The Bugatti Chiron, the spiritual successor to the legendary Bugatti Veyron, stands as one of the greatest hypercars ever created and, naturally, one of the fastest cars in automotive history.
This level of performance and exclusivity comes at a price, as the Chiron costs 20 times more than the upcoming C8 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.
However, the Chiron is not only expensive to purchase but also costly to maintain. So, how much does it really cost to maintain a Bugatti Chiron?
The Hamilton Collection conducted in-depth research on the 10-year ownership costs of this iconic vehicle, using one of their own Chirons for analysis.
Their findings revealed that while the Chiron is cheaper to maintain than the Veyron, it still demands a significant financial commitment.
Using data sourced from platforms like Automobile Catalog and Bugatti’s Newsroom, as well as insights from The Hamilton Collection’s YouTube channel, the costs of owning a Bugatti Chiron were meticulously broken down.
What Makes the Bugatti Chiron Special?
At the heart of the Bugatti Chiron lies a quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels.
This engineering marvel delivers an astounding 1,479 horsepower and 1,180 lb-ft of torque. Despite its hefty weight of 4,398 lbs, the Chiron can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 261 mph.
For those who desire even greater speed, variants like the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ boast a record-breaking top speed of 304 mph.
Beyond its powerful drivetrain, Bugatti’s commitment to craftsmanship sets the Chiron apart.
Each vehicle is meticulously hand-built, featuring hand-stitched interiors crafted from the finest materials and customized exteriors tailored to the first owner’s specifications.
With cutting-edge technology and unparalleled attention to detail, the Chiron’s starting price of $3 million seems justified. Customized models often exceed this figure significantly.
Warranty and Service Plans
Every new Bugatti Chiron comes with a 4-year limited factory warranty, which covers basic maintenance tasks such as fluid changes and even includes repairs for cracked wheels over time.
However, the warranty becomes void if the car undergoes mechanical modifications, is driven negligently, or is abused.
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For older Chirons, owners can choose to pay for services out-of-pocket, extend the warranty, or purchase a basic service plan. Regular maintenance is required annually or every 10,000 miles, with a more comprehensive service scheduled every four years.
Annual services include tasks such as oil and oil filter changes, DSG pressure accumulator service, pollen filter replacement, brake fluid checks, and key fob battery replacement.
The major 4-year service, however, involves a much longer checklist: oil and filter changes for the front and rear axles, longitudinal lock oil changes, DSG gearbox maintenance, engine air filter replacement, spark plug replacement (16 plugs in total), drive belt changes, coolant and hydraulic services, and A/C refrigeration servicing.
Annual Service Fees
With a base price of $3 million and a quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine, it’s no surprise that maintaining a Bugatti Chiron is costly.
While the 4-year warranty covers initial services, owners must foot the bill for maintenance afterward unless they opt for an extended warranty or service plan.
A 4-year extended warranty costs an eye-watering $204,000, while a 4-year service plan ranges between $60,000 and $70,000. Alternatively, owners can pay for individual services as needed.
Each annual service costs $11,500, while the more extensive 4-year services come with a hefty $34,000 price tag. Though expensive, these figures pale in comparison to the Chiron’s multi-million-dollar purchase price.
Replacement Parts
While service fees are high, the real financial burden lies in the cost of replacement parts. Owners of luxury cars like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Porsche often resort to third-party sources for replacement parts to save money.
Unfortunately, Bugatti owners don’t have this option. Every replacement part must be sourced directly from Bugatti, making even minor repairs extremely expensive.
The Hamilton Collection shared the following prices for some of the Chiron’s replacement parts:
- Replacement key: $13,547.75
- Tail light: $9,639.58
- Quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine: $856,406.98 (compared to $605,390 for a Veyron engine)
- Front brake rotors: $18,317.60
- Rear brake rotors: $18,317.60
- Front brake pads: $6,764
- Rear brake pads: $4,024
- Transmission: $185,000
In addition to these costs, expenses such as insurance, fuel, and potential body repairs or repainting further add to the financial load.
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A 10-Year Ownership Breakdown
Combining all the costs reveals why Bugatti produces only a limited number of cars each year. Hypercars are notorious for their staggering purchase and maintenance costs, but the Chiron’s figures still managed to surprise.
Here’s a breakdown of estimated costs over 10 years, as calculated by The Hamilton Collection:
- Service costs (first 4 years included in warranty): $91,500
- New tires every 5 years: $8,449.92
- Replacement key: $13,547.75
- Tail lights every 5 years: $48,197.90
- Brakes and rotors: $47,424.16
Total maintenance cost over 10 years: $209,118.92
While $210,000 over a decade is a significant sum, it amounts to less than 7% of the Bugatti Chiron’s MSRP. For a hypercar of this caliber, this cost could be considered a bargain.