BMW i8 signs off with ‘Ultimate Sophisto Edition’

BMW has revealed a special Ultimate Sophisto Edition i8, also confirming its hybrid sports car will cease production soon.

BMW i8 Ultimate Sophisto Edition

It seems like only yesterday the BMW i8 was launched, looking every inch a vision of the future. Six years on, it’s signing off with the ‘Ultimate Sophisto Edition’ the last of the i8 line.

Announcing the run of 200 cars, BMW confirmed the i8 will cease production in April 2020. In the company’s own words: ‘the Ultimate Sophisto Edition will escort the world’s most successful plug-in hybrid sports car since its launch in 2014 onto the finishing straight’.

BMW i8 Ultimate Sophisto Edition

BMW i8 Ultimate Sophisto Edition

  • BMW previews 2021 iNEXT electric SUV development

So what defines the Ultimate Sophisto Edition, besides that cringeworthy name? Sophisto Grey paint lends part of the car’s moniker, plus a rather attractive colour.

E-Copper accents provide contrast on the wheels, front grille and around the body, and are reminiscent of the Vision M Next concept. Look to that for clues as to what replaces the i8 next year.

Both Coupe and Roadster versions will be offered, each with a ‘1 of 200’ plaque inside the cabin. The sill plates also get ‘Ultimate Sophisto Edition’ script, while the tail lights are made from clear glass.

BMW i3S Edition Roadstyle 

BMW i8 Ultimate Sophisto Edition

  • Hans Zimmer to help fast electric BMWs sound good

As ever, the more down-to-earth i3 follows in the i8’s tyre tracks. It too gets a special version called the ‘Edition Roadstyle’, although not to signify the end of production.

It also has flashes of E-Copper, but over Fluid Black paint. On the inside, the headrests come with ‘Edition Roadstyle’ badging.

In spite of BMW’s relative inactivity with the ‘i’ brand, the i8 and i3 have both been trailblazers. What follows the i8 will surely be something special.

  • Related Topics
  • BMW

Related Articles

Ethan Jupp
Ethan Jupp
I'm Content Editor at MR. Road trips music and movies are my vices. Perennially stuck between French hot hatches and Australian muscle cars.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Temerario! A deep dive into Lamborghini’s 920hp hybrid supercar

The hybrid V8-powered Lamborghini Temerario made its debut inside Britain’s first car factory. Tim Pitt speaks to the team behind it.

Vauxhall slashes prices for new Grandland Electric SUV

Reductions of up to £4,700 on the Vauxhall Grandland Electric mean prices now start below £40,000 for most models.

How to declare SORN and take your car off the road for winter

Planning to tuck away your classic car over winter? Here's how to make a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) and save money on car tax.

UK car industry demands urgent review of EV sales targets

Car manufacturers want immediate market intervention as weak demand for EVs and unsustainable costs undermine the automotive industry.