Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2026: Classes, Premieres and BMW M3 Tribute

BMW Group Classic outlines the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2026 program, with eight classes, two world premieres, BMW ALPINA and BMW M3 events.

Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2026 will take place from May 15 to 17 at Lake Como, and BMW Group Classic is already positioning it as more than a traditional concours. The programme brings together around 50 remarkable automobiles, eight competition classes, two BMW Group world premieres, BMW ALPINA’s first direct public appearance at Lake Como and a major racing exhibition marking 40 years of the BMW M3.

That matters beyond the circle of collectors. Villa d’Este has long been one of the most prestigious settings in the world of historic automobiles, and the concours d’elegance format combines rare cars, design heritage and present-day brand messaging in one place. This makes the May weekend on Lake Como more than a celebration of the past: it is also a stage where automotive history stands next to current strategic statements.

The core of the event will revolve around eight classes designed to trace a broad arc of motoring history, from opulent cars of the 1920s and 1930s to convertibles, 1960s GT machines, Ferrari endurance legends, unrestored survivors and the era when the supercar came of age. Spectacular concept cars from various manufacturers will again compete in their own traditional class. As usual, the central prize will be the Trofeo BMW Group – Best of Show, while entrants will also compete for class wins, the Coppa d’Oro and several special trophies.

BMW Group itself will be visible in several ways. The company has confirmed two world premieres, while BMW Motorrad will unveil a new vision vehicle that, in the organisers’ words, sets fresh standards in exclusive performance and modern design. Another focal point is BMW ALPINA. After presenting its new word mark and new emblem, the brand will introduce itself directly to the public at Lake Como for the first time. For a marque that entered a new phase in early 2026 as an exclusive brand under the care of BMW Group, that appearance carries particular weight.

A separate highlight will be the Touring Car Legends exhibition. It has been tied to the 40th anniversary of the BMW M3, a model whose story began in 1986 with the E30 and which was originally developed as a homologation car for touring car racing. At Villa Erba, visitors will see not only legendary BMW M3 E30 racing cars, but also period rivals from the touring car scene. Former BMW works drivers Johnny Cecotto, Emanuele Pirro and Roberto Ravaglia are also expected to appear for a fan talk and visitor Q&A.

The public programme will again play a major role. On Sunday, May 17, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Public Day – Il Festival will give visitors the chance to watch the vehicle parade. A day earlier, on Saturday, May 16, Villa Erba will host Amici & Automobili – Wheels & Weisswürscht, bringing together around 120 vehicles, clubs and communities from across the world in an open multi-brand gathering. The BMW M3 anniversary will be visible there as well, with the lakeside area turning into a BMW M3 meadow featuring all generations of the icon.

The commercial dimension of the weekend is also firmly in place. Broad Arrow Auctions, driven by Hagerty, returns as the official auction partner of BMW AG and will offer more than 70 collector cars for sale on May 16 and 17, with preview days beginning on May 15. Early highlights already announced include a 1929 Bugatti Type 43 Roadster by Eugène Matthys, a 1926 Bugatti Type 37 Grand Prix, a 1990 Ferrari F40 and a 2011 BMW M3 GTS. That gives Villa d’Este a second identity: not only a concours, but also a key marketplace event for the collector-car world.

The symbolism of the event is reinforced by the prize for the overall winner. The car awarded the Trofeo BMW Group – Best of Show will be presented with a unique A. Lange & Söhne 1815 CHRONOGRAPH in white gold, created specifically for the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. The watchmaker has accompanied the event for 15 years, underlining how closely this weekend links automotive history, craftsmanship and cultural prestige.

Seen together, the 2026 edition looks especially layered. The near-century-long history of the Concorso, the setting of Villa d’Este, the BMW M3 anniversary, BMW ALPINA’s public debut at Lake Como and the presence of world premieres combine into an event that works at once as a competition, a heritage showcase and a platform for new automotive statements. The next decisive step now belongs to May, when the field itself will show which cars command the attention of the jury, the public and the market.