Have you ever noticed a car with an emblem where the letter "B" enclosed in a circle? This logo is not as common as the icons Mercedes or BMW, but belongs to one of the legendary European brands with a rich history. Drivers often confuse it with other brands, especially if the emblem is damaged or visible at an angle. In this article we will look at what brand is hidden behind the letter “B” in the circle, how it appeared, what models it produces today and what to look for when buying a used car with such a logo.

Spoiler: it's not about Volvo (their symbol is the male sign of Mars) and not about Bentley (they have a winged "B"). Letter logo "B" in a circle belongs stamp Brilliance Auto - a Chinese automaker that actively exports cars to Europe and Russia. However, there are nuances: some older models Volkswagen (for example, VW Beetle 1960s) also had a round emblem with a letter, but it looked different. In order not to be mistaken, read on - we will analyze all the options in detail.

1. Brilliance Auto: Chinese brand with European roots

The main contender for the logo with the letter "B" in a circle - this is Brilliance Auto (Chinese ). The company was founded in 1992, but its history goes back to cooperation with BMW: precisely with this German giant Brilliance released the first premium sedans for the Chinese market. Today the brand is known as a manufacturer of affordable cars, which are actively exported to Russia, Ukraine (until 2022), the countries of the Middle East and Latin America.

Logo Brilliance represents a stylized letter «B», inscribed in a circle. The official interpretation of the symbol is "brilliance and perfection" (from English brilliance - “shine”) The design of the emblem has evolved: in the 2000s it was more angular, and since the 2010s it has become smoother. On some models (for example, Brilliance V5 or Brilliance H330) the logo is complemented by a chrome edging, which makes it more noticeable.

  • 📅 Year founded: 1992 (Shenyang, China).
  • 🤝 Partners: BMW (joint venture Brilliance BMW), Toyota (in the past).
  • 🌍 Sales markets: China, Russia, CIS countries, Middle East.
  • 🚗 Popular models: Brilliance V5, Brilliance H330, Brilliance H230.

Interesting fact: in Russia Brilliance positioned as a budget alternative Kia or Hyundai, but in China the brand occupies the “premium for the middle class” niche. For example, a sedan Brilliance H530 it costs more than Volkswagen Jetta similar configuration.

📊 Did you know about the Brilliance brand before this article?
Yes, I saw their cars on the roads
Heard the name but didn't know the logo
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2. How to distinguish Brilliance from other brands with the letter “B”?

Letter logo "B" in a circle may belong not only Brilliance. Here three most common cases of confusion and how to recognize them:

  1. Brilliance Auto (China).

    Emblem: letter «B» with serifs, inscribed in a circle. Often chrome plated. On the radiator grille it is usually located in the center, sometimes on the left (on some models).

  2. Volkswagen (Germany, old models).

    On VW Beetle 1950–1970s, the emblem was a circle with the letter «V» over «W» (no outline). Modern models VW have a flat sign with blue and white division.

  3. Fakes and replicas.

    There are clone emblems on the market from little-known Chinese brands (for example, BAW or BYD), but they usually have additional elements: stars, stripes or hieroglyphs.

Brand Logo Where is the emblem located? Features
Brilliance Letter "B" in a circle Center of radiator grille Chrome edging, sometimes with 3D effect
Volkswagen (old models) "V" over "W" in a circle Center or left on the hood Black and white or single color sign
BAW (China) Letter "B" with wings Lattice center Often red, with sinicized font
⚠️ Attention: If you see a car with a "B in a circle" logo, but the name on the trunk does not match Brilliance, check the VIN code. Often such cars are re-taped after an accident or to disguise the real brand (for example, under Volkswagen).

In Russia and the CIS countries the most common four models Brilliancethat can be found on the roads:

  • 🚘 Brilliance V5 — compact crossover (2016–present). Competitor Renault Duster and Kia Seltos. It features a high rise and simple design.
  • 🚗 Brilliance H330 — golf-class sedan (2014–2020). Analogue Hyundai Solaris, but with a more spacious interior.
  • 🚙 Brilliance H230 — hatchback (2013–2018). Popular with taxi drivers for its low price and maintainability.
  • 🚐 Brilliance V3 — minivan (2012–2019). Rare model, but found in commercial parks.

All these cars were equipped with gasoline engines with a volume of 1.5–1.6 l and manual or automatic transmission. Main advantages - low price (from 300 thousand rubles on the secondary market) and ease of repair. Cons: low reliability of electronics and poor noise insulation.

Originality of the logo (no traces of plywood)|

Suspension condition (a common problem is knocking in the front struts) |

Electronics operation (check all buttons and sensors)|

Availability of a service book (warranty for new cars - 3 years) -->

4. History of the logo: why the letter “B”?

Symbol Brilliance It is no coincidence that it resembles Latin «B». Founder of the company Qu Xin, wanted to emphasize:

  1. Brilliance - an English word meaning "brilliance", "splendor". The letter "B" symbolizes the pursuit of excellence.
  2. The circle in the logo represents globality brand and its ambitions to enter global markets.
  3. The logo design was developed taking into account Chinese philosophy feng shui: Smooth lines should attract good luck.

