[5] Bmw Concierge At Weekly News

BMW today unveiled its first plug-in hybrid, the i8, which will set you back a hefty $135,925.

Slated to hit U.S. showrooms in the spring of 2014, the two-seater combines BMW TwinPower Turbo tech with BMW eDrive technology plus intelligent energy management. That gives the i8 the performance characteristics of a pure-bred sports car, combined with the fuel economy and emissions of a smaller car.

This marks the second model unwrapped under the new BMW i brand, but the first to integrate the futuristic plug-in hybrid system with the luxury car maker's long-standing technology.

Underneath the hood of this low-hanging coupe lies BMW's "LifeDrive" system, which boasts a carbon-fiber reinforced plastic, fixed to the aluminum Drive module, which houses various technology.

"The research and development activities carried out by the BMW Group since 2007 as part of its project i initiative have laid the groundwork for a visionary car conceived with the impact of environmental, economic and social change around the world very much in mind," the manufacturer said in a press release.

The vehicle comes standard with a range of BMW ConnectedDrive features, including cruise control with braking function, optional driver assistance, and Collision Warning with pedestrian recognition. Also available are the heads-up display, BMW online entertainment, concierge services, real-time traffic information, and mobility services like intermodal route guidance.

A 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine powers the top-end sports car, which produces 231 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque — enough to push the i8 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds, and an electronic top speed of 155 mph.

For the environmentalists looking to cruise around town in a luxury sports car, BMW's new vehicle can travel up to 22 miles on electricity, at speeds up to 75 mph.

Back in July, BMW unveiled the i3 — the luxury carmaker's first pure electric series-produced model.

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