Showtime at BMW: Maximilian Missoni unveils the new Concept Speedtop

moments met up with BMW designer Maximilian Missoni for a personal chat about the new Speedtop concept car, the future of BMW design and what remains when you strip everything away. Missoni is making a statement with the Speedtop: the concept car is minimalist, features clean lines and production is limited to just 70 units.

In the Allgäu region, BMW​’s designer for the mid-to-upper class and ALPINA presented a vehicle that embodies the future of design at the Bavarian car manufacturer. The Speedtop represents Missoni’s design philosophy and is a synthesis of classic BMW aesthetics and pioneering technology.

The design is characterised by clean lines and a minimalist design language. Nevertheless, the emotional connection to the vehicle remains intact. ​‘It’s about combining modernity with a classic mindset,’ explains Missoni during a joint tour of the perfectly illuminated Speedtop.

Limited edition: the Speedtop available as a small series

At BMW, the joy of driving is most readily found in the luxury segment – for drivers and the company alike. Similar to last year’s Skytop, this year’s concept car will also be available as a small series. Due to increased demand, the number of units has been increased from 50 to 70.

BMW premiere: the first version of a Sportback concept car

The Speedback represents a double debut for BMW, as it is not only the first design by the Graz-based designer, but also the first concept car in the Sportback style – equipped with the most powerful V8 engine in BMW’s current drive portfolio. The exterior of the limited-edition vehicle is rounded off by an audacious V‑shaped shark nose, an illuminated kidney grille and the iconic yet futuristic BMW radiator grille. The interior features remarkable quality Nappa leather as far as the eye can see and plenty of space – just what the custom-made leather bags on the rear seats call for. Traditional Italian manufacturer Schedoni has gone to great lengths with the interior: from the leather-covered boot to the Budapest-style stitching that can be found throughout the Speedtop.

Sensor technology in the interior

The new ​‘Panoramic iDrive’ enables driver-oriented operation without compromising the clarity of the design. ​‘We are reorienting the elements as such that they make use of the new technology,’ says Missoni. However, the integration of sensor technology for autonomous driving presents designers with new challenges. Missoni also sees opportunities in this: ​‘It’s a challenge, but also an opportunity to find new forms of expression.’

The BMW Skytop is clearly more than just a new concept car – it is a glimpse into the future of BMW’s design language. One thing is for certain: it will be elegant, it will be fast – and it will be clear.

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