From May 15 to 17, 2026, the legendary Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este will once again grace Lake Como, presenting a showcase of automotive excellence that blends history, innovation, and pure elegance. BMW Group Classic, in partnership with the iconic luxury hotel Villa d’Este, is set to host a celebration of craftsmanship, design, and performance that few events can rival. Around 50 of the most extraordinary automobiles of their eras will compete across carefully curated classes, culminating in the prestigious "Trofeo BMW Group – Best of Show," awarded to the vehicle deemed the pinnacle of style, innovation, and presence by a top-tier jury.
This year’s classes span nearly a century of automotive evolution, from the opulent designs of the 1920s and 30s to the vibrant extravagance of the 1950s, the rise of grand touring icons, endurance legends, and supercars. Each vehicle tells a story of design, innovation, and cultural impact, with concept cars adding a contemporary edge to the historic line-up. Saturday will see the grand Concorso parade on the terrace of Villa d’Este, where class victories, audience awards, and jury-selected accolades—including the "Trofeo Il Canto del Motore," presented by star tenor and BMW Group Classic ambassador Jonas Kaufmann—will celebrate both artistry and engineering excellence.
2026 also marks BMW ALPINA’s debut as a full-fledged manufacturer, showcasing its independent brand identity and exceptional vehicles for enthusiasts who appreciate automotive exclusivity. BMW Motorrad will reveal a vision vehicle that combines high-performance engineering with forward-looking design, promising to redefine expectations in the motorcycle arena. Villa Erba will host the special exhibition "Touring Car Legends," commemorating 40 years of the BMW M3 with racing icons such as Johnny Cecotto, Emanuele Pirro, and Roberto Ravaglia sharing stories and insights from their careers behind the wheel. The public will experience these legends up close on Sunday during the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Public Day, accompanied by family-friendly entertainment across the venue.
The beloved "Amici & Automobili – Wheels & Weisswürscht" event will once again bring car clubs and communities from around the world together, with around 120 vehicles spanning decades and designs. The celebration of the BMW M3’s 40th anniversary will see a dedicated meadow featuring every generation of this legendary model. The Best of Show winner will receive a unique A. Lange & Söhne 1815 CHRONOGRAPH in 18-carat white gold, featuring a hand-engraved coat of arms and a solid red gold dial, honoring a partnership that has endured for 15 years. Broad Arrow Auctions, in collaboration with Hagerty, will return as the official auction partner, presenting more than 70 of the world’s most desirable collector cars, including historic Bugattis, modern supercars, and rare BMW M3 variants.
Helmut Käs, Head of BMW Group Classic and President of the Concorso d’Eleganza, reflects the anticipation surrounding the event: "The excitement grows every year. The field of participants will be spectacular, and our collaboration with Villa d’Este ensures standards are set higher than ever." Davide Bertilaccio, CEO of Villa d’Este S.p.A, emphasizes the enduring magic of the event: "More than a tribute to tradition, it represents a living celebration of craftsmanship, passion, and cultural heritage, creating a truly timeless experience for every guest."
The 2026 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este promises to be a masterclass in automotive artistry, uniting history, performance, and elegance in one extraordinary Lake Como weekend.
