BMW Concept Speedtop – A Bold New Expression of Luxury and Performance
BMW unveils the Concept Speedtop shooting brake based on the M8 Competition—limited to 70 units, with bold design, luxury, and a 625hp V8 engine.
BMW has stunned the crowds at the world-famous Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy again with the debut of the Concept Speedtop — a salivating shooting brake based on the already ferocious BMW M8 Competition. Though dubbed a concept, this show-stopper isn’t all flash. BMW intends to make only 70 of these exclusive machines, each being priced at close to £430,000 (approximately ₹4.96 crore). Exclusive? Without question.
A Blend of Drama and Design
The Speedtop is not merely a fashionably restyled version—it’s a marriage of touring functionality and sports car ferocity. Taking obvious inspiration from the 2024 Concept Skytop, the Speedtop borrows many of its design details but substitutes the roadster configuration with a streamlined, fixed-roof shooting brake profile.
From the front, it’s BMW unmistakably: a spear-like bonnet, shark nose, and kidney grille illuminated by thin LED headlights. Vertically stacked air intakes provide it with a motorsport feel, with a clear central spine running from the bonnet to the rear spoiler, giving it a dynamic, sculptured profile
On the flank, frameless doors forego standard handles, making do instead with discreet winglets—a touch that reinforces the car’s smooth, minimalist beauty. Dual-tone 14-spoke alloy wheels and a elegantly sloping roofline add the finishing touches to the Speedtop’s side profile, which transitions smoothly into a raked rear glass and thin LED tail-lights.
Inside: Two Seats, Endless Luxury
Step inside and you’re greeted by a mix of brown and white leather upholstery, crystal accents, and a cabin that exudes bespoke craftsmanship. Like the M8 Competition, the Concept Speedtop comes equipped with fully digital driver instrumentation and a central infotainment display. But the devil’s in the details: the gear selector, steering inserts, and even the seat headrests feature sparkling crystal elements.
Up top, a main light beam in the roofliner quietly echoes the creased roof spine, contributing to the car’s symmetrical pizzazz. Storage is minimal, yet cleverly executed: there’s room for little travel bags in the back of the seats, and BMW even has plans to introduce bespoke dual-tone luggage that coordinates with the interior.
Under the Hood: BMW’s Most Powerful V8
Although BMW hasn’t officially announced the full powertrain details, they have hinted that the Concept Speedtop is home to their biggest V8 engine they currently produce. That would probably mean the motor of the M8 Competition—a 625hp 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8—pounds away under that stretched bonnet. Coupled with a quick-shifting automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive, look for instant acceleration combined with high-mileage touring refinement.
India Launch? Don’t Hold Your Breath
As tantalizing as it sounds, the Concept Speedtop—along with most ultra-limited production European exotics—is not likely to find its way to India. Nevertheless, for fans and collectors of the world, this is BMW’s means of proving that drama and exclusivity can still be found in a world trending toward electrification.
Final Thoughts
The BMW Concept Speedtop isn’t simply a concept car—it’s a design, power, and individuality celebration. With just 70 units in the works and breathtaking styling hints, it’s designed for those who desire something unique, emotional, and distinctively BM
Related Posts
2025 Tata Altroz vs Rivals: Price, Specs, and Features Compared
Compare the 2025 Tata Altroz facelift with the Hyundai i20, Maruti Baleno, and Toyota Glanza. See how they stack up in price, specs, features, and engine options.
We break down how the refreshed Tata Altroz stacks up against its premium hatchback rivals.
The Tata Altroz facelift has officially hit the market, bringing with it a sharper look, a refreshed cabin, more features, and the same broad powertrain lineup. With competition from the Hyundai i20, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, and Toyota Glanza, the Altroz enters a tightly contested segment. Let’s take a closer look at how it compares in terms of price, dimensions, and engine specs.
