2027 Bugatti Tourbillon Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
A next-generation Bugatti marks the arrival of a new eon of hypercar development. The 2027 Bugatti Tourbillon promises to upend the world of ultra-rarified automobiles, following in the tire marks of its predecessors, the Veyron and the Chiron.
Once again powered by 16 cylinders (this time arranged in a V instead of a W), Bugatti’s new spin on its hypercar formula incorporates a triple-motor plug-in hybrid drivetrain to propel the brand toward an increasingly electrified future. Competing with a Bugatti is a tall order, but rivals include other extreme machinery such as the Lotus Evija, Aston Martin Valkyrie, and Koenigsegg Jesko.
What’s New
- Plug-in hybrid powertrain
- Cross-plane crank 8.3-liter V-16 engine
- One front motor and two rear motors
- A 25.0-kWh battery pack
- New eight-speed dual-clutch automatic
- New carbon-fiber monocoque chassis
- Exposed carbon-ceramic rear diffusor
- A carbon-composite 3D-printed front end
- An active rear spoiler
- Dual-valve electronically adjustable suspension
- Eight-piston front and six-piston rear brakes
- Front 20-inch and rear 21-inch wheels
- Top Speed mode with its own V-16 shaped key
- Butterfly doors
- An intricate, analog interior
- Fixed-hub steering wheel
- Adjustable pedal box
- Small multifunction screen underneath the speedometer
- Small central display
What We Think
The Bugatti Veyron was designed to be an automotive superlative, boasting extraordinary performance and jaw-dropping on-road presence. When its successor arrived in the form of the striking Chiron hypercar, we were wowed by improved sharpness, handling, and comfort. Now, Bugatti’s challenge is to advance its immaculately honed formula for an increasingly electrified world.
The 2027 Bugatti Tourbillon, meaning whirlwind in French and also used to describe a sophisticated watch mechanism that enhances accuracy, is the automaker’s solution to that challenge. Powered by a naturally aspirated V-16 engine and three electric motors, output rises over that of the Chiron by about 200 hp. A new monocoque chassis, lightweight bodywork, and reengineered suspension componentry promise handling and cornering to match the hypercar’s extraordinary acceleration.
The Tourbillon’s interior is a refreshing departure from the screen-heavy cabins found in the mainstream vehicles driven by the masses. Gorgeous physical switchgear and a trio of gauges built by a private label Swiss watchmaker serve as a contrast to the glossy displays found in everything from a Hyundai Elantra to a Porsche 911. Knowing the Tourbillon needs some modicum of modern connectivity, the hypercar comes equipped with a small information display underneath the speedometer and a central infotainment screen.
Few will have the chance to see a Bugatti Tourbillon in person and still fewer will have the opportunity to own and drive one. Only 250 units are slated for production, and they will be produced once all examples of the Bugatti Bolide and Mistral hypercars are manufactured.
Performance, Range, and Charging
Bugatti equips the 2027 Tourbillon with a naturally aspirated cross-plane crank 8.3-liter V-16 engine developing 986 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. The powerplant works in concert with a trio of electric motors, one up front and two in the rear, to churn out a whopping 1,775 hp. For context, the Chiron’s quad-turbo 8.0-liter W-16 engine produced 1,578 hp when outfitted in Super Sport variants. Every Tourbillon will feature all-wheel drive and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with no reverse gear. Backing up is handled by the rear motors. The Bugatti Tourbillon accelerates from 0-60 mph in sub-two seconds and tops out at 276 mph. We wouldn’t be surprised if an even faster variant arrives down the road with a goal of smashing top-speed records.
As for all-electric range, a 25.0-kWh battery pack with 24.8-kWh usable capacity enables 37 miles of driving. The T-shaped battery pack can be recharged from empty to 80 percent in 12 minutes.
Bugatti’s Trick Rear Diffusor
One of the 2027 Bugatti Tourbillon’s most impressive features is its diffusor, the piece of aerodynamic bodywork located low on the hypercar’s rear end. The structural carbon-ceramic component is inspired by Formula 1 race cars, which are equipped with nose cones that can be hot swapped during a pit stop. In the case of the Tourbillon, the diffusor keeps the hypercar aerodynamically neutral when traveling over 250 mph, a speed it can reach in just 25 seconds from a standstill. The exhaust outlets are positioned in such a way that they heat the air coming from underneath the Tourbillon, lowering its pressure and enhancing the diffusor’s aerodynamic effect.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Bugatti outfits the Tourbillon with a frunk approximately equal in size and shape to that of the discontinued Chiron. The hypercar’s pair of reclining seats are mounted in a fixed position so Bugatti can “set” the height of the car. Instead of adjusting the driver’s seat, those operating the Tourbillon can move the steering wheel and pedal box. The steering wheel hub is fixed as well, with the wheel twirling around a static center. This ensures the Bugatti logo remains upright at all times. Although official interior dimensions have yet to be released, we anticipate that Bugatti will ensure customers of all sizes will be accommodated by the Tourbillon’s seating arrangement by making bespoke accommodations for the extremely short and tall.
Technology
Bugatti operates with the philosophy that screens date an interior, and as such the 2027 Tourbillon places a greater emphasis on physical controls and mechanical gauges. On the left side of the steering wheel is a rotary knob that controls drive modes. Another rotary knob on the right side appears to control the plug-in hybrid powertrain’s use of battery power, with options including ICE, HY, EV, and EC. Instead of a digital instrument cluster, you’ll find a trio of gauges with mechanical gearing made by an unnamed Swiss watchmaker. The unit on the left has three dials displaying temperature, coolant, fuel levels, and state of charge. In the center, there’s a speedometer with a small multifunction display at the bottom. On the right is a gauge that shows available power. These gauges are backlit for nighttime visibility.
Over the center stack, which features switches and dials for climate control functionality and multimedia, is a retractable screen the size of a cell phone. That small display is capable of Apple CarPlay. In an era when the most affordable cars and the most luxurious models are equipped with tons of digital real estate, we view the Tourbillon’s cockpit as a bold take on modern interior design.
