Ep 1. 2015 BMW i8 & 2015 Lincoln MKC
- September 4, 2014
MotorWeek is back with its 34th season, and the first episode features two exciting vehicles from the 2015 model year: the BMW i8 and the Lincoln MKC. In this episode, the MotorWeek team takes an in-depth look at both of these innovative cars and evaluates their performance, design, and value.
The show kicks off with a review of the BMW i8, a hybrid sports car that was one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2015. MotorWeek's host, John Davis, is quick to praise the i8's futuristic looks, which blend sleek lines with angular accents to create a truly unique vehicle. According to Davis, the i8 has a "low and wide stance that screams performance," and its butterfly doors only add to the car's exotic appeal.
Of course, looks can only get you so far - what really sets the i8 apart is its powertrain. The car combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce a total of 357 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid setup allows the i8 to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, while still achieving a remarkable 76 MPGe in combined driving. MotorWeek's team is impressed by the i8's smooth and seamless acceleration, as well as its ability to switch between gas and electric modes on the fly.
But the i8 isn't without its faults. MotorWeek notes that the car's ride quality can be a bit harsh, especially on rough roads, and the rear seats are cramped and difficult to access. Additionally, at a starting price of $139,000, the i8 is definitely a luxury vehicle that's out of reach for most car buyers.
Next up is the 2015 Lincoln MKC, a compact SUV that represents a major departure from Lincoln's traditional design language. MotorWeek's team praises the MKC's contemporary styling, which features a bold grille and sculpted body lines that give the car a sense of athleticism and presence. Inside, the MKC boasts a clean and modern interior that's packed with technology, including Lincoln's SYNC 3 infotainment system and a 14-speaker THX-certified sound system.
Under the hood, the MKC offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 240 horsepower, and a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 285 horsepower. MotorWeek's testers try out both engines and find that they offer plenty of power for the MKC's size, with the larger engine providing a notably more spirited driving experience.
On the road, the MKC impresses with its smooth and comfortable ride, as well as its nimble handling and responsive steering. However, the car's fuel economy is somewhat lackluster, especially with the more powerful engine - MotorWeek observes that the MKC only achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined with the 2.3-liter engine.
Overall, MotorWeek's team finds a lot to like about both the BMW i8 and the Lincoln MKC. While the i8 may be too expensive and impractical for most buyers, it's a remarkable feat of engineering that showcases the potential of hybrid powertrains. Meanwhile, the MKC is a stylish and sophisticated SUV that's well-suited to urban environments. Above all, both cars demonstrate the latest in automotive innovation and technology, and show that automakers are continuing to push the boundaries of what's possible on the road.
