BMW i8 engine doesn’t sound like a 3-cylinder

Release Date: 2014
MSRP: $135,925 US
Battery Pack Size: 7.2 kWh
Electric Range: 22 miles estimated
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Just in case you were concerned that the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car would sound lame with a 3 cylinder gas engine and quiet electric motor, BMW has released a YouTube video of the i8 running through some gears.

In the video, the i8 has the Active Sound Design disabled, so the actual sounds inside the vehicle of the production i8 will likely be muffled. If that concerns you, apparently some members on Bimmerpost.com have found workarounds on other BMW models.

Our video shows the i8’s gauge graphics as the car accelerates in Sport Mode, as well as providing a listen at the i8’s raw mechanical sounds as it accelerates. While the production i8 will be equipped with Active Sound Design (enhanced interior sound technology), this particular car we’re hearing has its Active Sound Design (ASD) disabled for testing purposes. ASD will not be able to be turned off by the driver in the production model. ASD will sound different depending on the selected driving mode(s) – Sport, Comfort, Eco Pro.

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1 Comment on "BMW i8 engine doesn’t sound like a 3-cylinder"

  1. What’s the clunk right before the speedometer starts going up? Is that shifting into drive, or is that his foot stomping the gas pedal to the floor?

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