Comparison: Ground clearance BMW i8 vs. competitors 2025

When discussing the dynamic world of automotive engineering, one factor that aficionados often overlook, yet secretly appreciate every time they don't hear the alarming scrape of an underbelly on a speed bump, is ground clearance. Enter the BMW i8 - a vehicle that not only turned heads with its futuristic design but also posed a curious case for ground clearance debates. Conjuring images of sleek, low-lying supercars often at odds with the real-world practicality of higher clearances, the i8 struts a confident 117 mm off the ground, a figure that has steadfastly remained unchanged through its lifecycle from 2014 to 2020. A number that, while seemingly modest, is a testament to BMW's engineering prowess, balancing aerodynamics, aesthetics, and real-world usability.

BMW i8 - How has the ground clearance changed over the generations?

Now, one might wonder, has the i8's ground clearance seen a dramatic evolution through its generational shift? The answer is as sleek as the car itself - no. From its debut in 2014 to its final bow in 2020, the i8 maintained a ground clearance of 117 mm. This consistency highlights BMW's clear vision for the i8 from the onset; a vehicle that does not compromise its stance, quite literally, through trends and years. This steadfast figure in the i8's specifications sheet underscores a design philosophy that marries form with function in a manner that's as precise as the car's handling.

BMW i8 generations
  • i8, Model year 2014 (i8 I08) 117 mm
  • i8, Model year 2018 ) (i8 I08 (1. Facelift) 117 mm
The difference in Ground clearance between first generation (i8 I08) from 2014 and last generation (i8 I08 (1. Facelift)) from 2018 is 0cm mm.
The ground clearance of the current generation of i8 is 117 mm.

The ground clearance compared to other BMW models

In the grand pantheon of BMW models, where does the i8's ground clearance stand, you ask? Centrally, as a matter of fact, when you consider the broader lineup. Comparatively, the automotive giant's roster varies widely in clearance heights, from the ground-hugging M models, like the M4 CSL Coupé at 113 mm, to the lofty realms of the X series, with models like the X5 standing proud at 214 mm. The i8 occupies a sweet spot that allows it to wield the agility of lower-slung sports cars while not entirely dismissing the practical consideration of navigating less-than-ideal road terrains.

BMW i8 vs other current cars by BMW
  • X7 221 mm
  • X7 M Performance 221 mm
  • X6 216 mm
  • X6 M Performance 216 mm
  • X3 M Performance 216 mm
  • X3 216 mm
  • X5 214 mm
  • X5 M Performance 214 mm
  • X5 M 212 mm
  • X6 M 212 mm
  • X2 207 mm
  • X1 205 mm
  • X3 M 204 mm
  • X4 204 mm
  • X4 M 204 mm
  • X4 M Performance 204 mm
  • iX 202 mm
  • iX M Performance 202 mm
  • X2 M Performance 191 mm
  • X1 M Performance 189 mm
  • 2{series} Active Tourer 171 mm
  • iX1 170 mm
  • iX2 167 mm
  • 3{series} Gran Turismo 165 mm
  • 1{series} 156 mm
  • 1{series} M Performance 156 mm
  • 5{series} Touring 155 mm
  • 5{series} Limousine 154 mm
  • i5 Touring 147 mm
  • i5 Limousine 146 mm
  • 2{series} Gran Coupé 145 mm
  • 2{series} Gran Coupé M Performance 145 mm
  • 3{series} Limousine 141 mm
  • 4{series} Gran Coupé 140 mm
  • 4{series} M Performance Gran Coupé 140 mm
  • 3{series} Touring 140 mm
  • i5 M Performance Touring 137 mm
  • i7 136 mm
  • i7 M Performance 136 mm
  • i5 M Performance Limousine 136 mm
  • 7{series} 136 mm
  • 7{series} M Performance 136 mm
  • i3s 131 mm
  • 8{series} M8 Coupé 130 mm
  • 8{series} M8 Gran Coupé 130 mm
  • 3{series} M Performance Limousine 130 mm
  • 3{series} M Performance Touring 130 mm
  • 4{series} M Performance Coupé 129 mm
  • 8{series} Gran Coupé 128 mm
  • 8{series} M Performance Coupé 128 mm
  • 8{series} M Performance Gran Coupé 128 mm
  • 2{series} Coupé 128 mm
  • 2{series} M Performance Coupé 128 mm
  • 8{series} M8 Cabrio 127 mm
  • 4{series} Coupé 127 mm
  • 4{series} M Performance Cabrio 126 mm
  • 8{series} M Performance Cabrio 125 mm
  • i4 125 mm
  • i4 M Performance 125 mm
  • 4{series} Cabrio 124 mm
  • 4{series} M4 CS Coupé 123 mm
  • 3{series} M3 Touring 123 mm
  • 2{series} M2 Coupé 123 mm
  • 8{series} Coupé 121 mm
  • 4{series} M4 Cabrio 121 mm
  • 3{series} M3 CS Touring 121 mm
  • 4{series} M4 Coupé 120 mm
  • 3{series} M3 Limousine 120 mm
  • 3{series} M3 CS Limousine 119 mm
  • 5{series} M5 Touring 118 mm
  • 8{series} Cabrio 118 mm
  • i8 Roadster 117 mm
  • Z4 Roadster 117 mm
  • 5{series} M5 Limousine 115 mm
  • Z4 M Performance Roadster 114 mm

How does the ground clearance of the BMW i8 compare to it's nearest competitors?

When thrown into the gladiatorial arena against its closest rivals, how does the i8's ground clearance measure up? Against the likes of the Ferrari 488 GTB or the McLaren 570S, the i8's 117 mm might seem, at first glance, to be a middle-of-the-road proposition. However, when factors like wheelbase and overall length come into play, the i8 asserts itself as a cunningly designed contender. Its ground clearance offers a competitive advantage, striking a balance that contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency and driving dynamics. Against the Lotus Evora, with a similar clearance of 120 mm but a shorter overall length, the i8 demonstrates BMW's mastery of creating a vehicle that does not compromise performance for practicality, or vice versa. It's this careful consideration of design and engineering specs that positions the i8 uniquely in its class - a vehicle that, much like the driver behind its wheel, understands that to navigate the complexities of the road, one must maintain just the right distance from the ground.

BMW i8 vs. similar cars
  • polestarPolestar 1 2020 142 mm
  • lotusLotus Emira 2022 140 mm
  • lexusLexus RC 2016 130 mm
  • alpinaALPINA B4/D4 2014 (4er-Reihe) 130 mm
  • Aston Martin DB11 2016 122 mm
  • Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 2018 120 mm
  • bmwBMW i8 2018 117 mm
  • mercedes-benzMercedes-Benz AMG GT 4-Türer Coupé 2021 116 mm
  • toyotaToyota Supra 2019 115 mm
  • mercedes-benzMercedes-Benz AMG GT 2014 96 mm
  • mclarenMcLaren Sports Series 2015 93 mm

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