"Bugatti Tourbillon vs Chiron: What's changing in the new 1800 Hypercarhypercar"
Image source 1: By Ank Kumar - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
Image source 2: By Y.Leclercq - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
Introduction 1: Bugatti Tourbillon vs. Chiron - A generational change with symbolic power
When Bugatti presents a new Hypercar , the world holds its breath. With the Tourbillon, the French luxury brand is not only ushering in a new generation of models - it is also bringing an era to an end. After more than a decade in which the W16 engine set the pulse of the brand, Bugatti is now taking the next step: hybrid technology meets a brand-new V16 engine, analog design meets digital sophistication. But what exactly is changing with the leap from the Chiron to the Tourbillon?
This question is not only asked by collectors and enthusiasts, but also by engineers, designers and enthusiasts worldwide. Because the Chiron was more than just a fast super sports car - it was an icon. When it was launched in 2016, it set new standards for performance, luxury and technical sophistication. The W16 engine with four turbochargers became a legend, as did the striking design and uncompromising performance.
The new Tourbillon, on the other hand, is based on an entirely new concept: an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, electric motors on the front axle, a battery pack developed by Rimac - and yet no all-electric future. Bugatti remains true to its roots by relying on a high-revving, hand-built V16 engine developed in collaboration with Cosworth. Added to this are aerodynamic refinements, a completely new monocoque and an interior that combines classic watchmaking with digital elegance.
In this article, we take a detailed look at the differences - and similarities - between Chiron and Tourbillon. We not only compare technical data, but also analyze design decisions, performance values, technological innovations and the strategic direction of the brand. Which target group is Bugatti addressing with the Tourbillon? Will it make the Chiron even more valuable on the collectors' market? And what does this change mean for the future of the brand?
We answer all these questions in the following comparison - well-founded, backed up with facts and with an eye for detail.
2. design & bodywork: evolution of elegance
A glance at the Bugatti Tourbillon and the Chiron reveals this at first glance: Both models speak the same design language - and yet the Tourbillon marks a new era. Bugatti manages the balancing act between tradition and progress in an impressive way. While the Chiron takes the design of the Veyron into a sculptural new dimension, the Tourbillon completely redefines the appearance of the hypercar under the banner of "timeless mechanics meets modern aerodynamics".
Form follows function - and emotion
Throughout its life, the Chiron has stood for muscular presence, symmetry and the unmistakable Bugatti with the iconic horseshoe grille. The side line is dominated by the characteristic C-line, which is not only an aesthetic trademark, but also plays a functional role in the air flow. The massive air intakes at the front, the rear that is pulled far back with active aerodynamic elements and the rear wing, which changes its position depending on speed, turned the Chiron into a high-tech projectile in a tailor-made suit.
Many of these features have remained with the tourbillon - but they have been further developed. The proportions are flatter, slimmer and at the same time more elegant. The new body structure allows for even more consistent aerodynamic lines. Here too, the Bugatti C-curve dominates the side view, but it is visually lighter and more fluidly embedded. The front design appears more futuristic thanks to new headlight units and a more dynamic face, without losing the Bugatti.
Choice of materials: High-tech meets craftsmanship
Bugatti consistently relies on carbon fiber composites for both the Chiron and the Tourbillon. However, the new platform of the Tourbillon is based on a completely new monocoque architecture that is both lighter and stiffer than that of the Chiron. This radical new development was necessary in order to meet the requirements of the hybrid drive - especially with regard to the packaging of the high-voltage battery, which is installed under the center tunnel.
The workmanship remains uncompromising Bugatti. Exposed carbon, titanium, aluminum, leather - everything is meticulously crafted by hand. However, the Tourbillon introduces new design elements, such as a transparent engine cover that presents the imposing V16 engine like a work of art. The new light-alloy wheels with aerodynamically optimized carbon trims also show that Bugatti is paying more attention than ever before to efficiency and functionality in the Tourbillon - without losing the emotional component.
Aerodynamics: from passive to active - and back again
One particularly exciting difference lies in the area of active aerodynamics. While the Chiron used movable wing elements at the front and rear - including an airbrake function - to manage its balance between high-speed stability and cornering agility, the Tourbillon takes a new approach. Bugatti has revised the entire aero concept: Instead of moving wings, there is an increased focus on passive but more efficient airflow via hidden ducts, refined diffusers and redesigned underbody structures.
