As soon as once more, the shores of Lake Como performed host to probably the most elegant and emotionally charged automotive gathering on the earth: the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. As we made our manner by the winding roads of Cernobbio and onto the breathtaking grounds of the Grand Resort 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 automobile occasion on the earth.
There’s something indescribably magical about Villa d’Este. Possibly it’s the juxtaposition of classical magnificence and radical modernity. Possibly it’s the way in which 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 totally intoxicating.
This 12 months, BMWBLOG had the privilege of attending the 96th version of the Concorso, and it didn’t disappoint. With 54 traditional automobiles 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 Sequence convertible. Restricted to only 70 models (none of which is able to 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 sublime “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. Primarily based on the G87 platform, the brand new CS is sharper, lighter, and extra targeted 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 hanging 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 parts, that is the embodiment of efficiency and chance on two wheels.
A Historic Gathering of Icons
But, as a lot because the Concorso is about wanting 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 supplied a kaleidoscope of automotive eras—from opulent pre-war titans to ‘80s extra and past.
However there might 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 Thirties. With an intensive racing pedigree—together with victories in Good, Tripoli, and Berlin—the P3 shocked crowds with its purposeful stance and uncooked motorsport magnificence.
The Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este, awarded by public referendum, went to a automobile a lot nearer to BMW’s coronary heart: a 1957 BMW 507 Roadster. Resplendent in silver with pink leather-based upholstery, this explicit 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 automobiles 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 Automobiles and Prototypes class, the Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda Zagato stole hearts and digital camera lenses, successful the general public design award for its trendy homage to the Alfa Spiders of outdated.
Extra Than Automobiles: The Way of life of Villa d’Este
After all, Villa d’Este is about greater than automobile. It’s a celebration of craft, world tradition, and way of life. Set towards the panoramic great thing about Lake Como, the weekend felt like a dream you don’t need to wake from. Classical music stuffed the air as company 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 Pageant” on Sunday at Villa Erba supplied broader entry, whereas Saturday’s “Amici & Automobili – Wheels & Weisswürscht” introduced in 150 curated autos from golf equipment throughout Europe, reinforcing the neighborhood side 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 Sequence II.
Why Villa d’Este Stays Unmatched
The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is greater than a automobile 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 automobiles, there is no such thing as a different place prefer it. At BMWBLOG, we’re continually touring, testing, filming, and reviewing the newest 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]
