Proving Grounds
The Nürburgring is the definitive proving grounds for all major manufacturers around the world. No performance model that wants to be taken seriously can avoid completing some sort of testing on the infamous track; even more street cred is given to cars that post competitive times, beating competitors and giving owners bragging rights.
BMW, being a German manufacturer, has the advantage of being in close proximity to the track and has, over the years, used it to test upcoming performance models. Recently spotted on track is a curious-looking BMW, but beneath the surface is a true competition model.
BMW Speedtop Testing
Posted on YouTube by Carspotter Jeroen, the video shows a camouflaged car going around the Nürburgring. What gives it away as a BMW is the recognizable kidney grille design. Although heavily wrapped, the car’s shape is unmistakable. What we’re seeing is BMW testing the upcoming limited-run Speedtop model. We see the car being driven at various speeds in the video, but one thing is for sure: apart from being a looker, BMW wants this car to be quick and sporty as well.
The BMW Speedtop is a very exclusive two-door shooting brake (luxury wagon) based on the BMW M8 Competition platform, giving it genuine performance capabilities. It was first revealed as a design concept last year at the 2025 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este and was eventually approved by the brand as a full production model with a very limited run of just 70 units. Deliveries for the Speedtop are set to begin sometime this year, with no definite date yet, although the testing footage indicates it could be soon.
BMW might have just made the right call putting it into production, considering all units have already been “spoken for,” despite the high estimated prices of $500,000. What makes the Speedtop truly unique is that this car uses a lot of coachbuilding techniques, the lost art of bespoke luxury car building. In fact, the Speedtop is a second iteration of the Skytop targa model built in 2024.
YoutTube/Carspotter Jeroen
Bespoke Performance
There are many cool design elements incorporated into the Speedtop. BMW says they drew inspiration for the shooting brake design from the Z3 M Coupe “Clown Shoe” and the iconic Z8. Its front fascia has a sharp shark-nose front end and the slimmest LED lights BMW has ever used. It even comes with exclusive luggage, a three-piece custom-made-to-measure leather bag by Italian brand Schedoni.
Unique to this car is the use of a non-electrified powerplant; the Speedtop is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that makes 617 horsepower and is paired with an 8-speed automatic that sends power to an all-wheel-drive system.
YoutTube/Carspotter Jeroen
