The BMW i8 Roadster has made its way to local shores.

Topless

The i8 Roadster is based on its eye-catching Coupé sibling. As the name suggests it loses its roof to add another dimension to the driving experience. Not only that, losing the roof makes the roadster version even more arresting in the looks department.

While the Coupé features a 2+2 seating arrangement, the i8 Roadster loses its rear seats and is now a pure two-seater. It also features unique “gull-wing” doors to give it an even more dramatic appearance.

Check out the upcoming BMW Z4 by clicking here.

Eco-conscious

Much like its hard-top sibling, the i8 Roadster uses a hybrid powertrain. An electric motor with peak power of 105 kW and max torque of 250 N.m is coupled with a turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine measuring 1,5-litres, with 170 kW and 320 N.m.

Total maximum power is rated at 275 kW with 570 N.m of torque. Because the electric motor drives the front wheels and combustion engine drives the rears the i8 is considered all-wheel drive.

In the combined fuel consumption, as calculated in the EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles, the topless model uses just 2,0 L/100 km. On battery power alone the range is rated at 53 km.

Price

The cost of this technology wrapped in this lovely wrapper is R2 329 300.

Click here to see the BMW i8 Roadster and Coupe in action.