Almost a year has whizzed by since the breathtaking BMW Skytop Concept made its grand debut, igniting a wave of excitement so tremendous that the automaker decided to produce 50 exclusive units for its most ardent fans. With such a limited run, these tantalizing spy shots of a prototype could be your only glimpse of this automotive marvel on the road. And the buzz? All 50 Skytop models have already found loving homes among the ultra-wealthy elite, with each exquisite piece of engineering costing around €580,000. But if you weren't one of the fortunate few this time around, fear not! Rumor has it that BMW is hard at work on even more ultra-exclusive creations, teasing something remarkable that will be unveiled at the renowned Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy later this month.
The elegant Skytop targa convertible celebrates BMW's rich legacy of iconic roadsters, with the unforgettable 507 and the charismatic Z8 serving as key inspirations for this stunning design. Observing the road-ready version, it's striking how closely it mirrors the original concept, from the captivating turbine-inspired wheels to the graceful contours. Starting from the front, the Skytop boasts a nose that is refreshingly understated compared to many of its contemporary counterparts. Unlike the somewhat polarizing designs of the 5 Series and 7 Series, it features a modest set of illuminated kidney grilles that are subtly tapered, jutting out from the bumper at an intriguing reverse angle. This elegant touch evokes nostalgia for the classic shark-nose styling of historic BMWs, particularly the original CS Coupé. Complementing this design are thin, refined headlights that incorporate sleek internals, perched above a smooth and minimalistic lower bumper.
The overall silhouette of the Skytop diverges from the smoother lines found on current BMW offerings, embracing a more robust and blocky profile reminiscent of the Z8, crowned with clean, fluid forms. A notable twist in design lies in the innovative roof construction, featuring two removable panels finished in a rich burnt sienna material. This striking choice harmonizes beautifully with the integrated aerobridge, which is adorned with the same sumptuous leather as the roof, along with the roll hoop and the rest of the opulent interior. An assertive central raised spline stretches from the bonnet to an aluminum bar on the rear deck. The back end eschews extravagance in favor of refined simplicity, showcasing straightforward horizontal lights, clean bumpers, and a lack of unnecessary embellishments. The detailed craftsmanship leans towards the minimalist aesthetic, especially when compared to BMW's latest offerings or the anticipated Neue Klasse models on the horizon.
Our keen-eyed spy photographers didn’t manage to snap interior shots, but it appears the cabin may share the familiar layout of the BMW 8 Series. Aside from the sophisticated center console, every surface seems to be adorned with luxurious leather, accentuated by amber crystal detailing in the steering wheel that speaks volumes of its premium character. The Skytop cleverly borrows its platform and engine from the revered 8 Series, dressing it up in a bespoke body featuring a chic targa-like semi-open cockpit. This arrangement ensures it boasts a purely combustion powertrain—no plug-in hybrids here, unlike the newer M5 models—and showcases some nostalgic nods to BMW’s heritage through the use of a joystick gear selector, a refreshing twist compared to the toggle switch typically found in their latest vehicles.
Powering this extraordinary creation is a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8, a familiar powerhouse in BMW’s high-performance lineup. It’s expected to churn out a whopping 616 hp, reminiscent of the M8 Competition. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s renowned xDrive all-wheel drive system, propelling the Skytop from 0 to 100 km/h in a breathtakingly swift 3.3 seconds—identical to the impressive M8 Competition Convertible. What do you think of the stunning new BMW Skytop? We can’t wait to hear your thoughts in the comments!