Once again, the coast of the Como lake was host of the most elegant and emotionally charged automotive assembly in the world: the Concorso d’Elanza villa d’Este. When we made our way through the winding streets of Cernobbio and the breathtaking terrain of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este, we were reminded of why this event brings such a special place in our hearts – and why we consider it the best car event in the world.
The Villa d’Este has something indescribably magical. Maybe it is the coexistence of classic elegance and radical modernism. Perhaps the sunlight from Lake Como is dancing while timeless icons roll over the lawn, with each stories from a century of the history of the journey to tell history. Whatever it is, it is extremely intoxicating.
This year BMWblog had the privilege of participating in the 96th edition of the Concorso, and it was not disappointed. With 54 classic cars, which are exhibited in eight curated classes, five avant-garde concepts and a growing sense that the automotive passion flourishes both in the past and in the future, the 2025 show was a sensory journey through time and design.
BMW steals into the spotlight with three debuts
For BMW, the Concorso 2025 was more than just a celebration of the heritage – it was a visual expression. The brand revealed three new models that extend over the spectrum of performance, luxury and the duration of the art:
1. The BMW concept Speedtop
The BMW Concept Speedtop may be the courageous recording brake interpretation of the 8 Series Cabriolo of the 8 Series. The coachbuilt Grand Tourer is on just 70 units (none of them to the USA) and has flowing lines, retractable roof cover and tailor -made Schedoni leather luggage. It bears an elegant painting “Floating Sunstone Maroon” and complements a handmade interior with moonstone white tones and sunset. Under the bonnet is the venerable V8 engine from BMW and makes it as strong as beautiful.
2. BMW M2 CS
Also in the Villa d’Este was the highly expected BMW M2 CS of the second generation. Based on the G87 platform, the new CS is sharper, lighter and more concentrated than the already brilliant M2. With more than 520 hp and performance features that are borrowed from the M3 and M4, the new M2 CS continues the tradition of offering pure, driver -centered excitement in a compact package. During his debut, it was proud of the color – a striking contrast to the classic chrome and leather -adorning near the Concours.
3. BMW Motorrad Concept R20 RR
BMW motorcycle also had something special: the concept rr. The RR prototype is a futuristic superbike that fades the DNA of the World Superbike Championship with Science-Fi-like aesthetics, and has been BMW’s boldly two-wheeled concept for years. With over 230 hp, carbon fiber components and aggressive aero elements, this is the embodiment of performance and possibility on two wheels.
A historical meeting of icons
As much as it is able to look ahead in the Concorso, it remains anchored in the deepest respect for history. Going under the concours is like strolling through the most beautiful time capsule in the world. This year’s eight competitive classes offered a kaleidoscope of the automotive epoch-from opulent titans before the war excessively and beyond.
But there could only be one best of show, and this honor was awarded to the breathtaking Alfa Romeo Tipo B (P3) from 1934. The P3, designed by Vittorio Jano, was a Grand Prix single seat to defined motorsport in the 1930s. With an extensive racing team – including victories in Nice, Tripolis and Berlin – the P3 -greasy crowds fascinated with their targeted attitude and its elegance of RAW Motorsport.
The Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este, which was awarded by Public referendum, got into a car that was much closer to BMW’s Heart: a BMW 507 Roadster from 1957. In silver with red leather padding, this special example shone the participants with its mixture of flowing lines, reserved luxury and historical importance. It is no surprise that the 507 continues to beat such a chord – the cars balance the grace and the presence so effortlessly.
Another crowd puller was the Ferrari 330 GTC from 1967, the winner of the “Frozen in Time” class and recipient of the Trofeo BMW group Ragazzi, which was selected by the youngest participants in the event. And in the Category Concept Cars and Prototypes, the Alfa Romeo 8c Doppiacoda Zagato stole hearts and camera lenses and won the public design award for its modern homage to the Alfa Spiders of Old.
More than cars: the lifestyle of the Villa d’Este
Of course, Villa d’Este is more than a car. It is a celebration of craft, world culture and lifestyle. The weekend against the Panorama beauty of Lake Como was like a dream from which you don’t want to wake up. Classical music filled the air when the guests nipped champagne, who admired the details on a Ferrari F50 or Lamborghini Miura SV and had discussions with designers, collectors and legends of motorsport.
The “Public Day – Il Festival” on Sunday in the Villa Erba offered broad access, while “Amici & Automobili – Wheels & Weissweisrut” brought 150 curated vehicles from clubs across Europe and increased the aspect of the congregation of concorso.
Broad Arrow auctions also started a curated sale this year, which was over 31 million euros. The upper lot? A 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa from Analoni, sold 7.54 million euros for astonishing. Among other things, a Talbot Lago Teardrop Coupé, a Ferrari F40 competition and a BMW 507 Series II were.
Why the Villa d’Este remains unsurpassed
The Concorso d’Elanza Villa d’Este is more than a car show – it is a master class how past and future can coexist in the same sentence. It is as much about art and philosophy as well as horsepower and design. And for those of us who live and breathe cars, there is no other place like it. At BMWblog travel, testing, filming and checking the latest BMWs and their rivals. But the Villa d’Este is the only event in which time seems to pause, and the focus is on the soul of automotive culture.
Until next year, arrival ci Villa d’Este – have done it again. [Photos: Dan Levins & BMW Classic]
