11:03 28-01-2026

BMW Skytop production version features synthetic leather roof

The production-ready BMW Skytop has arrived with minimal changes from its concept form. BMW emphasizes that over 95% of the concept's components have carried over to the final car. However, one element did require reworking: the show car's leather roof has been replaced with synthetic material. This pragmatic choice comes as a surprise for a model priced around €500,000.

Why Leather Was Dropped

The Skytop concept featured a luxurious leather soft top, but in reality, natural leather would quickly degrade in rainy conditions. Moisture absorption, swelling, stiffness, and cracking are classic enemies of leather in exterior applications. For a car with removable panels designed for European climate use, such risks were unacceptable.

BMW opted for synthetic leather instead. This maintains the visual aesthetic while being water-resistant and avoiding expensive regular maintenance. The panels remain manually removable and still fit in the trunk, preserving the targa format concept.

Other Changes

The only visible differences in the production version are the addition of parking sensors. The interior, body lines, two-seat layout, and unique proportions match the 2024 Villa d'Este show car. As expected, the rear seats have been completely removed to accommodate the targa body architecture and compact roof panel storage.

The Related Speedtop Project

BMW has simultaneously accelerated development of the related Speedtop—a two-door shooting brake based on the M8. This version, also limited to 70 units, has already sold out completely. Production is scheduled to begin in late 2026, and the Speedtop will be one of the final models in the 8 Series family.

Design Innovations for Future BMWs

The Skytop and Speedtop are BMW's first models with new hidden door handles integrated into the window line. This technology will carry over to the next-generation X5 (G65) and X7 (G67), forming a new visual DNA for the brand.