Most concept cars unveiled at prestigious events like Villa d’Este remain forever trapped in the realm of “what if.” But BMW has been bucking that trend lately, turning their Lake Como show cars into ultra-exclusive production models for collectors with very deep pockets. Following last year’s stunning Skytop convertible, BMW has now unveiled the Concept Speedtop—essentially a shooting brake version of its predecessor that somehow manages to be even more desirable. With only 70 units planned and a price tag rumored to exceed $500,000, this V8-powered wagon represents the pinnacle of BMW’s bespoke manufacturing capabilities.
The Skytop Gets a Roof and More Storage
The Speedtop shares its DNA with last year’s Skytop, maintaining that dramatic shark-nose front end with razor-thin headlights and an illuminated kidney grille that actually looks proportional rather than overwhelming. But where the Skytop was a targa-style convertible, the Speedtop extends that roofline all the way to the rear, creating a proper shooting brake silhouette that’s both elegant and practical.
Paint That Changes Color (Literally)
One of the Speedtop’s most striking features is its gradient paint scheme that transitions from “Floating Sunstone Maroon” at the front to “Floating Sundown Silver” at the rear. This isn’t just a clever marketing name—the roof literally changes color as your eye moves from front to back, creating an almost chameleon-like effect that emphasizes the car’s flowing lines.
The attention to detail extends to the custom 14-spoke wheels with their two-tone finish, designed specifically for this car. Even the door handles are special with hidden chrome elements integrated into the window trim that maintain the clean exterior lines while providing functional access.
Interior Craftsmanship That Rivals Luxury Goods
Step inside, and you’re greeted by what BMW calls “manufactory-level craftsmanship.” The two-tone interior combines Sundown Maroon leather on the dashboard and upper surfaces with Moonstone White on the seats and lower door panels. Traditional brogue-style perforations accent the leather surfaces, showing the kind of hand-finished details usually reserved for the finest luxury goods.
The collaboration with Italian leather specialist Schedoni takes the luxury factor even higher. Custom-made bags fit perfectly in the storage areas behind the seats, held in place with leather straps, while a matching weekend bag can be accommodated in the leather-lined trunk. The entire cargo area is illuminated with LED strips, creating an almost jewelry-box-like presentation.
M8 Power in a Bespoke Package
While BMW is being coy about specific powertrain details, they’ve confirmed the Speedtop packs “the most powerful V8 engine currently offered by BMW.” Given the car’s M8 underpinnings, that likely means the same 617-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 found in models like the XM, paired with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.
The engineering challenge wasn’t just about the engine, though. According to BMW’s Head of Design Adrian van Hooydonk, creating these limited-production models requires carefully balancing which departments to involve and which to avoid to prevent the project from becoming “slow and complicated.”
Small Series, Big Impact
The Speedtop represents BMW’s commitment to pushing boundaries through limited-production vehicles. As Hooydonk explains, these projects help the organization “not to become complacent, not to become overly automatic, automated, like a machine.” The fact that customers reportedly didn’t even ask about price before expressing interest speaks to the car’s immediate appeal among BMW’s most discerning clientele.
Production will take place at BMW’s Dingolfing plant using the same team that handles the Skytop and other exclusive models. Everything from the headlights to the upholstery will be manufactured in-house, ensuring the kind of quality control that justifies the stratospheric price tag.
Exclusivity You Can’t Buy (Unless You Can)
With only 70 units planned—20 more than the Skytop’s 50-unit run—the Speedtop expands BMW’s limited-edition offerings while maintaining serious exclusivity. The increased production number suggests strong demand for these ultra-premium models, though at rumored prices exceeding $500,000, the customer base remains extremely limited.
Unfortunately for American enthusiasts, like most of BMW’s special projects, the Speedtop won’t be officially available in the US market. Orders are apparently open now for collectors and connoisseurs, though BMW hasn’t revealed the purchase process or exact pricing.
Spec Sheet
Model: BMW Concept Speedtop
Body Style: Two-door shooting brake
Base Platform: BMW M8
Engine: Twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 (BMW’s most powerful)
Power: Estimated 617 horsepower
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (likely)
Seating: 2 seats
Paint: Floating Sunstone Maroon to Floating Sundown Silver gradient
Interior: Sundown Maroon and Moonstone White leather with brogue detailing
Wheels: Custom 14-spoke two-tone design
Production: 70 units
Manufacturing: BMW Dingolfing plant
Estimated Price: Over $500,000
Availability: Collectors and enthusiasts (order books open)
Pricing & Availability
BMW hasn’t announced official pricing, but estimates suggest the Speedtop will exceed $500,000. Orders are reportedly open now for qualified buyers, with production limited to 70 units worldwide.
Recap
BMW Concept Speedtop
BMW’s shooting brake follow-up to the Skytop combines M8 underpinnings with 617-horsepower V8 power, gradient paint, hand-finished leather interior, and custom Schedoni luggage in a limited run of 70 units priced over $500,000 for collectors only.
