When you think of exclusivity, Bugatti doesn’t just raise the bar—it vaults over it. The French hypercar manufacturer, now helmed by visionary CEO Mate Rimac, has unveiled eye-popping details about just how much the ultra-rich are spending to make their multi-million-dollar cars even more unique. Spoiler alert: it’s a lot.
In a recent interview with Top Gear, Rimac revealed that Bugatti’s elite customers are shelling out an average of €500,000 ($530,000) for customizations alone. To put that in perspective, the customization cost alone eclipses the base price of a Ferrari 812 Competizione ($464,000)—a car already considered a dream for many.
Half a Million Just for the Extras?
Bugatti’s customization programs allow its high-flying clientele to transform their vehicles into rolling works of art, ensuring that no two cars are alike. The personalization options range from bespoke paint colors and materials to one-off design elements and cutting-edge technology.
“The cars are becoming more and more customized. Every car is actually really special. We are currently at like half a million euros of customization per car,” said Rimac.
For Bugatti, standard isn’t even in the vocabulary. The brand thrives on creating masterpieces like the Mistral World Record Car, a true one-off hypercar that’s a jewel in the crown of its owner—a collector who also owns three other record-setting Bugattis: the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport, the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, and the Chiron Super Sport 300+.
The Price of Exclusivity
The Bugatti Mistral, which debuted in August 2022, sold out before it even hit the market. Its €5 million price tag didn’t deter buyers—on the contrary, it solidified its status as one of the most coveted cars on Earth. For comparison, Bugatti’s track-only Bolide is a relative bargain at €4 million, and the newly unveiled Tourbillon hypercar starts at €3.8 million.
But don’t be fooled by these “entry-level” prices. Customization options and subsequent special editions almost guarantee that these models will command even higher sums.
Rarity Drives Value
Bugatti’s meticulous control over production numbers plays a key role in its mystique. The Veyron had a total production run of 450 units, while the Chiron was capped at 500. By contrast, the Mistral is limited to just 250 units, making it even more exclusive.
And then there’s the La Voiture Noire, which made waves as the most expensive new car ever sold at the time of its debut, priced at a jaw-dropping €11 million. While Rolls-Royce’s Boat Tail may now hold the title, Bugatti’s one-offs and special editions remain in a league of their own.
A Playground for the World’s Wealthiest
Bugatti caters to a clientele for whom money is no object and individuality is priceless. One customer owning all of Bugatti’s record-setting cars illustrates the brand’s appeal to collectors who value not just engineering brilliance but exclusivity and history.
Bugatti isn’t just about transportation; it’s about making a statement. And as Mate Rimac continues to push the envelope, it’s clear that for Bugatti buyers, the sky—or perhaps the half-million-dollar customization budget—isn’t even the limit.