The result: fewer components, less drag, more stability. The new Bugatti is quieter, more efficient and at the same time more powerful - a milestone in Hypercar.
3. centerpiece in transition: drive & performance
A Hypercar is not only defined by its design or exclusivity - but also by what is under the hood. And this is precisely where Bugatti is making what is probably the most significant change in the brand's history with the Tourbillon: the legendary W16 engine, which has shaped Bugatti's identity for over two decades, is making way for a completely newly developed unit - a V16 with hybrid support. But what exactly is the difference between the Chiron and the Tourbillon?
Chiron: The last of its kind
When the Chiron was unveiled in 2016, it was a technical masterpiece. Its 8.0-litre W16 engine with four turbochargers produced 1,500 hp and 1,600 Nm of torque - without hybridization, purely mechanically. The all-wheel drive and 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox ensured brute acceleration: from 0 to 100 km/h in under 2.5 seconds, 0-200 in just over 6 seconds and an (electronically regulated) top speed of 420 km/h. The Super Sport version even broke through the 490 km/h barrier.
The W16 was not just an engine - it was a statement. Large, heavy, loud, complex - and unique. Its smooth running and sound were more reminiscent of aircraft engines than classic road vehicles. But with growing pressure from emissions regulations and advances in electrification, it became clear that the W16 had no future.
Tourbillon: V16 meets electron power
The answer is the Bugatti Tourbillon - named after one of the most complex watch complications in the world. And its drive train is just as complex as a mechanical tourbillon: at its heart is a newly developed V16 naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 8.3 liters, without a turbocharger, but with an incredible 1,000 hp purely from combustion power. This engine was developed in collaboration with Cosworth, weighs just 252 kg and revs up to 9,000 rpm - a first in the world of hypercars.
The V16 is supported by a three-motor hybrid system: two electric motors drive the front axle, while a third is located between the engine and transmission on the rear axle. Together, the electric motors generate an additional 800 hp, resulting in a system output of exactly 1,800 hp. The maximum torque is over 2,000 Nm - a value previously only achieved by all-electric hypercars.
Performance: From the street to the rocket ramp
Although the Tourbillon is heavier than the Chiron (due to the 25 kWh battery), it outperforms it in every discipline:
0-100 km/h: under 2 seconds
0-200 km/h: about 5 seconds
0-400 km/h: faster than any Chiron
Top speed: over 445 km/h (not yet finally confirmed)
The electric boost provides an immediate response when starting off, while the high-revving V16 unleashes its full power in the upper rev range. This combination allows a previously unknown characteristic: quiet and fluid in city traffic, explosive and dramatic under full load - a balancing act that the Chiron could not achieve in this way.
Transmission, battery and recuperation
A new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission replaces the previous 7-speed system. Shift times are shorter and the gear ratios have been optimized. The battery is located in the center tunnel and cannot be charged externally - Bugatti has deliberately avoided plug-in technology. The electric range is around 60 km, with recuperation taking place exclusively while driving.
The tourbillon is therefore not a classic hybrid - but a new-generation performance hybrid in which efficiency serves performance and not the other way around.
4. interior & digital experience: analog haute couture meets modern hybrid world
Image 1 - Bugatti Tourbillon interior:
The new interior of the Bugatti Tourbillon combines the classic art of watchmaking with modern minimalism. The free-standing analog instrument unit and the filigree center tunnel focus on lightness and transparency - a clear break with the massive cockpit structure of the Chiron.
Image 2 - Bugatti Chiron interior:
The Chiron interior is more imposing and luxuriously upholstered, with a stronger focus on round instruments and massive controls. The wide center tunnel and the deeply embedded displays dominate the classic Hypercar before the tourbillon generation change.
Image source: By Sokrates 399 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
The interior of a Bugatti is about far more than just driving comfort at the highest level. This is where the art of engineering, watchmaking precision and a French understanding of luxury come together. Although the Chiron and the Tourbillon follow the same maxim - craftsmanship and exclusivity - the way they are implemented differs significantly. While the Chiron looks like a monumental work of art made of aluminum, leather and carbon, the Tourbillon opens a new chapter: more modern, more delicate, more technical - but never digitally loud.
Chiron: Engine room for the road
The interior of the Chiron is characterized by clear symmetry, high-quality materials and a focus on haptic excellence. The center console with its iconic aluminum rollers for operating the climate and driving modes is reminiscent of a mechanical sculpture. Instead of displays, round instruments and tactile controls dominate. Even the instrument cluster remains analog, flanked by two small digital displays for additional information.
