12 Best Car Logos for Inspiration in 2026

The Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star is one of the most prestigious symbols in automotive history. Created in 1909, the star represents the company's ambition for universal motorization - land, sea, and air. The simple yet powerful design has remained virtually unchanged for over a century, embodying luxury, engineering excellence, and timeless elegance.

BMW's iconic roundel is one of the most debated logos in automotive history. The blue and white quadrants represent the Bavarian flag colors (BMW's home state), while popular legend suggests it depicts a spinning propeller - a nod to BMW's aircraft engine origins. The circular badge has become synonymous with driving pleasure and German engineering precision.

Audi's four interlocking rings represent the 1932 merger of four German automobile manufacturers: Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer. This elegant symbol has evolved into a sleek, chrome-finished icon that represents technological advancement and sophisticated German engineering. The interconnected rings suggest unity and strength.

The Porsche crest is a masterpiece of heraldic design, combining the coat of arms of Stuttgart (the prancing horse) with the antlers and red/black stripes of the Wurttemberg region. This intricate emblem communicates tradition, prestige, and the proud German heritage of one of the world's most celebrated sports car manufacturers.

Ferrari's prancing horse (Cavallino Rampante) originated from Italian WWI fighter ace Francesco Baracca, whose plane bore the same symbol. Enzo Ferrari adopted it after meeting Baracca's mother, who said it would bring him luck. Set against a yellow background (Modena's color), the black horse has become the ultimate symbol of speed, passion, and Italian excellence.

Lamborghini's charging bull represents founder Ferruccio Lamborghini's zodiac sign (Taurus) and his passion for bullfighting. The powerful, aggressive stance perfectly captures the brand's philosophy of creating wild, untamed supercars. Many Lamborghini models are named after famous fighting bulls, deepening this symbolic connection.

Tesla's minimalist 'T' logo represents more than the company name - it's actually a cross-section of an electric motor. This clever design ties the brand directly to its core technology while maintaining a sleek, futuristic aesthetic that matches Tesla's innovative spirit. The simple mark has become synonymous with the electric vehicle revolution.

Toyota's overlapping ovals were introduced in 1989 to mark the company's 50th anniversary. The three ellipses represent the heart of the customer, the heart of the product, and the ever-expanding technological advancements. The ovals also cleverly spell out every letter of 'TOYOTA' when overlapped, showcasing brilliant design thinking.

Honda's bold 'H' badge is a study in confident simplicity. The squared, angular letterform inside a rounded rectangle creates a perfect balance of strength and accessibility. This straightforward approach reflects Honda's philosophy of creating reliable, honest products that serve everyone from daily commuters to racing enthusiasts.

Ford's blue oval has remained remarkably consistent since 1927, featuring the founder's signature-inspired script. This classic American logo represents over a century of automotive history and democratized car ownership. The friendly, approachable script differentiates Ford from more aggressive competitors while conveying trustworthiness and heritage.

Chevrolet's bowtie emblem has mysterious origins - some say co-founder William Durant was inspired by wallpaper in a Paris hotel, others claim it came from a newspaper ad. Regardless of its beginnings, the golden bowtie has become an unmistakable symbol of American automotive culture, representing accessibility and the open road.

Lexus debuted in 1989 with a sleek, stylized 'L' inside an oval - designed to communicate luxury without the heritage baggage of European competitors. The precisely engineered letterform at a specific angle creates a sense of forward motion and precision. This calculated design helped establish Lexus as Toyota's premium brand challenger.