Rediscovering Bugatti's Rare Luxury Liftback With a Boosted W16 Powerplant

The Autostadt museum near Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg headquarters continues to unveil hidden gems from the automaker's past experiments. Among these fascinating vehicles is the one-off Bugatti Galibier, a rare model powered by the legendary W16 engine.

First introduced in 2009, the Galibier was crafted on the Bentley Arnage’s platform but featured a bespoke body, interior, and an entirely distinct powertrain. Unlike the Bentley’s V8s sourced from BMW and Rolls-Royce, this exceptional Bugatti doubled the cylinder count. It employed a twin-supercharged 8.0-liter W16 engine, capable of running on ethanol, generating around 1,000 horsepower.

Mounted upfront beneath a stylish split-opening hood, this engine was designed to deliver enhanced low-end torque suitable for a luxurious grand tourer. Though its exact weight remains uncertain, the Galibier likely outweighed the Veyron given its size and abundance of luxury amenities. For context, the original Bugatti Veyron 16.4 tipped the scales at approximately 4,162 pounds (1,888 kg).

Despite its debut over a decade ago, the Galibier remains an impressive sight, technically classified as a liftback rather than a traditional sedan due to its practical rear hatch. Coinciding with the release of the Porsche Panamera, this five-door concept elevated luxury and performance to extraordinary levels.

A recent walkaround video by YouTuber Horsepower Hunters provides an exclusive glimpse inside the Galibier, revealing an interior adorned with top-tier VW Group leather and polished wood accents. Unlike the minimalistic Veyron cabin, this model incorporated a large digital instrument panel and a centrally positioned touchscreen.

The rear cabin featured two individual seats separated by a leather-wrapped armrest and center console, complemented by a deployable screen that pivots toward passengers with the push of a button. One of the standout touches was a detachable $100,000 watch, integrated into the dashboard and wearable on the wrist, underscoring the car’s opulence.

What Became of the Galibier?

Bugatti revealed the Galibier concept to test interest in a potential production model. However, the company ultimately decided against launching this extravagant fastback, fearing it would dilute the brand’s identity established by the Veyron. Instead, Bugatti focused on developing the Chiron, a direct successor to the Veyron’s legacy.

While the Galibier represented a fascinating proposition, Bugatti’s cautious approach is understandable. It took nearly ten years to sell all 450 Veyrons, and introducing a luxury sedan or liftback in the mid-2010s might have faced even greater challenges. The decision to prioritize the Chiron likely preserved the brand’s exclusivity and focus.

Though the Galibier never reached production, Bugatti’s new Tourbillon hypercar offers a similarly striking design with eight exhaust outlets and a V16 engine. With the Tourbillon sold out through 2029, there’s speculation that Bugatti could revisit the idea of a luxurious sedan, potentially reviving the spirit of the Galibier for the ultra-wealthy.