Luxury here means restraint: leather-covered surfaces, exposed carbon elements, precisely milled switches and buttons - an interior made for purists with a sense of understatement. Infotainment takes a back seat, quite deliberately, because the Chiron doesn't want to distract - it wants to focus.
Tourbillon: An interior like a Swiss chronograph
Source: Bugatti Youtube
With the Tourbillon, on the other hand, Bugatti presents a new interpretation of analog sophistication: The central instrument cluster consists of a complex, fully mechanical movement made of titanium and sapphire glass - a world first in an automobile. It shows speed, engine speed, battery charge status and more, without a display - but with the precision of a luxury timepiece. Inspired by haute horlogerie, this speedometer is more a work of art than an instrument.
However, Bugatti also remains true to its philosophy with the tourbillon: digital technology is only used where it makes sense. A hidden display moves out of the dashboard when required, for example for navigation or media control. When the screen is deactivated, it disappears flush - leaving behind a tidy, harmonious cockpit.
Materials & processing: A new lightness
The tourbillon places greater emphasis on lightness - also in the interior. Instead of solid aluminum consoles, there are filigree components, laser-cut grilles, transparent sapphire crystal controls and a more open feel. Leather remains dominant, but it is combined with innovative materials such as titanium, Alcantara and brushed carbon.
The central gear selector lever is a real gem - milled from solid aluminum, with a visual mechanism and a clear focus on manual control. The entire design is geared towards giving the driver the feeling of an analog, mechanical masterpiece - despite the ultra-modern hybrid technology in the background.
Infotainment & connectivity: less is more
While other manufacturers rely on large displays, touch panels and voice assistants, Bugatti takes the opposite approach with the Tourbillon. The driver should drive - not swipe, tap or scroll. The operating concept remains clear, logical and tactile. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or apps are nowhere to be found - and that is a deliberate choice.
The Chiron already had a reduced form of multimedia integration, but the Tourbillon perfects this concept. Instead of digital overkill, Bugatti opts for purism - and thus provides perhaps the most convincing proof that less really can be more.
5. technological innovations & driving dynamics: precision at the limit
Bugatti has made it its mission not just to build fast cars, but also to create driving works of art - technically well thought out down to the last detail, perfectly balanced and perfect in their dynamics. There is a huge technological leap between the Chiron and the Tourbillon. Both models represent the maximum of their time - but the Tourbillon defines the word "Hypercar" in a new way.
Chassis & steering: evolution instead of revolution
In the Chiron, the active chassis was already a technical masterpiece. Adaptive dampers, automatic height adjustment, torque vectoring and a variable all-wheel drive system ensured a superior driving experience - even at speeds above 400 km/h. The electromechanical power steering provided good feedback, but was primarily designed for stability - after all, a vehicle in this performance class requires controlled precision, not go-kart agility.
The Tourbillon adopts many of these concepts, but perfects them in detail. The new chassis layout has been completely revised, the weight distribution optimized and the components made lighter and stiffer at the same time. A new multi-link suspension on the front and rear axles enables even more precise steering behavior. At the same time, the steering has been recalibrated - with a focus on more feedback, especially in sporty driving mode.
Torque vectoring 2.0 - now with electric support
One clear advantage of the Tourbillon is its electric all-wheel drive system: two of the three electric motors are located on the front axle, one for each wheel. This not only ensures permanent all-wheel drive, but also extremely sensitive torque vectoring. In fractions of a second, the system can decide which wheel receives how much torque - and thus ensure perfect traction even at high speeds.
In comparison, the Chiron works with a classic mechanical system, which also has variable distribution, but is nowhere near as precise as an electrically assisted setup. The tourbillon demonstrates its technical superiority here, particularly in tight bends, on slippery surfaces or with sudden load changes.
Braking system & energy recovery
In the Chiron, Bugatti relied on huge ceramic brake discs with eight pistons at the front and six at the rear - the result was a brute braking performance that was considered a benchmark in the world of combustion engines. The Tourbillon supplements this system with electric recuperation, which not only improves the range of the hybrid system, but also reduces the load on the mechanical braking system.
Nevertheless, Bugatti remains true to its performance philosophy: the brake pedal feel is analog and direct - no artificial recuperation feeling as in some e-sports cars. Deceleration is progressive, precise and predictable - ideal for ambitious drivers on the road or racetrack.
