2026 Bugatti Tourbillon: 16 Cylinders, 3 Electric Motors, 1,800 HP

The 2026 Bugatti Tourbillon is the first all-new Bugatti since the Chiron. It’s a big deal, and for the first time, the Tourbillon takes the brand hybrid. This latest model features a hybrid V16 powertrain, eschewing both the automaker’s preferences for both W16 engines and pure combustion output. But the news of a hybrid system almost pales in comparison to some of the headlining figures: this V16 engine will produce 1,800 horsepower, displace 8.3 liters, and rev to 9,000 rpm — all to say nothing of the monster 664 lb-ft of torque driving all four wheels.

But the hybrid powertrain is still worth discussing. Bugatti tells us the Tourbillon’s front axle carries two electric motors with a third located in back to help spin the massive rear tires. These, by the way, are underpinned by 3D-printed suspension components to help reduce weight. Only 1,000 of the car’s stratospheric horsepower is provided by the new V16 — the other 800 comes courtesy of the 25 kWh battery pack mounted in the center of the car. The system adds functionality and drops weight when compared to the Chiron, seemingly disobeying the principle of the conservation of matter. Bugatti says the Tourbillon, despite its 555-pound engine, is still lighter than the Chiron while simultaneously allowing it to cruise around town for up to 37 miles without ever firing one of the massive V16’s many cylinders. Bugatti doesn’t say how long it’ll take to charge the hybrid system but assume it’s brisk given the car’s 800-volt architecture.

Electrical assistance does more than just putter the Tourbillon around Dubai, Monaco, or wherever the 1% spends their time these days (somewhere tax-free, no doubt). The Tourbillon is stupid quick thanks to its hybrid system, hitting 60 mph in an EV-like 2-second sprint. 124 mph rolls by in just five seconds. In twice that time, you’ll be doing a very illegal 186 mph. The numeric gluttony isn’t over. Ordinarily, Bugatti Tourbillon owners will be limited to a paltry 236 mph (achieved in a stupefying 25 seconds). However, drop in The Speed Key, and that figure jumps to 276 mph. It’s all, frankly, ridiculous.

Inside, Bugatti has, in what we think is an incredible bit of foresight, continued to minimalize the impact of screens on its interiors. The Tourbillon (named for the bits that help keep high-end watches accurate) doesn’t have a screen in sight. Really, it is kind of like sitting in a high-end watch sans all the ticking. It’s clear the car’s triple gauges were inspired by the movement of a watch, and were built by watchmakers to boot. The center console is filled with controls that ape the crown of a watch beautifully, and a singular, crystal lever fires up the engine. It’s stunning, though Bugatti does hide a single screen at the top of the center console to help drivers get information on the car’s various systems.

The first 250 cars will arrive in 2026. Not that it matters to anyone reading this, but the car will cost a laughable $3.9 million USD by the time it reaches production.

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