BMW says the BMW i8 Ultimate Sophisto special edition marks the end of the road for their plug-in hybrid sports car

When BMW first unveiled the BMW i8 in 2014, it was a noteworthy moment for two reasons: it was the first hybrid sports car ever produced by the automaker, and it was also one of the coolest-looking sports cars on the market, period—as long as you’re willing to forgive the gull-wing doors.

Now, however, the BMW i8 era is apparently coming to an end. Hints and rumors of the eventual discontinuation of the plug-in hybrid sports car have been circulating for over a year as BMW has continued to disclose details the automaker’s vision for their next generation of all-electric vehicles, which they promise will be even more impressive.

And as of yesterday, BMW appears to be nudging the i8 a big step closer to an official end, with the announcement of the 2020 BMW i8 Ultimate Sophisto special edition, which the automaker says will “mark the end of production for the most successful plug-in hybrid sports car in the world.”

This special edition is taking the i8 out with a bang, however, offering a mix of distinguished design touches and performance. Both the coupe and roadster versions are dressed up in a snazzy Sophisto Grey metallic hue with copper accents on the alloy wheels, kidney grille inserts, and side skirts.

And true to its performance reputation, the i8 Ultimate Sophisto edition packs 369 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque into the all-wheel drive powertrain, with the coupe boasting a 4.2-second 0-60 mph performance with the roadster coming in right behind at 4.4 seconds.

Production of the BMW 2020 i8 Ultimate Sophisto edition, which begins late this year, will be limited to 200 units globally, the automaker says, with availability on a first-come, first served basis.

Pricing information is not yet available. BMW says they’ll spill the beans “closer to the on-sale date” about how many beans the i8 Ultimate Sophisto special edition will set you back.