South Africans are raiding their bank accounts to satiate their desire to own BMW's sexiest and most expensive hybrid vehicle - the BMW i8.

BMW South Africa has sold almost 230 units of the most talked-about road monster since its launch about two years ago.

Sales seem to be rocketing as 45 units, both customised and standard, have been sold since the beginning of this year alone.

The standard model retails at just over R2-million while the customised one would cost you at least R100000 more.

According to information from the German car maker, the vehicles were purchased both in cash and on credit.

And those who bought on credit are paying R46000 in monthly instalments over 60 months, excluding insurance.

BMW SA product communications manager Thando Pato confirmed the eye-catching toy is selling like hot cakes despite the sluggish economy.

Top celebrities who have snapped up the sports car include rapper AKA, pastor Paseka "Mboro" Motsoeneng of Incredible Happenings Church and entertainer Somizi Mhlongo.

"The majority of buyers are male," Pato said.

Careful drivers are needed for this car because a broken side mirror will cost you around R4000 to replace.

Pato said they expect sales to balloon after the arrival of the limited edition BMW i8 Protonic Frozen Black Edition this month, which is priced at R2.1-million.

"In South Africa there are 12 units of the new BMW i8 which arrived this month. This limited edition baby has a frozen black exterior paint finish with frozen grey metallic highlights.

"It has 20-inch alloy wheels to underline the avant-garde exterior design and style.

"Customers can expect delivery on these later this month and in October," she said.

The BMW i8, a plug-in hybrid sports car, is assembled in Leipzig, Germany.