BMW: New Neue Klasse badge becomes standard on all models from February

BMW moves to new visual identity: Restyled logo becomes standard on all models from February

In a move that marks the beginning of a new era for the Bavarian automaker, BMW has confirmed that the new logo, which debuted with the groundbreaking iX3 Neue Klasse, will be adopted across its entire vehicle range from February. This update is not just a minor aesthetic change, but a symbol of the digital and technological transition the brand is undergoing.

Refinement in the details: What changes?

Although at first glance the changes may seem imperceptible to the untrained eye, the new emblem eliminates elements that gave it a slightly dated look. Here are the main differences from the version introduced in 2020:

• Goodbye, traditional chrome ring: The massive chrome detail inside the logo has been removed for a cleaner look.
• “Flat” design with tactile texture: Although the logo now has a much flatter profile, optimized for the aerodynamics of electric vehicles and the digital environment, BMW has retained a premium tactile experience. Oliver Heilmer, BMW’s head of design, compares the precision of the letters to that of watchmaking mechanisms.
• Color Rearrangement: The white and blue surfaces have been subtly repositioned, with the white elements now closer to the outer ring, providing a sense of width and stability.

    "We wanted to keep the heritage but bring more precision to the logo. The chrome is still there, but the letters have been refined with a shiny structure that you often find on wristwatches," explains Oliver Heilmer.

A unitary change, including for the M division

The transition does not stop at the standard models. The BMW M performance division, known for its iconic colors, will also adopt a restyled version of the logo starting from the same date. This standardization underlines BMW’s desire to present a coherent brand image, paving the way for the offensive of next-generation electric and hybrid models.

Why now?

The launch of the new iX3 in the fall of 2025 represented “moment zero” for the Neue Klasse platform. This platform is not just about batteries and software, but about a total rethinking of BMW’s philosophy. The adoption of the new logo across the rest of the portfolio (from the 1 Series to the imposing X7) in February indicates that the Bavarians no longer view the Neue Klasse as a separate project, but as the new standard for the entire company.

The current logo, which has served the brand well for the past few years, will be gradually replaced as new units roll off the assembly lines. For fans and collectors, this moment marks the end of a visual era and the beginning of one in which “precise minimalism” becomes the watchword.

BMW on the Romanian market

On the Romanian market, BMW is going through a record period, managing to consolidate its leading position in the premium segment. The year 2025 marked a historic milestone for the Bavarian manufacturer locally, being the first time the brand exceeded the threshold of 5,000 registered units in a single year.

Top 3 best-selling models (2025)

Romanians remain loyal to the SUV segment (SAV in the brand's terminology), which represents over half of sales.

1. BMW X5: The undisputed leader, accounting for around 13% of total deliveries. It is preferred for its mix of luxury, space and status.
2. BMW X1: Also with a 13% share, the youngest of the X family attracts customers through its versatility and new electrified variants (iX1).
3. BMW 4 Series: A constant presence in the top (12% of sales), appreciated for its sporty design, especially in the Gran Coupe version.

Starting prices (estimated for 2026)

Prices vary significantly depending on engine and features, but here are the entry thresholds for the most popular models:

Model	Starting Price (incl. VAT)
BMW 1 Series	from ~€30,000
BMW X1	from ~€42,000
BMW 3 Series	from ~€45,000
BMW X5	from ~€78,000
BMW iX3 (Electric)	from ~€68,000

Local market trends

• Pragmatic electrification: Although the market for 100% electric models was affected by the decrease in Rabla Plus subsidies, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) sales increased by over 25%. Currently, 1 in 4 BMWs sold in Romania has a charging socket.
• Appetite for Performance (M): Romania is an atypical market, where high-performance models are highly sought after. The BMW XM is a major success locally, often outselling classic limousines.
• Luxury Segment: Interestingly, more BMW 7 Series units are sold in Romania than in mature markets like Austria, a sign that the preference for the top of the range remains solid.

Conclusion: A new era under the same symbol

The adoption of the new logo across the entire range, starting in February 2026, marks more than just an aesthetic change; it is the symbol of the maturation of the Neue Klasse strategy. In a market like Romania, where BMW already dominates the premium segment with models such as the X5 or the 4 Series, this subtle but precise rebranding underlines the brand's desire to combine traditional luxury with digital minimalism. Thus, each new model delivered will bear the imprint of a cleaner, more technologically advanced and more sustainable future-oriented era.