BMW has introduced tons of special versions of its i cars - the i3 and the i8. Now, the BMW Czech Republic division revealed a new stunning pair of special editions- the BMW i3 and the i8 Starlight Edition, two models that show off the exceptional possibilities of BMW’s paint partners at Toplac. As the official partners of the BMW ColorSystem, Toplac employed painter Miroslav Spicak and designer Zoltan Matuska to create the unique BMW i3 and i8 drizzled in gold. Literally.

2018 Golden BMW i3 And i8 Starlight Edition Revealed

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 Golden BMW i3 And i8 Starlight Edition Revealed
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 797 @ 6300
  • Torque: 707 @ 4500
  • Transmission: eight-speed automatic

2019 Golden BMW i3 And i8 Starlight Edition Revealed

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Golden BMW i3 And i8 Starlight Edition Revealed
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 797 @ 6300
  • Torque: 707 @ 4500
  • Transmission: eight-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

23.75 Carat Gold Dust on the Beemers

Using paint enriched with 23.75-carat gold dust by Liebscher Blattgold GmbH, the painter and the designer formulated a new painting process where four coats of paint are applied to achieve flawless results. The final coat of paint had to be applied by hand which is a rather time consuming and sensitive process. The two-tone paint job features a seamless gradient transition from gold up front to black at the back. As it turns out, the golden speckles at the back represent golden starts on a black night sky. Despite the slightly cheesy ring to this, the end result is rather nice looking.

"Proportional and shape-specific design of the BMW i3s and i8, it literally invites you to contrast the look, and what's more - underlines their distinctive characters. It is so naturally and elegantly the same as the stellar transition from natural gold to deep black. However, the surface has a further dimension - hundreds of thousands of golden drops visible from the immediate vicinity that have changed the original varnish into a real jewel," explains Zoltan Matuska, designer, and creator of Starlight.

The exterior touches aren’t the only changes to the BMW i3 and the i8. Moving inside one will witness golden tones on certain trim pieces - like the vents or the dashboard. This further application of gold inspired features separates these two Beemers from the rest of their kin.

Finally, a plaque sitting on the dash in front of the driver's seat shows what these cars are all about. It says “Starlight Edition - One of one”.

They are that exclusive.

It’s all for Charity

While you may ask why the hell something like this would exist in the first place, the reasons are actually quite honorable.

After displaying the i3 and the i8 Starlight Edition at the Invelt showroom in Prague, BMW will move them for exhibition as part of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival held from July 4th. Then, the cars will hit an auction block, and all proceeds from this charitable event will be donated to the Dagmar and Václav Havel Foundation VIZE 97.

The Dagmar and Václav Havel Foundation VIZE 97 is held in high regard due to its work in the fields of culture and medical assistance.

“The Foundation priorities are activities in the cultural field and medical assistance. It also initiates various projects concerned with human rights at home and abroad. Last but not least it responds to society’s needs at a given moment. “

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 BMW i8 Coupe.

Read our full review on the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster.

Read our full review on the 2018 BMW i3.

Read more BMW news.