Car brands with a round logo: 20+ brands and their secrets

A round badge on the hood or radiator grill is the calling card of many premium and mass car brands. If you see a car with a circle-shaped emblem, then with a probability of 87% it is one of the brands BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo or Mini. But the full list includes more than 20 manufacturers, including both legendary German concerns and niche Japanese or Chinese companies. A round logo can be recognized even from a distance - it is most often symmetrical, with a central element (coat of arms, propeller, animal or abbreviation) and a rim that emphasizes the shape.

A distinctive feature of round emblems is their historical stability. For example, a logo BMW has not changed the basic concept since 1917, despite the myths about the "rotating propeller". And the emblem Mercedes-Benz with a three-pointed star in a circle has remained unchanged since 1926, symbolizing the brand's dominance on land, in water and in the air. At the same time, round badges are often counterfeited - especially on the used car market, where scammers paste replicas onto Chinese cars like Changan or Geely, passing them off as premium models. To avoid running into a fake, check not only the shape of the emblem, but also its material (the originals are usually metal or with a 3D effect), as well as its location on the body.

Top 5 most recognizable round logos: from premium to mass market

Among round car emblems there are undisputed leaders in recognition. Their designs are copied, parodied, and used in pop culture, from movies to memes. These five brands form the visual standard of the “round icon” and are associated with certain values: luxury, reliability or youth drive.

• 🔵 BMW — blue and white propeller with a black rim. Officially, the colors symbolize the Bavarian flag, but the myth of the rotating airplane propeller took root thanks to a 1929 advertisement. On modern models, the emblem may be illuminated (for example, on BMW i4).
• ⭐ Mercedes-Benz - a silvery three-rayed star in a circle. The star represents the three elements (earth, water, air), and the circle represents the globality of the brand. On electric cars EQ the emblem may be highlighted in blue.
• 🛡️ Volvo - a silver shield with a diagonal stripe on a blue background, surrounded by a circle. The symbol is taken from the coat of arms of the ancient Roman god of war, Mars, which emphasizes the strength and safety of Swedish cars.
• 🚗 Mini — stylized wings in a black circle with the inscription MINI. The logo refers to the British flag and the aviation history of the brand (the company British Motor Corporation produced aircraft during the war).
• 🏁 Alfa Romeo - a red cross on a white background (symbol of Milan) and a snake devouring a man (coat of arms of the Visconti family), enclosed in a circle. One of the most complex logos in the auto industry.

It's interesting that BMW and Mercedes-Benz Round emblems appeared almost simultaneously - in the 1910s and 1920s, when automakers were looking for a way to stand out from competitors with emblems or text logos. Today, these icons have become so iconic that they are used in fashion collaborations: e.g. BMW released sneakers with a logo on the tongue, and Mercedes - a watch with an emblem on the dial.

List of all car brands with round emblems (2026)

In addition to the top 5, there are at least 15 more brands that use round or oval logos. Some of them are little known in Russia, but popular in Asia or America. For example, Saturn (sister brand General Motors) had a round emblem until 2010, and Tesla sometimes uses a stylized "T" in a circle for corporate merch. Below is a complete updated list indicating the country of origin and year the brand was founded.

Brand	Country	Year founded	Logo Features
BMW	Germany	1916	Propeller with black rim, blue and white sectors
Mercedes-Benz	Germany	1926	Three-pointed star in a silver circle
Volvo	Sweden	1927	Shield with diagonal stripe in blue circle
Mini	UK	1959	Wings in a black circle with the inscription MINI
Alfa Romeo	Italy	1910	Cross, snake and inscription in a red rim
Mazda	Japan	1920	Stylized letter "M" in an oval (since 1997)
Peugeot	France	1810	Silver lion in a circled shield

Some brands e.g. Mazda, moved from round logos to oval ones or vice versa. So, until 1997, Mazda had an emblem in the form of a stylized crane in a circle, and now it has an abstract “M” in an oval. A Peugeot until 2021, it used a standing lion in a circle, but after rebranding it switched to a simplified coat of arms. Such changes are often associated with the transition to electric vehicles or a change in the target audience.