2025 Tata Altroz Facelift Price vs Rivals
Altroz no longer leads on starting price
Tata has bumped the starting price of the Altroz by ₹24,000, putting it nearly on par with the Toyota Glanza. The Maruti Baleno still remains the most affordable, while the i20 continues to sit at the top of the price ladder.
| Model | Price (₹ lakh, ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| Altroz Facelift | 6.89 – 11.49 |
| Maruti Baleno | 6.70 – 9.92 |
| Toyota Glanza | 6.90 – 10.00 |
| Hyundai i20 | 7.04 – 12.56 |
At the top-end, the Altroz is pricier than both the Baleno and Glanza, and only undercut by the Hyundai i20’s N Line variant, which commands a premium for performance enhancements.
CNG & Diesel Options
Altroz has a unique edge with diesel power
Unlike any of its rivals, the Altroz continues to offer a diesel engine along with CNG. That makes it the most powertrain-diverse model in the segment.
| Powertrain | Altroz Facelift | Baleno | Glanza |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNG | 7.89 – 11.09 | 8.44 – 9.37 | 8.69 – 9.72 |
| Diesel | 8.99 – 11.29 | – | – |
For buyers looking for a more efficient and torque-rich diesel option, the Altroz stands alone.
2025 Altroz Facelift Dimensions vs Rivals
Altroz is tallest, but has the shortest wheelbase
While overall length remains similar across the segment, the i20 boasts the longest wheelbase. The Altroz, though tallest, has the smallest wheelbase — potentially impacting rear-seat legroom.
| Dimension | Altroz Facelift | Baleno | Glanza | i20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length (mm) | 3,990 | 3,990 | 3,990 | 3,995 |
| Width (mm) | 1,755 | 1,745 | 1,745 | 1,775 |
| Height (mm) | 1,523 | 1,500 | 1,500 | 1,505 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,501 | 2,520 | 2,520 | 2,580 |
| Ground Clearance(mm) | 165* | 170 | 170 | 170 |
Engine and Gearbox Options
Most variety comes from the Altroz and i20
The Altroz is the only one offering petrol, diesel, and CNG. Hyundai’s i20, on the other hand, offers a turbo-petrol engine option and a wider mix of transmissions. Baleno and Glanza keep it simple with petrol and CNG.
| Model | Type | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) | Transmission Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altroz Facelift | Petrol / Diesel / CNG | 88 / 90 / 73.5 | 115 / 200 / 103 | 5MT, 6AMT (Petrol), 6DCT (Petrol) |
| Maruti Baleno | Petrol / CNG | 90 / 89.7 | 113 / 113 | 5MT, 5AMT |
| Toyota Glanza | Petrol / CNG | 90 / 89.7 | 113 / 113 | 5MT, 5AMT |
| Hyundai i20 | Petrol / Turbo Petrol | 83 / 120 | 114.7 / 172 | 5MT, CVT, 6MT (Turbo), 7DCT (Turbo) |
Final Verdict
The 2025 Tata Altroz facelift continues to hold its ground with strong build quality and the broadest engine lineup — including the rare option of diesel and CNG. While it’s no longer the most affordable in the segment, it offers excellent variety for buyers with specific needs. The i20 impresses with its sporty N Line variant and tech, while the Baleno and Glanza remain strong value-for-money picks with efficient petrol-CNG options.
If you’re seeking a premium hatchback that checks all boxes — including efficiency, performance, and multiple fuel types — the new Altroz makes a very compelling case.
Tata Harrier EV Launched at ₹21.49 Lakh in India
Tata Harrier EV launched at ₹21.49 lakh with AWD, up to 627 km range, Samsung QLED screen, ADAS, and dual battery options. A bold new step in Tata’s EV lineup.
Tata Motors has officially launched the much-anticipated Harrier EV in India, pricing it from ₹21.49 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom). The electric Harrier marks a new chapter in Tata’s EV journey as the brand’s most premium and capable electric SUV to date. Positioned at the top of Tata’s electric lineup, it also becomes the carmaker’s first all-wheel-drive (AWD) model since the discontinuation of the Safari Storme.
