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BMW's long-awaited i8 hybrid supercar has finally been launched in Los Angeles - where the world's motoring press has been putting it through its paces.

The i8 is perhaps one of the most striking vehicles BMW has ever made, with a carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic body that goes into DeLorean territory, such is its futuristic feel.

Weighing in at 1.5 tons, the i8 has a sleek, layered appearance, evolving the classic BMW look into something altogether more forward looking.

But while BMW's bodywork boffins have been thinking outside the box, superb under-the-bonnet green credentials is what the i8 is really about.

Delivering a figure of 135mpg, EU Combined, the i8 is certainly several leaps ahead of standard petrol cars. The 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine driving the back wheels is complimented by an electric motor for the front. Press tests however did not get terribly close to this lofty figure, managing just over 50mpg in most cases. But this is still impressive.

The vehicle's emissions figures are what really make the i8 special, delivering just 49g/km, guaranteeing the owner a VED band A – costing £0.

However, such savings are dwarfed by the monumental price tag of £99,845. But for those who are seeking a highly innovative, green vehicle, that are willing to put up with handling that isn't exactly 'classic sports car', the i8 could be of interest.

The range is 375 miles, or 22 miles on electric only; drivers best not forget when they are on the electric motor, or they'll be making a call to their breakdown insurance provider soon enough.

The i8 is available in the UK from July.