Electronic helpers - discreetly in the background
Both the Chiron and Tourbillon dispense with excessive intervention by driver assistance systems. ABS, ESP and traction control are present, but work as unobtrusively as possible. The driver takes center stage - and is given all the tools to use the extreme performance with confidence. But it is precisely in the tourbillon that the software intervenes more intelligently, works faster, with more foresight and even adapts to the driver's driving style.
Another highlight: for the first time, the Tourbillon has an adaptive "Hyper Mode" that adapts to the speed, road surface and surroundings - similar to a dynamic driving profile manager.
6. price, limitation & exclusivity: hypercars for the elite
A Bugatti is not a car you buy - it is a statement. Both the Chiron and the Tourbillon stand for extreme exclusivity, handcrafted perfection and a price that is far above what even the super-rich usually spend on a vehicle. But despite their similarities, the two models differ significantly in terms of price structure, production volume and strategic orientation.
Chiron: 500 vehicles - and each version is unique
When the Bugatti Chiron was presented in 2016, it was clear from the outset that there would be no mass production. Exactly 500 vehicles were announced - and Bugatti kept its word. Over the years, various versions were created, including the Chiron Sport, the Pur Sport, the Super Sport 300+, the Profilée and some one-offs for collectors with very special wishes. The base price for the standard model was around 2.4 million euros net, without individual options or special requests.
But the reality was almost always different: Hardly a Chiron left the factory in Molsheim for less than 3 million euros. Customization by Bugatti Sur Mesure, special paintwork, interior requests or performance upgrades could drive the price up to over 4 million euros - especially for the limited versions.
Today, well-preserved Chiron models are extremely sought-after. Used car prices are sometimes higher than the original new price - a clear indication of the value and exclusivity of this model.
Tourbillon: Even more expensive, even rarer - even more coveted?
Bugatti is even going one step further with the Tourbillon. Although the planned number of 250 units is significantly lower than for the Chiron, the base price is also in new spheres: from 3.8 million euros net. This means that anyone opting for a base model (if there is one at all) will quickly end up paying between 4.5 and 5 million euros including taxes and the desired configuration - at least.
This makes the Tourbillon not only more exclusive, but also considerably more expensive than its predecessor. However, Bugatti is pursuing a clear strategy: more exclusivity, more personalization, more individuality. Each vehicle is configured in close consultation with the buyer - the customer becomes a co-designer. For particularly discerning buyers, the Sur Mesure program is once again available, which turns the Tourbillon into a unique piece on request - both inside and out.
Availability & buyer profile
While the Chiron sold out relatively quickly after its launch, demand for the Tourbillon appears to be even higher. Shortly after the premiere, reports emerged that the majority of production slots had already been reserved - although deliveries are not due to start until 2026. The buyer profile is clear: ultra-rich collectors, luxury customers with an affinity for motorsport and Hypercar with a global network.
Interestingly, many Chiron owners also return for the Tourbillon - according to Bugatti , over half of buyers are "repeat offenders", which underlines the brand's extreme customer loyalty.
Exclusivity as part of the brand strategy
With the Tourbillon, Bugatti is pursuing an even clearer focus on exclusivity than ever before. Instead of mass, the focus is on class. The lower production number and even higher price ensure that the Tourbillon is also perceived as a collector's item and status symbol in the long term. Bugatti is not just selling a car - but access to a world that is only open to a few.
7 Collector's value & future prospects: legend status or investment?
Collector's value plays a central role in the world of hypercars. For many buyers, it is no longer just about speed, exclusivity or design - it is about value development, rarity and the long-term potential as an automotive investment. Both the Bugatti Chiron and the new Tourbillon are prime examples of vehicles that not only arouse emotions, but also have investment character. But how are their values developing - and which model is ahead in the long term?
Chiron: From super sports car to legend
The Chiron was celebrated as the successor to the Veyron when it was unveiled in 2016 - and has more than fulfilled expectations. It was faster, lighter, more balanced in terms of driving dynamics and at the same time more luxurious than its predecessor. The decision to further develop the W16 engine as an absolutely unique specimen quickly made the Chiron a coveted object on the collector's scene.
The limited versions in particular, such as the Chiron Super Sport 300+, which set a new benchmark with a top speed of over 490 km/h, or the Chiron Profilée, the last one-off model with a W16 engine, now fetch prices well in excess of the 4 million euro mark. The Profilée was even sold at auction for around 9 million euros - a clear indication of how rare and stable in value these models are.
