BMW has confirmed the production of the stunning 8 Series BMW Skytop, a modern targa masterpiece limited to just 50 examples. Priced at around €500,000, this beauty combines vintage design elements with cutting-edge technology. Is it worth all the hype?
Sometimes dreams do come true, but these are often reserved for those with very deep pockets. BMW has officially unveiled the production version of the 8 Series BMW Skytop, a targa-inspired car that pays homage to legendary models such as the BMW 507 and Z8. Limited to just 50 units, and yes, you read that right, they're all sold out! The price? A staggering €500,000, but that didn't stop enthusiasts from getting them as soon as it was announced.
The BMW Skytop brings ancient charm to a market dominated by futuristic designs. Inspired by classic models such as the 507 and Z8, this 8 Series model departs from the aggressive and polarizing lines we know from BMW's more recent designs. The front part of the car evokes nostalgia with its "shark-nose" appearance, while at the same time it is complemented by smooth, pristine lines.
While you are Skytop shares the base with the M8 Competition Convertible, including 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, boasts a unique roof design. Instead of an electrically folding fabric, the Skytop has two manually removable targa panels covered in synthetic leather. Yes, you'll have to remove them yourself, but that's part of the charm, right? Just check the weather forecast before you start driving.
BMW enthusiasts will not be disappointed with the performance of the Skytop model. As with the M8 Competition Convertible, here too we find a twin-turbo V8 engine that develops 617 horsepower (460 kW) and 750 Nm of torque. It accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.3 seconds – enough to put a smile on your face, whatever the weather. The engine is mated to BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive and eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring power is distributed smoothly and evenly at all times.
Although the Skytop is not exactly a racing beast, its power is far from modest. Despite its elegant and luxurious appearance, this car is still a real performance machine. Top speed? Electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).
For a car that costs around €500,000, you'd expect a cabin that screams luxury. However, this is one area where the Skytop could leave some buyers a little disappointed. Despite BMW's emphasis on "hand-picked materials," the interior remains almost identical to the M8 Convertible. If you shell out half a million euros, you might expect something more unique.
Still, the M8's interior isn't a disaster - it's just too familiar for a car in this price range. One of the advantages, however, is that it is a user-friendly experience, without the large screens that dominate many of BMW's newer models. Perhaps this will be appreciated by purists who want to keep the focus on driving.
With only 50 examples produced, the Skytop is a guaranteed collector's rarity. BMW claims that production is the result of the "enthusiastic response" the concept received when it was unveiled at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. Adrian van Hooydonk, head of design at BMW Group, described the decision to go into series production as "a dream come true." Is this dream car really worth the dizzying price?
In some respects, yes. You are not only buying a car, but exclusivity and a piece of BMW brand history. Skytop's retro-inspired design stands out in a crowd of modern, sharp lines. Its performance is undoubtedly impressive. But at the same time, many wonder if the interior and such a high price do not exceed what the car really offers.
Final Verdict: A gem for collectors
The BMW 8 Series Skytop is definitely not for everyone. With a price of approx 500.000 € (547,000 $) is more a symbol of exclusivity and automotive artwork than a practical everyday car. For those lucky enough to drive it, the Skytop offers the perfect combination of nostalgia and modern performance wrapped in a package that is as rare as it is beautiful.
But let's be honest: for this money you get a lot more than just technical specifications. Although it shares an engine with the M8 and the interior is almost a replica, the retro design and limited production of the Skytop will likely ensure that this car will forever remain a collector's item. The question is, would you shell out half a million euros for a car where you have to look at the sky before removing the roof? For those 50 lucky people, this question has already been answered.
