BMW has taken plenty of heat in recent years over its polarizing design language, but even its harshest critics are falling silent in the presence of its latest creations: the Skytop and Speedtop. These two bespoke beauties mark a rare moment of near-universal praise for the Bavarian automaker, combining stunning retro-modern aesthetics with the performance pedigree of the M8.
Now, for the first time, both models are showcased side-by-side under one roof at BMW Welt in Munich—an exhibition that feels as much like a celebration as it does a product display.
Built on a Solid Foundation
While the Skytop and Speedtop are dripping in bespoke flair, their underpinnings are rooted in familiar excellence. Both are based on the M8 chassis, benefitting from BMW’s flagship GT’s powertrain and handling prowess. But beyond the engineering, the design tells a different story. These aren’t just rebodied 8 Series variants—they’re bold reinterpretations of classic body styles: a targa-roof convertible in the Skytop, and a dramatic shooting brake in the Speedtop.
BMW Group Head of Design Adrian van Hooydonk recently shared images of the duo on Instagram, igniting excitement across the automotive world. The Skytop has already sold out, but there are still a few precious build slots remaining for the Speedtop. As for pricing? BMW remains tight-lipped, but reports suggest both models hover around the €500,000 mark.
Exclusivity Comes at a Cost
That price tag brings more than just exclusivity—it also demands a few compromises. Neither car features rear seats, a sacrifice in practicality that won’t deter their target audience: ultra-wealthy buyers willing to spend Rolls-Royce money on a BMW. Just 120 units will be built in total—70 Skytops and 50 Speedtops—ensuring their rarity from day one.
Production of the Speedtop isn’t scheduled to begin until late 2026. Due to the high cost of U.S. homologation, neither model will be officially sold stateside. However, they could still make their way across the Atlantic under “show and display” exemptions, similar to the ultra-rare 3.0 CSL.
Speaking of Legends
The Skytop and Speedtop may seem expensive, but they don’t top the list of BMW’s most extravagant offerings. That title goes to the limited-run 3.0 CSL—a modern homage to the original E9 “Batmobile”—which allegedly carried a €750,000 price tag. Limited to just 50 units and based on the M4 CSL, it holds the distinction of being the most powerful inline-six BMW ever built.
The future may hold more high-end surprises. Sylvia Neubauer, Vice President of Customer, Brand, and Sales at BMW M, confirmed to BMWBLOG that another special M project is in the pipeline.
Design With a Purpose?
The retro-infused design language of the Skytop and Speedtop could hint at a larger aesthetic shift for BMW. While it remains unclear whether these styling cues will influence mainstream models, the upcoming Neue Klasse design philosophy—previewed on prototypes like the iX3 and i3—suggests a turn toward smoother, more minimalist forms.
Gone, perhaps, will be the excessive creases and sharp lines that have defined recent BMWs. In their place: the flowing, elegant contours seen on these limited-run masterpieces. One can only hope that some of the Skytop and Speedtop’s artistry will trickle down to models that the average enthusiast might one day afford.
Source: BMW; Photo: adrian.van.hooydonk via Instragram