From May 15 to 17, 2026, BMW Group Classic brings back the legendary Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como. Approximately 50 of the most spectacular automobiles of their era will gather to compete for trophies in the various competition classes, culminating with the coveted “BMW Group Trophy – Best of Show”, which a high-profile jury will proclaim as the absolute winner. The traditional parade on the terrace of the Villa d’Este hotel will take place on Saturday, while all participants will also compete for the “Gold Cup” awarded by the public, the “President’s Trophy” assigned by Helmut Käs and numerous other awards.
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The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Returns
The 2026 edition highlights historic vehicles and concept cars awarded in their dedicated class, as well as significant innovations within the group. BMW ALPINA, officially launched at the beginning of the year as an independent manufacturer focused on automobiles for enthusiasts, will present itself for the first time to the Concorso audience with its first new model. Also BMW Motorrad will surprise with a new concept, designed to set new standards in terms of performance and design. To complete the program, the famous tenor and brand ambassador Jonas Kaufmann will present the “Il Canto del Motore Trophy” for the best sound chosen by the jury.
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The First BMW ALPINA Debuts
The celebrations also include a special exhibition with strong historical and competitive value, “Touring Car Legends”. Curated on the occasion of the 40 years of the BMW M3, it will display in the Villa Erba park not only the legendary BMW M3 touring competition cars but also the rival vehicles of the era. The champions Johnny Cecotto, Emanuele Pirro and Roberto Ravaglia, in particular, will be present to share memories, anecdotes and answer visitors’ questions in a special fan talk format.
