Salon Privé has confirmed this year’s show will offer test drives through a new ‘see it, test it, drive it’ programme.

The exclusive automotive Garden Party attracts exhibitors, concours entrants and visitors from around the world, set against the backdrop of Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire. Models available for a test drive at the event will include the Lamborghini Huracán, Morgan EV3, Bentley Bentayga and BMW i8 amongst others.

The experience is launched in partnership with the luxury automotive manufacturers and allows Salon Privé’s guests to get behind the wheel of some of the world’s most prestigious cars. Joining the supercar-themed line-up of test drive models is the Lamborghini Huracán, and both the LP 580-2 and drop-top equivalent, the LP610-4 Spyder, will be on hand to offer guests a thrill on the road. Also confirmed from Italy is the brand new Abarth 124 Spider, the compact two-seater roadster that has just hit showrooms. Abarth will also be bringing two of its recently facelifted 595 hatchbacks in 595 C Turismo cabrio and 595 Competizione guise.

Meanwhile, BMW’s plug-in supercar, the BMW i8, will also be on hand and lines up beside Morgan’s all-electric EV3 three-wheeler and the Tesla Model S.

Bentley’s all-new Bentayga SUV has also been confirmed to join the programme’s test drive line-up. The Bentayga is the luxury British brand’s debut into the SUV market and is described as the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious SUV in the world. Salon Privé’s guests will have the opportunity to experience the vehicle for themselves during the three-day event.

“Putting customers behind the wheel at a prestigious event like Salon Privé is an amazing opportunity for guests to experience a Bentley first hand,” said Head of Business at Bentley Birmingham, Mark Hudson. “The fact that we’ve also been able to include the World’s most luxurious production off-roader, the Bentayga, into the test-drive line-up with other Bentley models means the response, so far, has been incredible.”

Celebrating another luxury SUV marque, Overfinch will also taking part in the ‘see it, test it, drive it’ experience, offering its 5.0-litre Autobiography model for guest test drives. The supercharged V8-powered off-roader has a performance-inspired carbon fibre body styling package and inside houses a luxury leather interior.

For manufacturers and supporting dealerships, the driving experience allows their sales experts to explore the virtues of each car in an informal setting with genuinely interested customers. Pre-qualification is completed through the high ticket price of £295, which includes full hospitality on the day, as well as pre-approved test drive requests. This ensures guests and manufacturer partners are best-suited before the drive.  

Tickets for Salon Privé 2016 are on sale now, with the event running from 1-3 September, at Blenheim Palace.