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BMW fans and automotive enthusiasts are in for a rare treat, as the legendary BMW Welt in Munich brings together two of the brand’s most exclusive creations—the Skytop and the Speedtop—under one roof for the very first time. Both vehicles, developed as one-off masterpieces atop the revered M8 chassis, showcase BMW's prowess in luxury automotive design, combining striking bespoke bodywork with the high-performance DNA enthusiasts expect from the M division.
Striking Design: Bespoke Bodies Meet Bavarian Heritage
The Skytop and Speedtop break the mold in BMW’s design language. While the company’s recent styling decisions have sparked debate, these two vehicles have captured universal praise among collectors and car experts alike. Both models leverage the robust underpinnings of the BMW 8 Series, but each receives entirely custom, hand-finished body panels. The Skytop adopts a classic targa-top silhouette, blending open-air exhilaration with grand touring comfort, while the Speedtop is a dramatic shooting brake, expertly combining sportiness and cargo versatility in a design rarely seen on modern BMWs.
Vehicle Specifications and Performance
Engineered on the formidable M8 platform, both models are expected to house BMW’s celebrated 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering breathtaking performance and agility. Although official power output figures remain undisclosed, the M8’s benchmark of 617 horsepower and xDrive all-wheel-drive technology suggest these limited editions are as thrilling to drive as they are to behold.
One notable trade-off: neither the Skytop nor the Speedtop features rear seats. This decision prioritizes weight distribution and exclusivity but means practicality is not their primary concern. Buyers looking for everyday luxury cars or high-performance SUVs will find plenty of choices elsewhere in BMW’s lineup.
Exclusivity: Ultra-Limited Production and Investment Value
True to their bespoke nature, production numbers are remarkably low. Only 120 units will be made—70 Skytop convertibles and 50 Speedtop wagons—each representing the pinnacle of BMW collector vehicles. The Skytop sold out almost immediately, while a select few build slots for the Speedtop remain. Pricing has not been officially confirmed, but reports suggest each comes in at around €500,000, matching their rarity and prestige on the collector car market.
Despite their astronomical price tags, these models don’t even claim the title of most expensive BMW. That distinction goes to the 3.0 CSL, which, with only 50 produced and a rumored €750,000 price, stands as the brand’s ultimate inline-six powered creation. BMW M’s leadership has also hinted at future limited series, ensuring exclusivity and innovation will remain core to the brand's spirit.
Market Positioning and North American Availability
Both the Skytop and Speedtop are targeted at BMW’s most discerning and affluent clientele—those willing to pay Rolls-Royce-level prices for the unique badge and performance of a BMW M car. However, due to high homologation costs, neither will be offered for sale in the United States through official channels. That said, dedicated buyers may still import these ultra-rare models via show-and-display exemptions, much like the 3.0 CSL. Given their exclusivity, most owners are likely to view these cars as investments rather than daily drivers, preserving their value for years to come.
Design Future: Will Retro-Modern Styling Influence Mainstream BMWs?
It remains to be seen whether the Skytop and Speedtop’s blend of retro and modern styling will filter into BMW’s broader lineup. As the brand prepares for its Neue Klasse era, with cleaner, more sculpted lines previewed in the upcoming iX3 and i3 prototypes, there is hope that the elegance and personality seen on these limited editions might inspire more attainable future models.
The Skytop and Speedtop stand as symbols of BMW’s commitment to pushing boundaries in luxury car design, performance engineering, and exclusivity—setting a new standard for bespoke automotive excellence.
Source: bmwblog
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