Verdict
The BMW i8 Coupe i12 LCI costs RM243,878 more, but its 11.6-kWh battery and 143-hp electric motor lift EV range from 37 km to 55 km while cutting the rated fuel figure from 2.1 to 1.8 L/100 km. That is a meaningful 18-km electric-only gain for Malaysian commutes, yet outright pace is unchanged at 4.4 seconds to 100 km/h and 250 km/h. The outgoing i12 is the sharper buy if price and its larger 10.25-inch navigation display matter; the LCI makes sense for greater electric running ability.
Pick the BMW i8 Coupe i12 if you want to save RM243,878 while retaining the same 4.4-second 0-100 km/h time, active cruise control and a 10.25-inch navigation screen.
Pick the BMW i8 Coupe i12 LCI if you value its 11.6-kWh battery, 55-km EV range and 1.8 L/100 km rated economy more than the substantial price increase.
Key differences
- Price: BMW i8 Coupe i12 RM1,164,922; BMW i8 Coupe i12 LCI RM1,408,800.
- Battery capacity: BMW i8 Coupe i12 7.0 kWh; BMW i8 Coupe i12 LCI 11.6 kWh.
- Motor output: BMW i8 Coupe i12 96 hp; BMW i8 Coupe i12 LCI 143 hp.
- EV range: BMW i8 Coupe i12 37 km; BMW i8 Coupe i12 LCI 55 km.
- Rated economy and CO2: BMW i8 Coupe i12 2.1 L/100 km and 49 g/km; BMW i8 Coupe i12 LCI 1.8 L/100 km and 42 g/km.
- Navigation display and cruise control: BMW i8 Coupe i12 10.25-inch screen with active cruise; BMW i8 Coupe i12 LCI 8.8-inch screen with passive cruise.
i12
- RM243,878 cheaper.
- 10.25-inch BMW Navigation Professional display.
- Active cruise control and electric steering adjustment.
- 37-km EV range versus the LCI's 55 km.
- 7.0-kWh battery and 96-hp motor trail the LCI's 11.6 kWh and 143 hp.
- Higher rated consumption and CO2: 2.1 L/100 km and 49 g/km.
i12 LCI
- 11.6-kWh battery delivers 55 km of EV range.
- 143-hp electric motor, up from 96 hp.
- Lower rated consumption of 1.8 L/100 km and CO2 of 42 g/km.
- Costs RM243,878 more.
- Smaller 8.8-inch navigation display versus 10.25 inches.
- Passive cruise control and no electric steering adjustment.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM1,164,922✓ | RM1,408,800 |
| Body type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Segment | Sports Car | Sports Car |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90 | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 12-valve, DOHC, direct fuel injection, turbocharged with variable valve timing | 12-valve, DOHC, direct fuel injection, turbocharged with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,499 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 231 hp | 231 hp |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid |
| Bore | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5 | 9.5 |
| Number of Motors | 2 | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | 96 hp | 143 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 250 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 7.0 kWh | 11.6 kWh✓ |
| EV Range | 37 km | 55 km✓ |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 3.7 kW | 3.7 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic | 6-Speed Steptronic Sport Automatic Transmission |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | Aisin |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 4.4 seconds | 4.4 seconds |
| Rated Economy | 2.1 L/100 km | 1.8 L/100 km✓ |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Co2 | 49 g/km | 42 g/km✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,689 mm | 4,689 mm |
| Width | 1,942 mm | 1,942 mm |
| Height | 1,298 mm | 1,298 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,800 mm | 2,800 mm |
| Weight | 1,485 kg | 1,485 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 32 litres | 32 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Boot Space | 200 litres | 200 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/45R20 | 215/45R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/40R20 | 245/40R20 |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Potenza S001 | Bridgestone Potenza S001 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Germany (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 20" W spoke style 470 Alloy | 20" Radial Spoke Style 516 Jet Black Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 20" W spoke style 470 Alloy | 20" Radial Spoke Style 516 Jet Black Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Dynamic Damper Control (adaptive suspension) | Dynamic Damper Control (adaptive suspension) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Belts | 4 Three-point | 4 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on two rear passenger seats | Available on Two Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Automatic light city braking (under 60 km/h) | Yes, light braking (under 60 km/h) |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projector with high beam assist | Adaptive LED Projector with High Beam Assist |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | Two Seats | Two Seats |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 1 Front, 2 Rear | 1 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 10.25" BMW Navigation system Professional, iDrive Touch controller, 16-speaker 600W Harman Kardon sound system | 8.8" BMW Navigation System Professional with Touchscreen, iDrive Touch Controller and 16-speaker 600W Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | — | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Available, with Surround View Camera | Yes, with Surround View Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 5-year/100,000 km free scheduled maintenance | 5-year/100,000 km free scheduled maintenance |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
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i12 vs i12 LCI FAQ
Is the BMW i8 Coupe i12 or BMW i8 Coupe i12 LCI better?
The BMW i8 Coupe i12 LCI is better for electric running, with 55 km of EV range, an 11.6-kWh battery and 1.8 L/100 km rated economy. The i12 remains the better-value choice, costing RM243,878 less with identical 4.4-second acceleration.
What is the price difference?
The BMW i8 Coupe i12 LCI costs RM1,408,800, which is RM243,878 more than the BMW i8 Coupe i12 at RM1,164,922.
Is the BMW i8 Coupe i12 LCI faster than the BMW i8 Coupe i12?
No. Both reach 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and have a 250 km/h top speed, despite the LCI having a 143-hp motor versus 96 hp in the i12.