BMW Defies Trends with the Speedtop
In a world dominated by SUVs and digital interfaces, BMW continues to celebrate the art of coachbuilding with its latest creation, the Speedtop. This bespoke masterpiece reimagines the Skytop convertible from last year, transforming it into an elegant, shooting brake-style grand tourer. Officially debuting at the 2025 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the Speedtop is limited to just 70 units, with no availability in the U.S.
Design and Aesthetics
Constructed on the familiar platform of the BMW 8-Series, the Speedtop carries over some elements from its predecessor while showcasing a distinct new design. Despite inherent architectural constraints, the design team creatively navigated these limitations, resulting in a striking new body that encapsulates the essence of a luxury grand tourer.
Distinctive Features
- Unique Profile: The Speedtop boasts a narrower face with LED headlights and a glowing kidney grille reminiscent of the Skytop.
- Innovative Roofline: The redesigned roof smoothly flows into a sculpted rear, complemented by a subtle roof spoiler.
- Refined Details: Notable design features include a central raised spine along the roof, accentuating symmetry.
Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW's Head of Design, emphasized the model’s unique profile, calling it an “exclamation mark” for their Touring lineup and asserting that it moves beyond being a mere assembly of components.
Interior Luxury and Practicality
Designed for a couple's weekend getaway, the Speedtop features a two-seater interior configuration, maximized for storage. The spacious luggage compartment, lined in premium leather and illuminated by ambient lighting, is ideal for travelers. Custom luggage from Italian firm Schedoni is designed to fit perfectly in the vehicle.
High-Quality Craftsmanship
- Materials Selection: The interior uses a unique blend of two-tone leathers, including Sundown Maroon and Moonstone White.
- Attention to Detail: Every surface reflects meticulous craftsmanship, with features like an illuminated spline in the headlining.
Performance and Powertrain
Under the hood, the Speedtop is expected to house BMW’s most powerful V8 engine, likely the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter from the M8 Competition, delivering 617 horsepower.
While performance specifications remain under wraps, enhancements from the M8, including adaptive suspension and advanced brakes, seem likely. This ensures that the Speedtop isn't just a visual marvel but a beast on the road as well.
Limited Availability and Pricing
Although BMW has not disclosed pricing details for the Speedtop, its exclusivity suggests a steep price tag, likely appealing only to affluent collectors. Following the success of the Skytop, which saw all 50 units quickly sell out at a base price around $500,000, the Speedtop is expected to follow suit in attracting high-net-worth clients.
For enthusiastic buyers outside the U.S., orders are currently being accepted, solidifying the car's status as a global collector’s item.
Conclusion
The BMW Speedtop exemplifies the fusion of art and engineering, showcasing the automaker's commitment to luxury and performance. As interest in personalized vehicles continues to grow, the Speedtop stands as a beacon of BMW's dedication to bespoke craftsmanship, potentially setting a benchmark for future models.
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