The automobile history is long and enthralling. Several brands adapted to the changing dynamics and introduced iconic vehicles to make the automotive industry one of the most lucrative in the world. Speaking of noticeable brands, BMW holds a prestigious place in the automobile industry. The brand has played a big part in the evolution of automobiles and it wouldn’t be wrong to term BMW as one of the symbols of the auto industry.
Besides being a known symbol in the automobile industry, the luxury brand has its distinguished symbol with an interesting history. The BMW logo has become a symbol of trust and quality. Let’s go through the history and meaning of the BMW logo to learn more about the iconic car brand.
BMW Brand History
Founded in 1916, in Munich, Germany, BMW has a long history of producing top-of-the-line luxury vehicles. You can easily find many BMW showrooms in the UAE and around the world, indicating the dominance of the luxury car manufacturer.
The BMW logo is seen as a symbol of trust among buyers and it is not limited to new cars. BMW’s pre-owned vehicles are also among the top picks in the Emirates. You can browse through the popular used BMW cars in the UAE to discover the most sought models.
As a luxury brand, BMW has adapted to the changing industry dynamics. The prestigious BMW lineup now contains a wide variety of the auto industry’s new favourite ‘electric cars’. Furthermore, the luxury brand has also witnessed the addition of subsidiaries such as BMW Alpina, which produces customised versions of luxury models.
The luxury brand did not hold back on expanding its horizons. BMW has included several motorcycles in their lineup.
BMW Logo History and Evolution
The BMW brand has gone through several changes over the course of its more than a century-old history. The BMW logo has also been revamped time and again. The logo we witness today on the luxury BMW vehicles isn’t like the one introduced after the formation of the company.
Let’s go through a timeline of the BMW logo’s history and evolution and see the changes the symbol experienced over the years.
1913 to 1916
One of the lesser-known BMW facts is about the company’s formation in 1917. BMW emerged from a remaining aircraft manufacturing company ‘Rapp Motorenwerke’. During the initial years, BMW used the Rapp Motor logo.
The logo consisted of a circular medallion with the company’s name written on the edges of the circle. Additionally, there were two stars on the inside of the circle. Inside the circle was a black horse silhouette which resembled the horse from chess.
1917 TO 1933
In 1917, the first BMW logo was introduced. It was a major point in the BMW logo’s history. The first logo took inspiration from the Rapp Motor logo. The design resembled a plane’s propeller representing the company’s heritage.
BMW was imprinted on the upper part of the outer circle. Inside the circle, the traditional BMW colours came into being. Two thin golden lines covered the inner and outer circles.
The colours used in the circle were blue and white, the official palette of the Bavarian flag – the origin region of the brand.
1933 TO 1953
As the BMW car history saw the introduction of new vehicles in the lineup, the year also witnessed modifications in the company logo. The thin golden outlines surrounding the circles became thicker. The contours became cleaner and bolder – modernising the logo.
With the frame getting thicker, BMW lettering was also made chicer and sleekier.
1953 TO 1963
In the years to follow, the BMW logo saw a major upgrade with silver replacing the gold outline. The main blue and white pattern inside the circle also became lighter. The new thin silver outline gave the logo a more delicate look.
Additionally, the BMW letters were now imprinted in sharp serif font – indicating a progressive and powerful brand.
1963 to 1997
BMW continued to grow as a brand and introduced motorcycles in 1922. The BMW motorcycle facts include many other interesting events. The brand logo was refined in 1963 with a modernised look. The colour palette was made calm and intense.
The BMW lettering was presented in white serif font – a perfect reflection of value, quality and authority.
1997 – TODAY
The year 1997 marked the introduction of perhaps the most distinct and recognisable BMW logo. The unique BMW naming system wasn’t the only thing making rounds. The distinct logo remains on the bonnets of the brand’s iconic vehicles. The new logo took inspiration from the previous designs but it contains a three-dimensional circle.
Shades of white, black, silver, and blue remained the prominent colours. In the new logo, the propeller’s segments are separated by thick black lines – something not seen in the previous logos. The new design gave the logo a professional and contemporary look.
2020 – TODAY
While many brands choose to go with car logos with animals and other stuff, BMW stayed with the original design. BMW introduced another logo in 2020 and opted for minimalism this time. The logo lacked any shades of black and was presented in 2D. The inner circle had a thin grey outline while the outer one had a relatively thicker one.
BMW letters stayed at their traditional place above the circle but were coloured grey this time. The logo reflects BMW’s progress as a brand and its willingness to move forward. However, this logo was introduced for brand communication only.
BMW Logo Meaning
The BMW logo evolution has seen several changes over the years, however, the meaning and aim remain the same. The white and blue colours indicate the brand’s place of birth, Bavaria, a state in Germany.
Additionally, the BMW is also believed to resemble a plane’s propeller. While the theory remains a myth, the brand’s heritage of producing aircraft fits the context. All in all, the BMW emblem, colour theme, and design all indicate the brand’s desire to stick to the traditions yet leave room for innovation.
This was everything about the BMW logo. BMW holds paramount value in the automobile industry. With the introduction of new models and unique features such as BMW Connected Drive and many more, the brand is determined to increase its reach.
That said, you can also add the vehicles of the iconic brand to your car collection. Browse through these used BMWs for sale in the UAE and select from a wide variety of BMW models listed.
Furthermore, check out these meaningful car logos and learn the meaning behind some of the major vehicle logos in the industry.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for logo histories of major auto brands and more.
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