BMW I Logo PNG
The BMW i logo, associated with the globally recognized car manufacturer’s sub-brand, employs an original design bearing no resemblance to the parent company’s emblem. Its icon is composed of a wide parallelogram placed at an angle. It features two sharp corners and two rounded ones. One-third of this geometric figure (on the left side) is painted dark blue, while the rest is gray. On the right, in the negative space, a clear lowercase ‘i’— the name of the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle line— is distinctly visible. The single flat letter matches the style of the background upon which it rests.
The logo appears to convey several key messages related to the sub-brands mission and values. Using a parallelogram, an unusual and dynamic shape, implies innovation and a break from convention. This aligns with the brand’s commitment to pioneering new technologies and redefining mobility in the automotive industry, particularly electric and hybrid vehicles.
The logo’s contrasting dark blue and gray sections symbolize the fusion of technology and sustainability, central to the brand’s ethos. Dark blue often signifies reliability and responsibility, highlighting the brand’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions. Gray is a neutral color that signifies balance and sophistication, suggesting a balanced approach to technology and design.
The lowercase ‘i’ in the negative space cleverly stands for the ‘i’ series of BMW, known for its electric and hybrid vehicles. This represents the brand’s focus on individuality and innovation, as ‘i’ often stands for ‘innovation’ in tech-related industries. The way it is integrated into the design, through the clever use of negative space, speaks to the brand’s attention to detail and sophistication.
The design choice of having two sharp and two rounded corners on the parallelogram is interesting. It seems to be a nod to the brand’s commitment to integrating the softness of eco-friendliness with the sharpness of cutting-edge technology.
BMW I: Brand overview
| Founded: | 2011 |
| Founder: | BMW |
| Headquarters: |
Munich, Bavaria, Germany |
| Website: | bmw.de |
Four years later, in 2011, the company formally established BMW i as a dedicated subsidiary. The primary objective was to design an ecosystem of electric vehicle (EV) mobility services and solutions.
That same year, BMW i showcased its first model, the i3, an all-electric compact sedan. Launched in 2013, the i3 boasted innovative carbon fiber construction and an electric motor with an optional range extender.
In a display of continued innovation, the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car was launched in 2013. The i8 embodied advancements in lightweight design and hybrid drive system technology.
In 2014, BMW i unveiled its inaugural flagship store in London, where potential customers could take test drives and explore the innovative ConnectedDrive technologies.
Two years later, BMW initiated the ‘ReachNow’ car sharing service and the ‘ChargeNow’ EV charging service, both operating under the BMW i brand, in 2016.
By 2020, the BMW iX3, an all-electric SUV based on the X3 SUV but powered by an electric motor, joined the lineup.
In 2021, BMW i broadened its horizons by introducing the i4 sedan and iX SUV models. These additions further underscored the company’s growing dedication to its EV strategy.
By 2022, BMW had distributed over 350,000 electrified BMW i vehicles globally. Looking towards the future, the BMW Group set an ambitious goal: to hit the 2 million mark in EV sales by 2025.
Meaning and History
2011 – 2020
2020 – today
