While the automotive business is full of luddites, idiots and jaded people just trying to knock out the mortgage, I still get a thrill out of the little things. Maybe I am a manchild but, guess what, I am still having a blast.
To be straightforward, I haven't exactly been particularly interested in the BMW i8. Though I drove the prototype 1-Series equipped with the three-cylinder powerplant last year and found it to have that certain BMW-esque sound, I still remain skeptical. Is it really worth the price of admission?
Check out the 1-Series prototype drive.
I had to investigate at the show.
So I walked over to it, popped open the door that reached for the sky and observed. In the door jambs you can see exposed carbon fiber reinforced plastic. It's a particularly weird pattern that has — I am guessing — a matte clearcoat over it to make it smooth. There's the WIDE sill you have to step up and over to plant you right foot into the floorboards. You have to twist yourself into the cabin to avoid hitting your head into the door and you plop down into the seat as it's positioned really low in the cabin. This car definitely will take a bit of practice to get in and out of smoothly without looking like a fool.
Behind the steering wheel it doesn't take too long to realize how high quality the interior space is. It's quality is on par with the likes of the 760Li and M6 Gran Coupe. Everything's in the place you'd expect it to be and the leather bits are stitched tight. The all-new, ultra thin seats are very comfortable and hug you in the right places, unlike some of BMW's sport seats that grab you far too low.
Since having a moment with the car and taking it all in, I have to say I am now very excited to get behind the wheel and take 'er for a spin. If it lives up to its "green" claims and put out M3/M4 performance, this is going to be one helluva ride.
The biggest thing I like about this car is that it feels and looks exotic. It reminds me of a McLaren more than anything else. BMW made this car to be special. You have to appreciate when an automaker does something like this.
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