Concorsod’Eleganza de Villa d’Este - Style, elegance and the newVision BMW Alpina

More than just a competition, this is a ritual of elegance. Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Como, the Concorsod’Eleganza Villa d’Este, organised by BMW Group Classic in partnership with the historic luxury Villa d’Este hotel, once again served as the stage for a glorious celebration of beauty: automotive, human and natural.
Rare cars are displayed here with the same reverence as pieces of haute couture. Around fifty of the most extraordinary examples in automotive history make an appearance, competing in numerous categories for the jury’s prestigious recognition. The public, carefully attuned to the spirit of the event, dresses accordingly: lightweight suits in neutral colours, wide-brimmed hats, timeless sunglasses. There is a shared, almost choreographed aesthetic, where every detail adds something to a setting that seems suspended between decades.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Como, the Concorsod’Eleganza Villa d’Este[…]once again served as the stage for a glorious celebration of beauty[…].

Amidst perfectly restored classics and prototypes that hint at the future, the event strikes a balance between memory and vision. Held annually since 1929 and considered one of the most exclusive events in the automotive world, the Concorso brings together rare models, unique projects and tailor-made creations, in an atmosphere where exclusivity is the rule rather than the exception.
And this is the context in which the most memorable moments emerge – in 2026, one of the most significant was the resurrection of an iconic name: the BMW Alpina. Presented as a testament to the very finest in luxury, the Vision BMW Alpina stands as a contemporary interpretation of the classic grand tourer. Flowing lines, elegant proportions and a serene presence define a model that favours comfort and sophistication over excess. There is a clear intention to recapture the pleasure of driving long distances, in silence, in an almost contemplative state – in tune with the very spirit of Como.

Rare cars are displayed here with the same reverence as pieces of haute couture.

In the interior, high-quality materials and a minimalist design create an atmosphere that is more reminiscent of a private lounge than a conventional car. Every surface, every texture, seems to have been designed for a full-on sensory experience. From a technical point of view, the model looks to a future where performance is combined with sustainability and digital intelligence, without ever compromising the brand’s identity.
Between the static exhibits and dynamic moments, where some models were brought to life before the public, the event turned into a spectacle of beauty, where engineering and art were brought together. At Villa D’Este, there is a sense of exclusivity, and accommodation on the day of the competition is reserved solely for event participants. 
The Concorsod’Eleganza brings a lightness to the air and a subtle celebration of detail, where past and future coexist naturally. Once again in 2026, Como was the leading light of an exclusive and sophisticated event, making it truly unique.

Presented as a testament to the very finest in luxury, the Vision BMW Alpina stands as a contemporary interpretation of the classic grand tourer.

Text: Carla Martins
Photos: HARDY MUTSCHLER, GUDRUN MUSCHALLA