The stunning BMW Skytop Concept is here and it points to a more beautiful future for the brand. With the Neue Klasse Vision cars and the now the Skytop Concept, it’s clear BMW design is moving into a new chapter of design and away from the cluttered and complex aesthetic that we’ve seen develop over the last 15 years. But what is the Skytop Concept and is it previewing a new BMW model?

Officially no, BMW’s not name dropping any current models that this concept will influence. But it’s clear that the size and shape feels very 8 series. No surprise then to know this concept is actually built on top of a current 8 series convertible. But there is one model that they reference no less than four times in the official press release: the BMW Z8. There are also clear references to the historic BMW 503 as well.

The elegance and minimalism of the lighting is one thing that is immediately noticeable and represents a clear break from more recent BMWs. Then there’s the simpler form language that puts more emphasis on the proportion, size and the flowing shapes throughout. Then there’s the top which integrates the Hofmeister kink.

We love what we see and we have yet to even see it in person. But the big question is, will this lead to something that will drop on showroom floors. Stay tuned.

Official Release: The BMW Concept Skytop

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – May 24, 2024… With the BMW Concept Skytop design study, BMW is once again bringing an exceptionally elegant, one-of-a-kind vehicle to this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the annual gathering of historic cars and motorcycles held on the shores of Lake Como. The open two-seater resembles a meticulously crafted vehicle sculpture, with a flowing, sporty elegance that complements its athletic, muscular stance. The interior and exterior of the concept car feature warm monochromatic colors, blending exclusive materials with traditional craftsmanship.

“The BMW Concept Skytop is a truly unique and exotic design, in the tradition of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design. “It offers a combination of driving dynamics and elegance at the highest level, comparable to its historic ancestors, like the BMW Z8 or BMW 503.”

Athletic proportions, organic body.

The clean exterior of the BMW Concept Skytop is designed to inspire a desire to travel. Its taut, muscular surfaces are defined by a few precise lines that direct the vehicle’s volume towards the rear. Winglets discreetly integrated into the door shoulders replace conventional door handles. Light-alloy wheels with precise gill-like features further enhance its unique appearance.

From a bird’s eye perspective, the prominent, sweeping hood, the iconic BMW shark-nose design with illuminated kidney grille, and sculpted rear section, all catch the eye. References to the legendary BMW Z8 roadster were carefully chosen. Especially striking is the pronounced spline that extends from the hood, through the interior, to an aluminium trim positioned on the trunk lid, emphasising the dynamic flow of the silhouette.

The harmonious design of the headlights blends highly complex details into the overall concept. The LED units, positioned on milled aluminum carriers, were custom developed for the BMW Concept Skytop, utilizing the latest technology and design for automotive headlights with the slimmest profile possible.

The clean, purist design allows all lighting functions to be consolidated in a single installation space. The flat and defined shape of the rear lights complements the BMW Concept Skytop’s overall appearance.

The leather-finished sport bar behind the BMW Concept Skytop’s two seats is combined with side fins on the B-pillar and a fully retractable rear window. The two removable roof parts, also finished in leather, can be stored in a special compartment in the luggage space.

The color scheme ensures a smooth transition from interior to exterior, regardless of whether the roof is open or closed. In the rear section, the reddish-brown tone of the roof flows into the muted silver with chrome shadow effect of the exterior paintwork. The technically elaborate colour gradient was crafted by an experienced master painter at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing.

Brogue-style leather surfaces characterize the interior.

The leather seats in the interior feature brogue-style accents. The reddish-brown tone of the surfaces creates a consistent color scheme that gives the whole interior a sense of luxury and spaciousness. Crystal applications are artfully embedded in the cockpit, adding to the overall impression. The interior surfaces of the BMW Concept Skytop were crafted in the traditional saddlery of the BMW plant in Dingolfing.

Like the Z8 before it, the BMW Concept Skytop is powered by an engine from BMW M; in this case, the 617-hp 4.4-liter V8 with M TwinPower Turbo Technology from the BMW M8 Competition.

BMW Skytop Concept Photo Gallery