Interestingly, the first logo Brilliance (1992) was more angular and resembled a coat of arms. The modern version, which appeared in 2006, has become minimalistic and easily recognizable. For comparison: logo BMW (which is also associated with the letter “B”) depicts a spinning propeller, rather than the brand’s initial.

What did the first Brilliance logo look like?

First emblem Brilliance (1992–2000) was a shield with the letter "B" in the center, surrounded by a laurel wreath. Colors are blue and gold. This design emphasized the premium ambitions of the brand, but was difficult to perceive on small icons. In the 2000s, the company simplified the logo to a circle with a letter to make it look better on radiator grilles.

5. Brilliance vs. other brands with the letter “B”: comparison table

To finally figure out which brand is hidden behind the logo, let’s compare Brilliance with other brands that have a letter in their logo "B":

Brand Logo Country Examples of models Features
Brilliance "B" in a circle China V5, H330 Budget cars for emerging markets
Volkswagen "V" over "W" in a circle Germany Golf, Passat Mass segment, high quality
Bentley Winged "B" UK Continental GT Luxury segment, manual assembly
BYD Stylized "B" with blue border China Dolphin, Han Electric cars and hybrids

Key Difference Brilliance from competitors: their logo is always monolithic (the letter and the circle are merged into one), whereas VW or Bentley logo elements are separated.

If you are the owner Brilliance, then you know: finding original spare parts is more difficult than for Toyota or Volkswagen. Here 5 proven methods:

  • 🛒 Official dealers. There are only a few centers left in Russia (for example, in Moscow and Yekaterinburg). The prices are high, but the parts have a 1-year warranty.
  • 🌍 Chinese online stores. Platforms AliExpress, Taobao or 1688.com They offer parts at a price 2–3 times lower, but the delivery time is up to 2 months.
  • 🔧 Universal analogues. Many parts (such as brake pads or filters) are suitable from Hyundai/Kia — check by VIN code.
  • 📦 Showdown. On sites like Auto.ru or Drom.ru you can find used spare parts from broken ones Brilliance.
  • 🏭 Local producers. Some Russian companies (for example, "AvtoVAZ" for suspension) produce compatible parts.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing spare parts for Brilliance H330 or V5 Be sure to check the articles! For example, a generator from Brilliance V5 2018 will not fit the 2020 model due to electrical changes.
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Before ordering parts from AliExpress check the seller's reviews. Often under the guise of original spare parts Brilliance they sell low quality replicas. Pay attention to the weight of the part (it is always indicated in the original) and the presence of a hologram on the packaging.

Some owners Brilliance re-glue the emblem to a more “prestigious” one (for example, Volkswagen or Audi). Is this a traffic violation? Formally, yes. According to clause 7.18 List of faults (Appendix to the Traffic Regulations of the Russian Federation), it is prohibited:

“Installation on a vehicle without appropriate permission of devices for giving special light or sound signals, as well as objects not provided for by the design of the vehicle, limiting the view or impairing the transparency of the windows».

Re-gluing the logo does not fall under this article directly, but can be regarded as “making changes to the design of a vehicle without permission” (Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). The fine is up to 500 rubles, but the main problem is problems with passing inspection or selling a car.

If you still want to change the logo, do it legally:

  1. Obtain permission from the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate (a safety assessment is required).
  2. Make changes to the PTS (via Public services or MREO).
  3. Use removable stickers instead of permanent adhesive.
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Re-sticking a logo is not a serious violation, but it may raise questions when selling a car or an accident (the insurance company may doubt the originality of the parts).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the stamp with the letter “B” in a circle

❓ Why is Brilliance so little known in Europe?

Brilliance focuses on emerging markets (Russia, the Middle East, Latin America), where the demand for budget cars is higher. In Europe, the brand has not certified most models due to strict environmental regulations (for example, Euro 6). Exception: electric cars Brilliance, which began to be supplied to Norway in 2023.

❓ Is it possible to install gas on the Brilliance H330?

Yes, but with reservations. Engines 1.5L (BM15) and 1.6L (4G18) officially certified for 4th generation HBO. However:

  • 🔧 Installation required variator UOZ (ignition timing).
  • ⚠️ Not recommended for engines with a turbine (there is a risk of overheating).
  • 📝 Registration of HBO with the traffic police is mandatory (since 2021).
❓ What is the service life of Brilliance engines?

Average mileage before major overhaul:

  • 1.5L (BM15): 200–250 thousand km (with regular oil changes).
  • 1.6L (4G18): 250–300 thousand km (more reliable, but sensitive to fuel quality).

Main problems: maslozhor (after 150 thousand km) and seal leaks (especially on Brilliance V5).

❓ Where is Brilliance produced for Russia?

All cars Brilliance, sold in Russia, are assembled in China at a plant in Shenyang. Previously, the option of localization in Kaluga region (on site Volkswagen), but the project was frozen due to sanctions. For 2026, the official importer is the company "Brilliance Rus".

❓ Why is Brilliance cheaper than Kia or Hyundai?

The price is 20–30% lower due to:

  • 💰 Cheaper materials (plastic instead of aluminum in the cabin).
  • 🏭 Lower wages for workers in Chinese factories.
  • 📉 No certification costs for Europe/USA.
  • 🔄 Lower marketing costs (almost no advertising).

However, this does not mean that Brilliance worse - in terms of reliability they are comparable to Lada Vesta or Ravon.