BMW i8 Plug-In Hybrid Coupe Production Will Double To Meet DemandBMW i8 Plug-In Hybrid Coupe Production Will Double To Meet Demand

Given its attractive looks, it’s not surprising that the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid coupe has proven popular with buyers who can afford its six-figure price.
While the partially electric i8 hasn’t been on sale for even a year, the Bavarian carmaker has already hinted at a production increase.
Now it appears to have taken more concrete steps.
MORE: Strong Demand For BMW i8 Plug-In Hybrid Coupe May Presage Production Rise (Nov 2014)
BMW recently doubled i8 production at its Leipzig, Germany, plant to 20 cars a day, according to Automotive News Europe (subscription required).
The uptick in production is likely aimed at reducing waiting times for the i8. The report stated customers are currently waiting up to four months for their cars.
2015 BMW i8 construction at Leipzig plant
That’s still better than the situation described by a previous report from November, which put wait times at up to 18 months.
BMW will likely keep the i8 as a low-volume model, with the all-electric and range-extended i3 city car serving as the “i” sub-brand’s volume model, relatively speaking.
DON’T MISS: 2015 BMW i8: Sexy Plug-In Hybrid Sport Coupe, Our First Drive
The i8 went on sale in Europe in June of last year, and the U.S. in August.
Over those four months, BMW sold 555 units–fairly strong considering its $137,450 base price and impractical coupe body style.
First BMW i8s delivered to customers
BMW sold 750 i8 coupes in the U.S. through February. Research firm IHS Automotive expects the company to sell 3,238 copies of the car this year.
Sales of the i3 have also been strong. It had its second-best month so far in February, with a total of 1,089 sales including both the all-electric and range-extended versions.
RELATED: BMW Says It Will Triple Production Of Carbon Fiber For Electric Cars (May 2014)
BMW is also expected to introduce a third “i” plug-in car, although not likely for some kind.
Speaking to Automotive News Europe, Klaus Froelich–the company’s R&D chief–would only say that it would not be a version of an existing vehicle, as some have claimed.
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