Can You Spot All The Differences Between BMW’s New And Old Badge?

BMW recently unveiled its first of its new-wave Neue Klasse cars, the iX3, and on top of a whole new design brief and an estimated 400 miles of range, the car also brings with it a new BMW logo—and yes, we are also just now noticing it.

To be clear, this is not referring to the much more notable, “flat” BMW logo that came out in 2020, and was optimized for and really only seen on screens, although this one shares similarities. This one actually shows up on the iX3’s sheetmetal and will eventually come to future BMWs as well, but the differences between it and the old badge are subtle to say the least.

In fact, let’s make a game out of it. Below is the new badge as it appears on the iX3, and below that is the old one. Can you spot every difference?

And here are a pair of more straight-on shots of the two as they exist on the steering wheels of the iX3 and iX, respectively.

OK, let’s check your answers.

1. The ring of chrome that separates the inner blue-and-white circle from the outer black one has been removed.
2. Similarly, the chrome bars that separate the blue and white sections within the inner circle have also been deleted.
3. The “BMW” font is ever so slightly slimmer—the two “holes” within the B are noticeably longer now.
4. On the inside, at least, the old badge’s glossy finish is now matte.

Did you get everything?

According to BMWBlog, the company is also ditching the additional blue outer ring that came with the roundel on its electrified cars going forward. Hence, why the electric iX3 does not have this.

[Ed Note: Here’s that blue ring, since I bought a spare badge for my BMW i3 for some reason:

-DT]

Still, the differences, especially on hoods, trunk lids, and center caps, will be hard to spot for most people. The one on the steering wheel, however, which is now satin and almost looks printed on now will likely get the most attention from repeat BMW customers.

And, frankly, I don’t hate it! It makes it look vintage—like a car from BMW’s first Neue Klasse from the ’60s.

Now, if only BMW applied this “less is more” philosophy to the designs of the cars themselves.

Topshot: BMW