BMW is making a significant return to the art of coachbuilding, blending luxury with exclusive design in a series of bespoke vehicles. Following its success with the revival of the iconic “Batmobile” through a limited-edition 3.0 CSL in 2022, which saw just 50 units produced on the M4 chassis, the German automaker is continuing this creative trend.
Last year, they attempted to bring back the “Clownshoe” with a shooting brake variant based on the Z4 M40i roadster, though this model sadly did not make it to the production line.
Most recently, BMW introduced the stunning Skytop, an 8 Series coupe featuring a targa top. The Skytop has garnered considerable attention and excitement, prompting the company to confirm that it will enter production.
However, this production run is limited to just 50 units, all of which are reportedly already spoken for. The anticipated price point for this exclusive vehicle hasn’t been officially disclosed, but rumors suggest it could be around €500,000, which converts to approximately $547,000 at current exchange rates.
Even if the Skytop’s price is indeed in that vicinity, it would still fall short of being the most expensive new BMW on the market. That distinction belongs to the aforementioned 3.0 CSL, which reportedly carries a staggering price tag of €750,000 ($820,000). When comparing the Skytop’s expected pricing to that of its donor car, the M8 Competition Convertible, which starts at around $150,000 before options, the Skytop commands a significant premium for its bespoke features and design.
Accompanying the announcement of the Skytop’s production plans are detailed specifications that highlight its performance capabilities. This luxury vehicle will come equipped with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 engine generating an impressive 617 horsepower—mirroring the performance metrics of the M8. The Skytop can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a swift 3.3 seconds, matching the speed of the standard M8 Convertible.
Visually, the Skytop marks a bold departure from BMW’s recent design trends, drawing inspiration from the classic 507 and Z8 models, which are celebrated for their elegance and timeless appeal. The return of the iconic shark-nose front design, coupled with cleaner lines, offers a refreshing contrast to the more complex aesthetics of contemporary BMW models.
Unlike the M8 Convertible, which features an electrically retractable fabric roof, the Skytop employs two manually removable targa panels. These panels are wrapped in synthetic leather, although this design choice means that owners should avoid driving the vehicle in wet conditions. BMW has thoughtfully included a dedicated storage area in the trunk for the targa panels when they are not in use.
Despite the hefty price tag, a concern arises regarding the interior design. For around $500,000, many buyers might expect a fully bespoke cabin experience, akin to what is offered by Rolls-Royce. However, the Skytop carries over the interior from the M8, which, although adorned with “handpicked materials,” may not provide the sense of exclusivity anticipated at this price point. Nonetheless, the older interior design, free from the oversized screens that dominate many current BMW models, might appeal to those who favor a more classic aesthetic.
Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW Group Design’s head, attributes the decision to approve the production version to the overwhelmingly positive response the Skytop concept received at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa in late May, signaling a promising future for BMW’s limited-run coachbuilt vehicles.