Even the production models of the Chiron hardly lose any value. Many vehicles are kept like works of art, with minimal mileage, a perfectly documented history and regular maintenance directly at Bugatti. This makes them particularly interesting for investors.
Tourbillon: Legend of the future with the V16 factor
Bugatti is opening a new chapter with the Tourbillon - and at the same time opening up a new field of investment. The V16 naturally aspirated engine, combined with a highly developed hybrid system, makes the Tourbillon not only technically unique, but also future-proof at a time when pure combustion engines are becoming increasingly less important.
Its limitation to just 250 units worldwide, the high entry threshold of around 4-5 million euros and the exclusivity of the clientele ensure that the Tourbillon is considered a collector's item even before the start of production. Similar to the Chiron, it can be assumed that the Tourbillon will also appear on the market with special models, one-offs or limited editions (e.g. a potential "Tourbillon Pur Sport") - which will further fuel collectors' interest.
What makes the Tourbillon particularly exciting is that it marks the beginning of a new era - hybrid technology, V16, new design language. In many eyes, it is the first representative of the "second generation Bugatti" under the aegis of Rimac. This makes it not only unique, but also historically significant.
Comparison & classification: Who has the better cards?
While the Chiron is already considered a modern legend with consistently high demand, the Tourbillon is still a young but extremely well-positioned investment for the future. For collectors with a long-term view, the tourbillon is likely to be exciting - particularly because of its technical break with the past and its limited production.
On the other hand , as the last W16, the Chiron will probably permanently occupy a very special place in the canon of the most important super sports cars - comparable to the McLaren F1 or the Ferrari Enzo. Anyone who owns a Chiron today owns a piece of engineering history - and this chapter is closed, which is often a decisive factor in the collector's world.
8 Conclusion: Chiron as legend - tourbillon as redefinition
Bugatti has not simply introduced a new model with the Tourbillon - it is a break with its own history, a redefinition of the brand and, at the same time, a glimpse of the future of automotive luxury. But to understand what the Tourbillon really means, you have to look at the Chiron as a starting point. Because only a direct comparison reveals the depth of the change - and the precision with which Bugatti has achieved it.
Chiron: The last chapter of an era
The Chiron stands at the end of a technical line that began with the Veyron: 16 cylinders, four turbochargers, over 1,500 hp - that was the measure of all things in the world of combustion engines. Its power, elegance and uncompromising quality made it one of the most fascinating vehicles of the 21st century. But the Chiron was also a vehicle of its time - a product of engineering skill, but with no regard for sustainability, consumption or technological upheaval.
It was loud, heavy, unreasonable - and that was precisely what made it so appealing. It marked the end of the W16 engine in series production, and with it a whole chapter of automotive history. The Chiron will be remembered as the last "real" BugattiHypercar with a pure combustion engine - a monument on wheels.
Tourbillon: The dawn of a new era
The Tourbillon, on the other hand, is not a further development - but a new beginning. Everything about it is new: the naturally aspirated V16 engine, the hybrid components, the chassis, the digital operating concept, the clockwork-like instrument cluster. And yet it remains a Bugatti - in its design language, its charisma and its DNA.
With the Tourbillon, Bugatti proves that luxury and progress need not be a contradiction in terms. The French brand shows that even in an era of emissions regulations, electric drives and efficiency requirements, it is possible to build vehicles that inspire - not despite, but precisely because of their technical sophistication. The Tourbillon is proof that emotionality is also possible in the age of electrification.
Two Bugattis - two philosophies
The Chiron and the Tourbillon represent two very different interpretations of the hypercar. One celebrates raw mechanical power, purist luxury and traditional technology at the highest level. The other combines classic craftsmanship with modern technology, mechanical precision with electrical intelligence.
This is a stroke of luck for collectors and enthusiasts. Because both vehicles represent the best that their respective eras had to offer - each with a clear signature but completely different orientation.
A look into the future
What the Tourbillon means for Bugatti can only be guessed at today. But one thing is certain: it will be the foundation for everything that follows. New derivatives, possibly even limited special models with a stronger focus on electrification or lightweight construction, could follow. But whatever comes next, the Tourbillon will be the benchmark against which all future hypercars will have to be measured.
Bugatti has once again proven that true innovation is not about improving on what already exists - it is about having the courage to rethink. And that is exactly what the Tourbillon has achieved.
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