BMW

Car Manufacturer

Project: Visual Identity Case Study

Mission: To be the most successful, most sustainable premium manufacturer for individual mobility.

Based In: Munich, Germany

Services:
Logo Design & Visual Identity

Intro

As BMW looks toward an electrified, digitally connected future, the brand must evolve to meet the expectations of new generations without losing the essence that’s made the brand iconic. This case study explores a reimagining of BMW’s visual identity.

Since its inception in 1917, Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) has established itself as a symbol of engineering precision, luxury, and German craftsmanship. BMW positions itself as a leader in premium automotive manufacturing, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and emotional connection with its customers. The iconic blue and white emblem is an homage to BMW’s Bavarian roots, encapsulating the brand’s heritage. The symbol has graced cars, motorcycles, and engines, solidifying its reputation as "The Ultimate Driving Machine".

Goals

Modernize BMW's visual identity to reflect its commitment to future focused innovation.
Maintain the brand's heritage while appealing to a new generation of consumers.
Retain the historical Bavarian blue and white colors while updating them to reflect a bolder and more future-focused identity.
Maintain the brand's core values of performance and luxury.

Process & Strategy

The project began with an in depth analysis of BMW's historical design elements and current brand positioning. Insights were gathered from BMW's official communications and historical milestones over the years, identifying opportunities to infuse modern aesthetics into their established visuals.

The unveiling of BMW's transparent logo sparked a dynamic conversation among design enthusiasts and brand loyalists. While some appreciated the modern, minimalist approach, others felt the removal of the iconic black ring diminished the logo's strength and recognizability. Critics argued that the transparent ring lacked the contrast needed for visibility across various backgrounds, leading to concerns about the logo's adaptability and impact.

The design philosophy centered on creating a visual identity that embodies progressiveness without compromising the brand's heritage.

Logo
Before | After

M Logo
Before | After

M Badge
Before | After

Motorsport
Before | After

Electric Badge
Before | After

Creative Solution

The reimagined visual identity features:

A refined logo that pays homage to the original emblem while introducing modern aesthetics.
A versatile and vivid color palette inspired by the early days of BMW's Motorsport heritage.
Typography that balances elegance with readability across digital and print mediums.
Design elements that are scalable and adaptable to various platforms and technologies.

Logo Redesign

M Badge Redesign

M Badge

Motorsport Logo

Electric Badge

Results

The proposed designs modernize BMW's visual identity with the introduction of new logo designs and an updated color palette. This refinement serves a dual purpose: it maintains the brand's visual integrity and it bridges the gap for both longtime enthusiasts and future audiences. By integrating these design elements, the concept not only addresses the aesthetic concerns raised by the transparent logo but also reinforces BMW's brand narrative.