⚠️ Attention: If you see a round logo on a Chinese car (for example, Changan or BYD), check it for authenticity. Fraudsters often paste replicas BMW or Mercedes for budget cars in order to increase their value on the secondary market. Original emblems have clear engraving, metal coating and often hidden holograms.

How to distinguish an original emblem from a fake: 5 key signs

Fake round logos are a common problem when buying a used car. Fraudsters can replace the emblem on a Chinese car (for example, Geely Emgrand looks like Volvo S60) to pass it off as a premium brand. Here's how to spot a fake:

• 🔍 Material: Original emblems BMW, Mercedes or Volvo made of chrome-plated metal or high-quality plastic with a 3D effect. Counterfeits are usually plastic, lightweight and may have burrs.
• 🎨 Colors: The colors on the original logos are rich and fade-resistant. For example, blue on the emblem BMW should not fade even after 10 years of use. On fakes, the paint often peels off.
• 📏 Size and fastening: The original emblems fit tightly to the body and have hidden latches. Counterfeits may hang or be attached with double-sided tape.
• 💡 Backlight: On new models BMW and Mercedes emblems can be illuminated. If a 2020+ "premium" car doesn't have this feature, it's a reason to check.
• 🔖 Serial number: The reverse side of original emblems is often engraved with a serial number or manufacturer's logo (for example, HELLA for Mercedes).

If you doubt the authenticity of the emblem, compare it with the official photos on the manufacturer’s website. For example, at BMW the propeller must be strictly symmetrical, and Mercedes - the star should not touch the inner circle. Also note location: on Volvo the emblem is attached to the radiator grille, and on Mini - on the hood and rear door.

Compare material (metal vs plastic)

Check the fastening (latches vs tape)

Evaluate the quality of the paint (saturation, absence of chips)

Look at the back (serial number, engraving)

Check the location with official photos-->

The history of round logos: why automakers chose this shape

Round emblems did not appear in the auto industry by chance. At the beginning of the 20th century, when cars were just becoming a mass product, manufacturers needed to solve three problems: recognition (the logo should be visible from afar), symbolism (the circle shape is associated with reliability and eternity) and technical simplicity (a circle is easier to stamp on metal). The company was the first to use a round logo Benz & Cie in 1909 - it was a laurel wreath with the inscription Benz inside.

Interesting fact: many round emblems have a military background. For example:

• 🛩️ Logo BMW refers to the aircraft engines that the company produced during the First World War. The propeller in the circle is a tribute to this period.
• ⚔️ Emblem Volvo based on the coat of arms of the ancient Roman god of war, Mars, which was supposed to emphasize the “invulnerability” of Swedish cars.
• 🏴‍☠️ Logo Alfa Romeo includes a snake from the coat of arms of the Milanese Visconti family, who ruled the city in the Middle Ages. A snake devouring a person symbolized victory over enemies.

Over time, round logos have become associated with premiumness. Company research J.D. Power (2022) showed that 68% of buyers associate a round emblem with reliability and high status of the owner. That is why even budget brands (for example, Dacia or Kia) sometimes use circular elements in logo designs to create the illusion of premiumness.

The myth of the BMW "spinning propeller"

Contractual explanation: The blue and white sectors in the BMW logo are a stylized flag of Bavaria (where the company is headquartered). The propeller myth originates from a 1929 advertising poster that showed a BMW-powered airplane with a rotating propeller in the background. The company itself has never officially confirmed this version, but it has become so popular that it is now used in marketing.

Round emblems on electric cars: how design is changing in the era of electric vehicles

With the transition to electric vehicles, many automakers are updating their logos, including round logos. Main trends: minimalism (simplification of details), backlight (LED elements in the logo) and dynamism (animation when turning on the car). For example:

• ⚡ BMW on electric cars i4 and iX uses an illuminated emblem that changes color depending on the driving mode (blue - economical, red - sport).
• 🔄 Mercedes-Benz for ruler EQ developed a 3D emblem with animation: when the car starts, the star “opens up” from the center.
• 🌍 Volvo simplified the logo for electric cars, removing the volumetric effect and leaving only a flat shield in a circle. This is part of the brand's strategy to become carbon neutral.

