Illuminated Logos in Automobiles: Trends and Regulations Defining the New Electric Visual Identity

The illumination of a car’s emblem is establishing itself as the new signature of recognition, driven by the rise of electric SUVs and updated regulations.

This is not just a matter of design. When a car’s logo lights up, a signature is activated. It is almost an instant recognition code. The automotive landscape has become crowded with similar shapes, especially in the SUV segment. Therefore, light is becoming a new visual identity.

Those driving this trend are mainly electric car brands. For them, recognition no longer relies on tradition or engines. It relies on what immediately catches the eye. In fact, a backlit logo gets noticed in traffic, parking lots, and city streets at night.

The Regulatory Change that Enabled the Trend

For years, European regulations prohibited the direct illumination of the logo. They considered it potentially misleading for other road users. However, the situation was unlocked with a regulatory update. The UN/ECE R48, R148, and R149 regulations came into force in 2019.

Today it is possible to illuminate the logo statically. The logo must be clearly identifiable and must not flash. Furthermore, it must not be glaring to other drivers either. It is allowed to be placed within central areas and at an approved height. The light must be white at the front and red at the rear. Backlit logos can also be approved for the rear. Nevertheless, only if they are red and integrated into the position lights. Nothing moving, dynamic, or of variable colors is currently permitted.

Brands That Shine and the Vision of the Future

Among the pioneers, we find BMW, which offers illuminated logos on several X and iX models. Mercedes-Benz has also brought the backlit emblem to various AMG and EQ versions. Meanwhile, within the Volkswagen Group, the ID.4 and ID.5 stand out. Some Golf versions also include it, with a central luminous white logo and a front LED bar. The CUPRA Tavascan, additionally, adds LED triangles with light.

The most daring brands are the Chinese and the zero-emission car brands. They use various types of light displays. For example, the large Xpeng P7 sedan has the logo on the bonnet that lights up very discreetly. This occurs parallel to the numerous LEDs on the front and rear. In this way, they create elegant light displays.

The logo is finding its true visual ‘voice’ thanks to light. Illuminating the logo means giving it presence and instant relevance. In addition, it gives it a scenic value that makes it identifiable even from a distance. The arrival of dynamic logos or frontal OLED screens is expected. Concepts like the BMW i Vision Dee have already anticipated this. The logo will merge with active visual elements.