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Could there be an aspect we are missing? A variable unnoticed? For example, does the i8 need as low of a CD if the frontal area is much less? I am not saying THAT is the answer, rather saying I imagine there is another factor at work. Though, something comes to mind.
Is there room for a great CD? The Prius is a utility vehicle. If it compromises a feature (space, seating options, whatever), then the customer (as long as they aren't getting it to show the world how green they are) will just go to Ford or Honda. It has the ICE, the hybrid, and all the features needed all squeezed in.
Tesla skips the ICE, and is making a niche product- if you don't like it, pound sand. Mercedes are skipping the electric. Same, they make a luxury product. As long as they keep their style and don't let another big G manufacturer step in, no worries.
Koenigsegg (the pinnacle of automotive performance) and Lamborghini (the pinnacle of automotive performance for people who don't know about Koenigsegg or much about cars) both have said they aren't wasting their time on hybrids. It is too heavy, and takes up too much space for the performance gains. A different application, yes, but not having to work with the extra junk makes life easier. Just spitballing, really, but there may be something to it- compromise your cars purpose, compromise your CD?
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