Jay Leno Drives the Bugatti Mistral: What You Need to Know

When someone like Jay Leno gets behind the wheel of a rare supercar like the Bugatti Mistral, it’s more than just another test drive—it’s a meaningful look into design, power, and innovation. Leno recently took the Mistral out for a spin, and his impressions give us real insight into what this $5 million car offers.

Design That Tells a Story

The Bugatti Mistral’s design is rooted in history, but it speaks to the future. It’s a roadster with no roof, inspired by the Bugatti Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid. Its lines are sculpted, low-slung, and fluid, offering aerodynamic precision. The rear design with its X-shaped taillights is both distinctive and modern. Jay Leno noted how the car balances form and function without trying too hard to look futuristic.

Color Choices that Stand Out

The Mistral offers bespoke paint options tailored to the buyer’s preferences. Deep blacks, classic French Racing Blue, or matte gold—whatever suits your style, Bugatti makes it personal. During his review, Jay Leno drove a model with a sleek two-tone scheme that accentuated its curves and aggressive stance.

Features That Prioritize Driving

Unlike many modern luxury cars that overload drivers with tech, the Mistral is intentionally minimalist inside. Everything is focused on driving. Leather-wrapped controls, analog displays, and a clean center console define the cockpit. Jay Leno pointed out that while it’s luxurious, the focus remains on connection between driver and car.

Engine Options: Farewell to the W16

The Bugatti Mistral is the final model to feature the legendary W16 engine. This 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged engine produces 1,577 horsepower. There’s no EV powertrain here, but Bugatti may go electric in future models. For now, the Mistral is a celebration of combustion. Leno described the acceleration as relentless, yet smooth—something only this engine can deliver.

EV Features and the Road Ahead

While the Mistral is not an electric vehicle, it symbolizes the last of an era before Bugatti transitions toward electrification. Jay Leno acknowledged this as a farewell to the brand’s mechanical roots. No hybrid tech here—just raw, refined performance for purists.

Mileage: Not Its Selling Point

With a car like this, fuel economy isn’t the focus. The Bugatti Mistral averages around 10–12 mpg. Jay Leno joked that you won’t be taking this car on a fuel-saving road trip, but its efficiency is decent when you consider what’s under the hood.

Safety in a Speed Machine

Despite its open-roof design and hypercar status, safety hasn’t been overlooked. It includes advanced braking systems, driver-assist technologies, and a reinforced carbon fiber chassis. Jay Leno commented on how stable and grounded the car felt even during quick maneuvers.

Luxury Touches and Comparisons

Compared to other hypercars, the Mistral doesn’t focus on screens or digital flash. Instead, it emphasizes craftsmanship—stitched interiors, textured materials, and classic knobs. Jay Leno appreciated this analog charm, especially in a market full of digital dashboards.

Price and Availability

The Bugatti Mistral carries a price tag of roughly $5 million, and all units are already spoken for. It’s not just a purchase—it’s a collectible. According to Jay Leno, it’s a piece of automotive history and an emotional send-off to the W16 engine platform.

Final Thoughts

Jay Leno Drives the Bugatti Mistral isn’t just a headline—it’s a milestone. This car is not built to impress on paper but to offer a final driving experience that connects the past to the future. From its bold design and purposeful features to the iconic W16 engine, the Mistral is Bugatti’s way of writing the final chapter on an unforgettable era in automotive history.