Tesla Model S P85D vs. BMW i8

Apples to oranges.... They both have 4 wheels, and they both have a battery, but other than that they are completely different animals.

The i8 isn't pure electric. Actually it's more gas than electric.

rogbmw said:

Apples to oranges.... They both have 4 wheels, and they both have a battery, but other than that they are completely different animals.

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True, but most i8 buyers probably considered if they should buy a Tesla. Plenty of Teslas are used 99% as a one/two seater.

electracity said:

True, but most i8 buyers probably considered if they should buy a Tesla. Plenty of Teslas are used 99% as a one/two seater.

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I doubt it. The i8 has about a 20 mile battery range.

I think it's an apt comparison as much as any comparison between the Tesla and another car. At least they're both approximately close in price. It wouldn't be very fun if we could only compare the P85D to other electric vehicles with 4 doors.

I was looking at the i8 because that fit what I wanted way more than the P85D. If I had a chance to test drive one, and actually get one then I might have. I didn't get a chance, and the sales tax exemption for electric vehicles was expiring so I got a 70D instead.

I think a lot of people underestimate how many people got a Tesla MS despite the fact that the Tesla MS didn't really fit the type of car they wanted or that they normally drive. Especially when it comes to how big it really is.

The i8 is interesting because it's the first performance orientated hybrid solution that while ridiculously expensive isn't ludicrously expensive like the Porsche, or the Ferrari. The new way to build a performance orientated car is to use electric power for instant torque and then gas power for range. My round trip commute is less than 20 miles so I would have been using electric power for most of my driving needs during the week with an i8.

For me personally I like hybrid solutions. Anyway I look it I'm going to have a hybrid solution. I have a hybrid solution right now because I have the Tesla and I have a Jeep wrangler unlimited. I think it's a good combination of different types of cars, but I wouldn't have the Tesla without ICE backup due to infrastructure limitations. Like I took the Jeep out to Mount Rainer because there wasn't much in terms of charging solutions near Mount Rainer.

Sure I know they're not as PURE as 100% electric, but they get the job done. I would have looked into a Volt had it been more performance orientated.

electracity said:

True, but most i8 buyers probably considered if they should buy a Tesla. Plenty of Teslas are used 99% as a one/two seater.

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From personal experience, I'd have to disagree with this. The i8 starting price is something like $30k higher than the starting price of the Model S, the i8 does not have access to the Supercharger network, and its battery is teeny tiny. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if BMW made the battery as small as they could make it and still qualify as a hybrid.

So, when I was looking at the Model S, the i8 was never even an option - more expensive, no access to superchargers, tiny battery, and you still have to put gas in it? I'll pass.

I love the look of the i8 but it has two fatal flaws:

1. Tiny electric range and you still put gas in it.
2. 4.2 second 0-60 is pathetic for a $140K sports car.

Waiting for Porsche Mission E.

Do people really cross-shop the Model S and the i8? i8 is way more expensive and has crappier performance, but has fantastic sports car looks. It's more of a showpiece garage queen, whereas the model S is your daily driver. Even if the two were the same exact price, I'd expect more Model S's on the street than i8s.

Max* said:

I doubt it. The i8 has about a 20 mile battery range.

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And that is with perfect gentle use and conditions and much reduced performance. Even in full EV mode with more normal driving, weather, etc it is close to about 10-12 miles EV only range per owners I met at Electric Vehicle Week.

I ran into a guy with an i8 at the grocery store the other day. I asked him "why did you go with the i8 over a Tesla?" his answer... "no one has an i8.... I see Tesla's every day".... my quick and witty response... "there is probably a reason for that!".

Honestly I think that is the appeal. They are a little more futuristic looking and made by a company with a LONG history. Other than that, I don't see any appeal.

Soolim said:

Waiting for Porsche Mission E.

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Gonna be an expensive city ev car without a charging network.

I wonder where "TheKiko" is? He posted on the teslamotors.com forum about a year ago and let us know how great he --- I mean the i8 (or do I?) was going to be. And no, we shouldn't believe him or anyone else who claims the i8 is better.

where is our Realist? who switched from an i8 to a Model S?
I'd think the i8 is closer to a roadster. there is no space and it is tiny too. Have the prices come down to the MSRPish? they were trying to sell an i8 here for $249,999
i asked 'don't you mean 149?' nope. .. BMW 5 traded for a 4runner ;>

I could actually buy an i8 right now with USAA and get $5K off. Whoever in CA thinks they are going to sell one for $250K is delusional. But then again, CA is the land of fruits and nuts.