Goodwood Festival of Speed 2014: BMW to showcase i8 and new M cars at this summer’s Festival

BMW will be showcasing its latest sports cars at this summer’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, with UK debuts for the i8 hybrid supercar and the M5 30 Jahre Edition – the most powerful production car in the history of the brand. 

The i8 will be making its debut at Goodwood with a mixture of static display and live action on Goodwood Hill. Powered by a three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, the i8 can combine the engine and electric motor to sprint from 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds, before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. However, despite its supercar rivalling powertrain, the i8 will return a claimed 135mpg and emit just 49g/km of CO2.

As well as commemorating its newest hybrid, BMW will also be paying homage to the legendary M cars, with two UK launches - the new M3 Saloon and the new M4 Coupe. Both of the new models will be on display, along with the new M4 Convertible and X4.

M5 fans will be treated to a special celebration to mark 30 years of the model, with a collection of classics and the launch of a new special-edition - the M5 30 Jahre Edition. The new M5 will be limited to just 30 cars and feature 600PS, which will propel it from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds.

BMW's Pavilion will be hosting some special guests across the weekend, with Tiff Needell and Steve Soper set to put the new cars through their paces on the hill. The two drivers will be joined by the legendary Murray Walker at the BMW Pavilion to sign autographs and host a special Q&A session.

BMW and MINI owners will also be able to access the exclusive BMW Owners’ Lounge, on the first floor of the Pavilion,by presenting their keys at the entrance.