BMW teases a stunning Skytop-based shooting brake concept for the 2025 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Discover its design, 617 hp V8 engine, and potential limited production run.
Introduction: A New Vision for BMW’s Shooting Brake Legacy
BMW is set to captivate automotive enthusiasts at the 2025 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, taking place from May 24-26 in Lake Como, Italy, with the debut of a new shooting brake concept based on last year’s Skytop convertible. Teased through social media images, this rakish two-door wagon blends the Skytop’s elegant design with a long-roof silhouette, reviving BMW’s storied history with shooting brakes like the 1971 02-Series Touring and the iconic Z3 M Coupé, dubbed the “Clownshoe.” This article explores the concept’s design, specifications, market significance, and what it could mean for BMW’s future.
Design: Blending Elegance with Utility
The Skytop shooting brake concept retains the sleek, flowing lines of the original Skytop, a coachbuilt roadster unveiled at Villa d’Este 2024. Teaser images reveal a steeply raked hatchback, slim LED taillights, and a prominent ducktail-style rear spoiler, giving it a dynamic, sporty profile. The curved rear fenders and fin-shaped door handles mirror the Skytop’s aesthetic, while the extended roofline adds practicality without sacrificing elegance. Social media posts on X have compared its silhouette to the Z4-based Concept Touring Coupé from 2023, though its proportions are distinct, suggesting a unique identity.
|
Design Feature 
|
Details |
|---|---|
|
Body Style 
|
Two-door shooting brake |
|
Lighting |
Slim LED taillights, full-LED headlights |
|
Rear Design |
Ducktail spoiler, raked hatchback |
|
Styling Cues |
Curved fenders, fin-shaped door handles |
BMW describes the concept as a “unique blend of design, elegance, and precise craftsmanship,” hinting at a coachbuilt special crafted for exclusivity.
Performance and Platform
Built on the G15 BMW 8-Series platform, the Skytop shooting brake is expected to share the M8 Competition’s twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine, producing 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, it promises thrilling performance, with a 0-60 mph sprint likely under 3.5 seconds. The long wheelbase ensures stability, though its proportions are less dramatic than the Z4-based Concept Touring Coupé, prioritizing grand touring comfort over compact agility.
|
Specification |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Engine |
4.4L twin-turbo V8 |
|
Power |
617 hp @ 6,000 RPM |
|
Torque |
553 lb-ft @ 1,800-5,700 RPM |
|
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
|
Drivetrain |
All-wheel drive |
Technology and Features
While specific interior details remain under wraps, the concept is expected to feature BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 infotainment system with a curved dual-screen display, integrating a 14.9-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Premium materials like leather and Alcantara, along with bespoke trim options, align with the Skytop’s coachbuilt ethos. Advanced driver assistance systems, including Level 2+ autonomy, are likely included, enhancing long-distance comfort. Posts on X suggest enthusiasm for the concept’s luxurious cabin, with some users speculating about carbon-fiber accents inspired by the M8.
Market Significance and Production Prospects
The Skytop shooting brake arrives as BMW continues its renaissance of exclusive, limited-run models. The original Skytop, confirmed for a 50-unit production run at $500,000 each, sold out quickly, signaling strong demand for bespoke BMWs. The shooting brake could follow suit, with speculation that a positive reception at Villa d’Este might prompt a limited production run, though BMW has not yet confirmed this. Unlike the Z4-based Concept Touring Coupé, which remained a one-off, the Skytop’s success suggests BMW may be more open to producing this model for select buyers.
Competitive Landscape
The shooting brake concept positions BMW in a niche but growing segment, competing with high-end wagons like the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake (discontinued) and the Ferrari GTC4Lusso (retired). Its closest modern rival may be the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo, though the BMW’s two-door design and coachbuilt exclusivity set it apart. The concept’s blend of performance and practicality appeals to affluent buyers seeking a unique grand tourer.
Challenges and Consumer Sentiment
The Skytop shooting brake’s high price point—potentially matching the Skytop’s $500,000 tag—may limit its appeal to a small, elite audience. Additionally, some enthusiasts on X have expressed mixed feelings about the Skytop’s polarizing design, with one user noting it’s “hugely better than most BMWs of the past decade” but not universally stunning. BMW’s decision to base the concept on the aging 8-Series platform, nearing the end of its lifecycle, could also raise questions about long-term relevance.
FAQs
1. When will BMW reveal the Skytop shooting brake concept?
The concept will debut at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, May 24-26, 2025, in Lake Como, Italy.
2. What is the powertrain of the Skytop shooting brake?
It is expected to feature a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 617 hp, paired with an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.
3. Will the Skytop shooting brake go into production?
While currently a concept, strong demand could lead to a limited production run, similar to the 50-unit Skytop roadster.
4. How does this concept compare to BMW’s previous shooting brakes?
It draws inspiration from the 1971 02-Series Touring and Z3 M Coupé, but its 8-Series platform and coachbuilt design make it more luxurious.
5. What are the key design features of the Skytop shooting brake?
It features a long-roof silhouette, slim LED taillights, a ducktail spoiler, and Skytop-inspired fenders and door handles.