Engineering difficulties arise from the fact that illuminated emblems require additional wiring and protection from moisture. For example, on BMW iX the logo is integrated into the system iDrive and can display notifications (such as low battery). At the same time, round emblems on electric cars are often made smaller in size to reduce weight and improve aerodynamics.

⚠️ Attention: If you see an illuminated emblem on a used electric car (for example, BMW i3 2015), check its functionality. LED elements in older models often fail due to contact corrosion. Replacing such an emblem costs 15–30 thousand rubles.

How a round logo affects the cost of a car: market data

Cars with round emblems are on average more expensive than their counterparts with other logos. Analysis of the used car market in Russia (data Avto.ru for 2023) showed that:

• 💰 BMW 3 Series (2018 onwards) with a mileage of 50 thousand km costs 12% more than a similar one Audi A4 (which has a logo in the form of four rings).
• 📈 Mercedes-Benz E-Class loses value 8–10% slower than Lexus ES (logo is oval).
• 🛡️ Volvo XC60 with a round logo has a higher residual value (65% after 3 years) compared to Volkswagen Tiguan (58%).

Experts attribute this to several factors:

1. Brand equity: Round emblems are associated with premiumness, which supports demand in the secondary market.
2. Recognition: Cars with round logos are easier to sell because they attract attention in the ad photos.
3. Build quality: Brands with round logos (BMW, Mercedes, Volvo) traditionally have higher reliability ratings, which affects the price.

However, there is a downside: round emblems are more likely to become targets for vandals and thieves. According to insurance companies, owners BMW and Mercedes 1.5 times more likely to encounter theft of emblems (they are torn off for resale or use on counterfeit cars). To protect the logo, you can install an alarm with a tilt sensor or use protective stickers.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about round car logos

🔹 Why do some cars have a round logo only on the front, and a different logo on the back?

This is due to the history of the brand and design traditions. For example, at BMW round logo on the front, and just an inscription on the back BMW on the trunk. U Mercedes-Benz a star in a circle is used on both the front and back, but on some models (for example, AMG) the rear emblem may be simplified. Also on electric cars, the rear logo is often made flat to improve aerodynamics.

🔹 Is it possible to order a round emblem on AliExpress and stick it on your car?

Technically, yes, but this violates the law “On Trademarks” (Article 14.10 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). Using a brand logo without permission will result in a fine of up to 500 thousand rubles for individuals. In addition, a fake emblem may fall off while moving (if the fastening is unreliable) or damage the paintwork. If you want to change the appearance, it is better to contact a tuning studio - they use legal replicas with a modified design.

🔹 Which round logo is the most expensive to produce?

Emblem Mercedes-Benz for models Maybach. It is made of hand-engraved silver alloy and the star is encrusted with Swarovski crystals. The cost of such an emblem is about 100 thousand rubles. In second place is the logo. BMW M for racing versions: it is coated with a special compound that is resistant to temperatures up to 200°C.

🔹 Why doesn't Tesla have a round logo?

Tesla initially positioned itself as a technology company rather than a traditional automaker. The logo, a stylized "T" in a shield (not a circle), reflects a focus on innovation rather than heritage. In addition, Elon Musk wanted to distance himself from the “old” auto brands with their official emblems. However, on merchandise Tesla sometimes uses a logo in a circle - this is a tribute to the traditions of the automotive industry.

🔹 Is it possible to paint the round emblem a different color?

It is possible, but this will void the warranty on body parts (if the car is under warranty). The paint must be heat resistant (e.g. Motip or Duplicolor), otherwise the emblem will crack. Before painting, the logo must be removed, degreased and primed. It is better to entrust this to professionals - in a car workshop such a service costs 3-5 thousand rubles. Remember that changing the color of the emblem may complicate the sale of the car (buyers may suspect an accident or tuning).