It Looks Like “i” Must Be The New Green.
For the second year in a row, a BMW i car has won the prestigious World Green Car of the Year award. Last year it was the i3 electric vehicle, and this year’s trophy goes to the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car.
To award it the top spot, the judges must have appreciated the i8’s plug-in hybrid drivetrain and lightweight construction. Supercar performance at near-economy car fuel economy and emissions were a winning combination. It also didn’t hurt that the BMW i8 is made in an environmentally responsible factory that relies on alternative energy sources.
“I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of the team in Munich,” said Dr. Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG for Sales and Marketing BMW. Speaking at the award ceremony in New York he continued, “The BMW i8 represents the future with its unique lightweight construction and unrivalled connectivity. To win this award for the second year in a row shows that our BMW i products are truly leading the world.”
Proving it is not just another ordinary high-performance sports car that happens to run on electricity and gasoline, the BMW i8 was also on the podium in the 2015 World Luxury Car category, placing third in the group that was won by the Mercedes-Benz S Coupe.
In addition to the BMW i8 this year and the i3 last year, the BMW 118d was the World Green Car in 2008.—Scott Blazey
[Photos courtesy of BMW AG.]
