Why Did the BMW Speedtop Sell Out Instantly?
When BMW pulled the wraps off the Speedtop at the Villa d’Este Concours, the reaction was immediate and electric. All 70 units were spoken for in a flash—gone before most enthusiasts could even process the news. What’s behind this feverish demand? For starters, the Speedtop is a rare breed: a limited-run, design-forward BMW that bucks the recent trend of polarizing styling. It’s rooted in the 8-Series platform, but it’s not just another variant—it’s a statement piece, a collector’s dream.
BMW’s CEO, Oliver Zipse, confirmed during a recent earnings call that every single Speedtop was “immediately sold out” after its debut. The car’s exclusivity, combined with the brand’s storied heritage and the allure of owning something truly unique, created a perfect storm. In the world of high-end automobiles, scarcity and desirability go hand in hand. The Speedtop nailed both.
How Much Did Buyers Pay for the Speedtop—and Was It Worth It?
BMW hasn’t officially released the Speedtop’s price, but industry insiders peg it at around €500,000 (roughly $577,000). That’s a hefty sum, even in the rarefied air of luxury GTs. Yet, for the 70 buyers, price was clearly no obstacle. According to Zipse, the Speedtop sold “in a never-before-achieved price range” for the brand—a new benchmark for BMW’s bespoke offerings.
Is it worth it? For most, that’s an eye-watering figure. But for collectors and enthusiasts, the value lies in more than just horsepower or leather quality. It’s about owning a slice of BMW history, a car that won’t be seen at every valet stand or track day. The Speedtop’s price reflects not just its engineering, but its status as a rolling piece of art.
What Makes the Speedtop Stand Out from Other BMWs?
Let’s get into the details. Underneath its sculpted bodywork, the Speedtop rides on the bones of the BMW 8-Series, but it’s powered by the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 found in the M8 Competition. That means 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque—enough to make your heart skip a beat when you put your foot down.
But the Speedtop isn’t just about raw numbers. It’s a two-seater, purpose-built for weekend escapes. The rear isn’t for passengers—it’s a lavish cargo area, decked out in plush leather and ambient lighting, complete with custom Schedoni luggage. This isn’t your average grand tourer; it’s a meticulously crafted experience, from the hand-stitched interior to the flowing exterior lines that harken back to classic BMW roadsters.
Why Are Limited-Run Models Like the Speedtop So Popular Now?
There’s a growing appetite among car collectors for ultra-exclusive, high-design vehicles. In an age where mass production rules, the allure of something rare and hand-built is hard to resist. The Speedtop taps into this trend perfectly. It’s not just a car—it’s an investment, a future classic, and a conversation starter all rolled into one.
Recent data from Hagerty, a leading classic car insurer, shows that limited-edition models from established brands have outperformed standard models in value appreciation over the past decade. The Speedtop’s instant sell-out is a testament to this shift in collector priorities. People want cars that tell a story, that stand out in a sea of sameness.
What’s Next for BMW’s M Division and Limited Series Cars?
The runaway success of the Speedtop hasn’t gone unnoticed inside BMW. Sylvia Neubauer, BMW M’s vice president of Customer, Brand, and Sales, recently confirmed that the M division has been given the green light to develop its own “small series” model. Translation: expect more ultra-exclusive, high-performance BMWs in the near future.
This move signals a new era for BMW, where bespoke, limited-run models become a regular part of the lineup. It’s a smart play—these cars generate buzz, elevate the brand, and attract a clientele willing to pay a premium for something truly special.
What’s the Real Appeal of the Speedtop—And Should You Care?
Even if you’re not in the market for a half-million-dollar GT, the Speedtop’s story matters. It’s proof that big automakers can still surprise us, still create cars that stir the soul and ignite passion. The Speedtop isn’t just about numbers or exclusivity—it’s about reminding us why we fell in love with cars in the first place.
The big takeaway? Automotive excellence isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments, bold ideas, and a willingness to break the mold. Start with one change this week—whether it’s taking the scenic route or appreciating the details in your own ride—and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.