BMW Dealership Misidentified Customer's Rare i8

A viral social media video captured a mix-up regarding a customer's hybrid sports car.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Car Types

Bold vector editorial illustration showing two stylized car silhouettes of different shapes, representing hybrid and electric vehicle models in a clean space. — A viral social media incident highlighted confusion at a BMW dealership, where a customer's rare hybrid i8 was mistakenly identified as an all-electric i4. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe your personal appearance influences how businesses treat you as a customer?

Ray Symone visited a BMW dealership to replace the front tires on her i8, only to be incorrectly told by an employee that she drove an all-electric i4. The interaction went viral after being shared in a video that has now surpassed 1.3 million views.

Why it matters

The confusion highlights the distinct evolution of BMW's electrified lineup, contrasting the discontinued plug-in hybrid i8 with the currently produced all-electric i4 Gran Coupe.

The BMW i8, which debuted in 2014, features a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine and an electric motor capable of 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. In contrast, the 2026 i4 eDrive40 offers a range between 307 and 333 miles, while the xDrive40 variant provides 287 miles.

The players

Ray Symone

She is the BMW i8 owner who shared the viral video regarding her experience at a dealership.

BMW

This German multinational manufacturer produces both the legacy hybrid i8 and the current all-electric i4.

The details

While the BMW i8 is recognized for its unique carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic passenger cell, the BMW i4 is designed as an all-electric four-door Gran Coupe. The incident occurred when Symone sought routine maintenance for her hybrid, which has not been in production since 2020.

The BMW i8 was introduced in the U.S. in 2014.
BMW ended production of the i8 in 2020.
The interaction took place in October 2026.

Roadmap

The transition from specialized, low-volume hybrid sports cars like the i8 to mass-market all-electric models like the i4 defines the current automotive landscape. This shift reflects a strategic move by luxury brands toward high-efficiency EVs over previous performance-focused hybrid architectures.

Owners of older, discontinued performance models like the i8 may find that current service staff are more familiar with newer, mass-market electric vehicles. Drivers should confirm their vehicle's specific trim and model type with service advisors to ensure the correct parts are ordered.

The takeaway

Vehicle identification issues can occasionally arise when transitioning between legacy performance models and modern electric fleets. Always verify model specifications with your service advisor when bringing rare or discontinued vehicles into a dealership.