BMW has officially confirmed that the stunning Skytop will go into production, continuing the brand’s commitment to blending high-performance engineering with unique, handcrafted design. This model, based on the 8 Series, is an exclusive vehicle, with only 50 units set to be produced.
Coachbuilding was once a cornerstone of luxury automakers, and BMW is reviving this nearly forgotten art. This trend started in 2022 when the company launched a limited run of 50 units of the 3.0 CSL “Batmobile” on the M4 chassis. In 2023, BMW revealed a Z4 roadster-inspired shooting brake, though it never reached full production. The Skytop, however, has now been green-lit, showing that BMW remains committed to creating rare and highly customized vehicles for discerning customers.
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The BMW Skytop is a standout among modern sports cars. With a price rumored around €500,000 ($547,000), the Skytop is a far cry from the base M8 Competition Convertible, which starts at approximately $150,000. This makes the Skytop one of the most expensive models in BMW’s lineup, second only to the 3.0 CSL, which cost around €750,000 ($820,000).
The Skytop doesn’t just look unique—it performs like a BMW should. Powered by a 617-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, it matches the M8 Competition Convertible in terms of performance, hitting 62 mph in 3.3 seconds. But what sets the Skytop apart is its design, which draws heavily from some of BMW’s most beloved models, such as the 507 and Z8.
In contrast to BMW’s current, often polarizing design language, the Skytop features clean lines and a shark-nose front end, a welcome callback to more timeless styling. This balance of heritage and modernity ensures the Skytop will stand out in a sea of look-alike luxury sports cars.
The Skytop’s standout feature is its manually removable roof panels. Unlike the M8 Convertible’s electric fabric roof, the Skytop has two Targa panels covered in synthetic leather. These panels must be removed by hand and stored in the trunk, which may limit usability in certain weather conditions but adds a retro, tactile charm.
This Targa setup is reminiscent of a bygone era of sports cars, providing a more engaging experience for drivers who enjoy the ritual of physically interacting with their car.
Despite its steep price tag, all 50 units of the BMW Skytop have already been sold. The car made its debut at the 2023 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa, where it received overwhelming praise. This enthusiasm prompted BMW to approve a limited production run, according to Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW’s head of design.
One aspect that may surprise some potential buyers is the Skytop’s interior. At nearly $550,000, one might expect a completely bespoke cabin, yet BMW has carried over much of the interior from the M8 Competition. The materials are reportedly hand-selected, but the overall design remains familiar. For some, this might be a downside. However, others may appreciate the simplicity and continuity of BMW’s established cabin layout, especially since it lacks the oversized digital screens seen in newer models.
The BMW Skytop represents a blend of modern performance and classic design, wrapped in the exclusivity of coachbuilding. Its high price and limited availability make it a collector’s dream, but it’s also a symbol of BMW’s willingness to embrace its heritage while pushing forward with innovation.
As BMW continues to explore this coachbuilding revival, the automotive world is left wondering: what other iconic designs will the brand bring back to life? And is this the start of a broader trend in ultra-luxury, limited-edition vehicles?
