sill to make the interior more easily accessible. Like the previous car, the i8 M will be BMW’s playground for future styling and should feature unique materials, cutting-edge features, and eye-popping designs. Storage and cargo capacity will likely remain limited, but a front trunk (or “frunk”) may make an appearance to provide additional luggage space
Tags: BMW