As soon as once more, the shores of Lake Como performed host to probably the most elegant and emotionally charged automotive gathering on the planet: the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. As we made our method by the winding roads of Cernobbio and onto the breathtaking grounds of the Grand Lodge Villa d’Este, we have been reminded why this occasion holds such a particular place in our hearts—and why we contemplate it the best automotive occasion on the planet.
There’s something indescribably magical about Villa d’Este. Possibly it’s the juxtaposition of classical magnificence and radical modernity. Possibly it’s the best way the daylight dances off Lake Como as timeless icons roll throughout the garden, every telling tales from a century of motoring historical past. No matter it’s, it’s completely intoxicating.
This 12 months, BMWBLOG had the privilege of attending the 96th version of the Concorso, and it didn’t disappoint. With 54 traditional vehicles competing in eight curated lessons, 5 avant-garde ideas on show, and a rising sense that automotive ardour is prospering in each the previous and the long run, the 2025 present was a sensory journey by time and design.
BMW Steals the Highlight With Three Debuts
For BMW, the 2025 Concorso was greater than only a celebration of heritage—it was a showcase of imaginative and prescient. The model unveiled three new fashions that span the spectrum of efficiency, luxurious, and artistry:
1. The BMW Idea Speedtop
Presumably probably the most buzzworthy unveiling on the occasion, the BMW Idea Speedtop is a daring capturing brake interpretation of the 8 Collection convertible. Restricted to simply 70 models (none of which can make it to the U.S.), the coachbuilt grand tourer options flowing strains, a retractable roof cowl, and bespoke Schedoni leather-based baggage. It wears a chic “Floating Sunstone Maroon” paintwork, complementing a handcrafted inside with shades of Moonstone White and Sunset Maroon. Beneath the hood lies BMW’s venerable V8 engine, making it as potent as it’s lovely.
2. BMW M2 CS
Additionally premiering at Villa d’Este was the extremely anticipated second-generation BMW M2 CS. Based mostly on the G87 platform, the brand new CS is sharper, lighter, and extra centered than the already good M2. With greater than 520 horsepower and efficiency options borrowed from the M3 and M4, the brand new M2 CS continues the custom of providing pure, driver-centric pleasure in a compact bundle. It proudly wore Velvet Blue paint throughout its debut—a placing distinction to the traditional chrome and leather-based adorning close by concours entries.
3. BMW Motorrad Idea R20 RR
BMW Motorrad additionally had one thing particular in retailer: the Idea RR. A futuristic superbike that fuses World Superbike Championship DNA with sci-fi-like aesthetics, the RR prototype is BMW’s boldest two-wheeled idea in years. With over 230 horsepower, carbon fiber parts, and aggressive aero components, that is the embodiment of efficiency and risk on two wheels.
A Historic Gathering of Icons
But, as a lot because the Concorso is about trying ahead, it stays anchored in a profound respect for historical past. Strolling among the many concours entrants is like strolling by the world’s most lovely time capsule. This 12 months’s eight competitors lessons provided a kaleidoscope of automotive eras—from opulent pre-war titans to ‘80s extra and past.
However there may very well be just one Better of Present, and that honor was bestowed upon the breathtaking 1934 Alfa Romeo Tipo B (P3). Designed by Vittorio Jano, the P3 was a Grand Prix single-seater that helped outline motorsport within the Nineteen Thirties. With an in depth racing pedigree—together with victories in Good, Tripoli, and Berlin—the P3 surprised crowds with its purposeful stance and uncooked motorsport magnificence.
The Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este, awarded by public referendum, went to a automotive a lot nearer to BMW’s coronary heart: a 1957 BMW 507 Roadster. Resplendent in silver with crimson leather-based upholstery, this specific instance captivated attendees with its mix of flowing strains, understated luxurious, and historic significance. It’s no shock the 507 continues to strike such a chord—few vehicles steadiness grace and presence as effortlessly.
One other crowd-pleaser was the 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC, winner of the “Frozen in Time” class and recipient of the Trofeo BMW Group Ragazzi, chosen by the occasion’s youngest attendees. And within the Idea Vehicles and Prototypes class, the Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda Zagato stole hearts and digital camera lenses, profitable the general public design award for its fashionable homage to the Alfa Spiders of outdated.
Extra Than Vehicles: The Life-style of Villa d’Este
After all, Villa d’Este is about greater than automotive. It’s a celebration of craft, world tradition, and life-style. Set towards the panoramic fantastic thing about Lake Como, the weekend felt like a dream you don’t need to wake from. Classical music crammed the air as visitors sipped champagne, admired the detailing on a Ferrari F50 or Lamborghini Miura SV, and struck up conversations with designers, collectors, and legends of motorsport.
The “Public Day – Il Competition” on Sunday at Villa Erba provided broader entry, whereas Saturday’s “Amici & Automobili – Wheels & Weisswürscht” introduced in 150 curated automobiles from golf equipment throughout Europe, reinforcing the group facet of the Concorso.
Broad Arrow Auctions additionally made its presence felt this 12 months with a curated sale that pulled in over €31 million. The highest lot? A 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa by Ansaloni, offered for an astonishing €7.54 million. Amongst different highlights have been a Talbot-Lago Teardrop Coupé, a Ferrari F40 Competizione, and a BMW 507 Collection II.
Why Villa d’Este Stays Unmatched
The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is greater than a automotive present—it’s a masterclass in how previous and future can coexist in the identical sentence, the identical area. It’s as a lot about artistry and philosophy as it’s about horsepower and design. And for these of us who stay and breathe vehicles, there isn’t any different place prefer it. At BMWBLOG, we’re continually touring, testing, filming, and reviewing the most recent BMWs and their rivals. However Villa d’Este is the one occasion the place time appears to pause, and the soul of automotive tradition takes middle stage.
Till subsequent 12 months, arrivederci Villa d’Este—you’ve accomplished it once more. [Photos: Dan Levins & BMW Classic]
