The face of i: the twin kidneys's width suggests power, while blue highlights suggest efficiency. Layered exterior destroys illusion that the skin is more than a skin, hints at underlying structure.
The "layered" lower body side provides the impression of a severely pinched waist. Flying buttresses visually separated from the rear fenders are the most dramatic exterior detail.
The dramatic layered theme continues inside. A shame that some key touch points are hard plastic. Clearly the instrument panel and console of a current BMW, but slimmed down and more artful.
The right virtual gauge provides an indication of how to drive for optimum efficiency. In sport mode the LCD instruments gain a tach, change from blue to red.
The BMW i8's driver seat is buried behind a wide sill. Not a car for the physically unfit. Whoever added the cup holders has a sense of humor. You don't want to spend any time here.
The trunk does to luggage what the rear seat does to people.The engine lurks inside that cover. The gas engine, electric motors, and battery pack fill much of the space inside the i8's skin.