Published: Apr 23, 2012

The Birth of BMW eDrive in Beijing - i8 Concept Spyder Live Shots

BMW is making quite a scene in Beijing with their electric drive supercar.

The BMW i8 Concept Spyder has made its much-anticipated world premiere at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show. BMW's latest concept features the company's new eDrive badging, set to adorn all their latest electric and plug-in hybrid tech models. BMW describes their new eDrive badging in their press release as comprising "the components of the electric drivetrain: the electric motor developed in-house by BMW, the lithium-ion battery, and finally the intelligent motor management system."

The Birth of BMW eDrive in Beijing - i8 Concept Spyder Live Shots

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The Germans continue, saying "This technology ensures that electromobility with BMW eDrive offers a unique experience. This is because the full torque of the electric motor is available from a standing start and the acceleration unfolds continuously in thoroughbred electric vehicles until the top speed is attained." The BMW i8 Concept Spyder seen here live in Beijing gives some more clues as to what the production model i8 Concept and open-top variants will look like. It features an electric motor which powers the front wheels and produces 170hp. A turbocharged 3-cylinder gasoline unit sends 223hp to the rear wheels.

When the engines are working in tandem, total power output is measured at 393hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The i8 Concept Spyder sprints off the line from 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Fuel consumption drops a bit when compared to the i8 Concept coupe, from 104mpg imp to 94mpg imp in normal mode. The i8 Concept coupe could travel 20mpg in pure electric mode, while the i8 Concept Spyder can travel roughly 18mpg in electric-only mode. The BMW eDrive i8 Concept Spyder is currently on display at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show.