Bookings for the Harrier EV will begin on July 2, 2025, with deliveries expected to follow shortly thereafter.
Bold, Familiar Yet Futuristic: Exterior Design
The Harrier EV shares its overall styling with the ICE-powered Harrier facelift introduced in 2023, but subtle tweaks give it a more EV-appropriate identity. The front features a closed-off grille, a sharper bumper with a light bar-style treatment, and distinct ‘EV’ badging on the front doors.
Aero-optimized 19-inch alloy wheels, redesigned front and rear bumpers, and the new ‘Harrier.EV’ badge at the back round off the styling updates. Interestingly, the Harrier EV is slightly larger than its ICE sibling—it’s 2mm longer, 210mm wider, and 22mm taller, though it retains the same 2,741mm wheelbase.
Additionally, Tata has introduced an all-black Stealth Edition of the Harrier EV for buyers looking for a darker, sportier theme.
Interior and Features: Premium Tech & Comfort
Step inside, and you’re greeted with a futuristic cabin that still carries forward the layout of the ICE Harrier. Taking center stage is a 14.53-inch Samsung Neo QLED infotainment display—a world-first in any production car. This is paired with a digital instrument cluster and a four-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated Tata logo.
Tech and convenience features include:
- Touch-based HVAC controls
- Panoramic sunroof
- Powered and ventilated front seats
- 10-speaker JBL sound system with Dolby Atmos 5.1
- 540-degree camera with obstacle alerts
- OTA (over-the-air) updates
- Electronic parking brake & rotary drive selector
- DrivePay: In-car digital payment system for tolls and charging
- V2L and V2V (Vehicle-to-Load and Vehicle-to-Vehicle) functionality
- Auto Park Assist, terrain modes, and digital IRVM
The boot space stands at a generous 502 litres, making it suitable for long road trips and family travel.
Powertrain, Battery Options & Range
The Harrier EV uses the updated Acti.ev platform that also underpins the Punch EV and upcoming Curvv EV. It comes with two battery pack options:
| Variant | Battery Pack | Power | Torque | Drivetrain | Claimed Range (MIDC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RWD (Adventure trim) | 65 kWh | 238 hp | NA | Rear-Wheel Drive | TBA |
| AWD (Higher trims) | 75 kWh | 313 hp | 504 Nm | All-Wheel Drive | 627 km |
Tata claims that in internal C75 real-world tests, the AWD version returned 480–505 km, which is among the highest for EVs in this segment.
Charging:
- 7.2kW AC charger: 10–100% in 10.7 hours
- 120kW DC fast charger: 20–80% in just 25 minutes
Safety and ADAS Features
The Harrier EV is equipped with Level 2 ADAS, which Tata says has been tuned specifically for Indian road conditions. Unique to this model is a live feed feature that stitches real-time footage from all cameras around the car—extremely handy during off-road maneuvers.
Other safety features include:
- 6 airbags
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Built-in dashcam
- 360° and 540° surround camera
- Terrain response modes
- Hill descent and off-road cruise assist
Price & Rivals
Tata has only revealed the starting price of the base 65kWh RWD variant so far:
| Model | Starting Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| Tata Harrier EV | ₹21.49 lakh |
| Mahindra BE 6 | ₹18.90 lakh |
| Mahindra XUV.e9 | ₹21.90 lakh |
| Hyundai Creta EV | ₹17.99 lakh (expected) |
While it’s slightly pricier than the BE 6 and Creta EV, the Harrier EV undercuts Mahindra’s flagship XUV.e9 and offers a more premium experience with AWD, high range, and top-tier equipment.
Final Thoughts
The Tata Harrier EV is a bold leap forward for the brand. It combines rugged off-road ability with the refinement and tech expected from a flagship EV. With up to 627 km of range, AWD capabilities, and an impressive feature list, it’s a strong contender in India’s growing electric SUV space.
With deliveries expected to begin later this year and bookings opening soon, the Harrier EV could redefine what buyers expect from an electric SUV in the ₹20–30 lakh bracket.