BMW Speedtop Concept Leaks: A Shooting Brake That Could Outshine the Skytop?

The automotive world is buzzing after leaked images of the BMW Speedtop Concept surfaced online, just ahead of its official debut at the prestigious Villa d’Este Concours d’Eleganza. This sleek shooting brake, a variation on last year's acclaimed Skytop concept, is already turning heads and sparking debate: could it be even more desirable than its predecessor?

The Speedtop’s design retains the elegant lines of the Skytop, particularly the front end with its slim headlights and distinctive kidney grille. However, the extended roofline transforms the two-door into a stylish shooting brake, offering a touch more practicality without sacrificing aesthetics. Unlike the quirky Z3 "clown shoe," the Speedtop embraces a more traditional, cohesive design language.

Inside, the Speedtop largely mirrors the Skytop, featuring a luxurious 8-Series-inspired layout. High-end materials abound, with copious amounts of leather in contrasting Sundown Maroon and Moonstone White. Notably, the rear seats have been replaced with custom storage designed for bespoke luggage from Italian leather specialists Schedoni, emphasizing the car's exclusive nature.

Underneath the stylish exterior, the Speedtop is expected to share the same powerful 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine found in the M8 Competition, delivering a thrilling 617 hp. This ensures the Speedtop isn't just about looks; it packs the performance to match its exotic design.

Rendering artist Sugar Design previously envisioned a production Speedtop, accurately predicting the final design. They even created a four-door estate version, but most believe BMW is more likely to produce a limited run of the more stylish two-door shooting brake.

BMW's history of unveiling concept cars at Villa d'Este and subsequently putting them into limited production, as seen with the Skytop, fuels speculation that the Speedtop may follow suit. While the Skytop is capped at 50 units, rumors suggest 70 Speedtops could be produced, further enhancing its exclusivity.

"The BMW Concept Speedtop is characterised first of all by its profile," says Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design. "It is unique in the automotive industry. In this way, we have created an exclamation mark for our entire line-up of vehicles, especially for the Touring models.”

The Speedtop's unique paint job, which morphs magically from floating Sunstone Maroon to floating Sundown Silver, is another example of BMW pushing the limits of personalisation and bespoke programs. The central 'spline' on the bonnet, a design element picked up again on the roof, adds to the car's distinctive character.

Will BMW greenlight the Speedtop for a limited production run? Given the overwhelmingly positive buzz and seemingly production-ready design, many believe the odds are in its favor.

The leaked BMW Speedtop Concept has ignited a firestorm of excitement among car enthusiasts. Its sleek design, luxurious interior, and powerful engine make it a truly desirable vehicle. Will this shooting brake outshine the Skytop? Only time will tell. What are your thoughts on the Speedtop? Share your opinions in the comments below!

• BMW
• Skytop
• Speedtop