Everything about the 2026 BMW iX3 is new. From the platform and proportions to the hardware and software stack, this electric SUV has almost nothing in common with its predecessor. When the car was launched in September, BMW even updated the logo – very quietly. Most people didn’t notice. Now that we can compare the old and new roundels side by side, the changes are easier to see.
The most obvious change is the removal of the inner chrome ring. On the previous badge, this ring separated the black outer circle from the familiar blue and white quadrants of the Bavarian flag. BMW has also removed the chrome surround around the flag and the blue and white tones appear a bit bolder. The black border changes from glossy to satin, giving the new emblem a flatter, more modern look.
What BMW hasn’t done is add the light blue outer ring that once suggested an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid. This turquoise halo distinguished electric BMWs like the i3 and i8 for years. With the New Class, BMW is completely moving away from this visual cue. The updated roundel fits the brand’s new “cleaner, sharper” design language – and it quietly debuts on the 2026 iX3 before being rolled out across the range.
Today, thanks to Studie AG, we can see the new logo on other BMWs, along with a side-by-side comparison with the previous logo iteration. Up close, the emblem’s proportions and textures appear more intentional. It’s still unmistakably BMW, just cleaner. If you are thinking about replacing the badge on your current car, you can find the part number here 51145A7A678. Some European retailers already offer it for around 70 euros, but it is not a universal fit and it may not fit properly on older models. The new logo measures 82 mm.
Why is the BMW logo changing?
A few months ago, BMWBLOG spoke to BMW design boss Oliver Heilmer about the thoughts behind the revised logo. His team now oversees design for everything from the 1 Series to the 3 Series and the X3 to future M cars.
“We wanted to keep the heritage but add more precision to the logo,” Heilmer said. “The chrome is still there, the letters have been refined with a shiny pattern often found on watches, and the white areas are now closer to the outer ring. It’s flat, but when you touch it you can still feel the grooves.”
Although these photos only show the hood emblem, the updated roundel appears in all the expected places: the tailgate, the wheel center caps and the steering wheel. The iX3 is simply the first to get it. Upcoming facelifts and next-generation models will be converted to the new emblem in the next product cycle.
You can see our full breakdown – including Heilmer’s explanation of the design change – in our exclusive video:
[Photos by Studie AG]
