What makes a BMW a BMW. Design, history and innovation to start. Here are some ideas and features that really distinguish this Ultimate Driving Machine from ordinary cars.

1. The BMW Roundel
   
   one of the most recognizable logos in the world, the blue and white insignia is also known as a roundel. It is the only automotive emblem to depict motion as it portrays the movement of an airplane propeller against a clear blue Bavarian sky. This hearkens back to BMW’s early days as a manufacturer of airplane engines that set many altitude records in the early 1900’s.
2. Leipzig Plant
   Beautiful and factory are words that don’t usually go together. Not unless you are talking about the BMW Leipzig production facility which has been called one of the 10 most important buildings of the 21st century. Designed by Pritzker prize winning architect Zaha Hadid, the assembly line literally soars through the structure, with vehicles passing through office space and factory floors alike. Cars are built as art, and traditional notions of manufacturing are deconstructed.
3. Inline Six-cylinder Engine
   The inline 6-cylinder engine is a BMW hallmark. Though it is not as compact as a V-6 configuration – and therefore costs more to build a car around – the inline-6 is prized for its exceptional smoothness. The inline-6 is more balances than any other engine, it is so balanced in fact it does not require a balance shaft.
4. Kidney Grille
   One of the most visible BMW design elements us the twin-kidney grille. Introduced in 1933, the distinctive shape of the kidneys first emerged from an effort to reduce aerodynamic drag. Over time, they have evolved from tall ovals into their now emblematic low, wide shape. They symbolize the timelessness of the BMW design and engineering.
5. The Hofmeister Kink
   The subtle reverse turn of the C-pillar, another understated feature that is uniquely BMW, is known as the Hofmeister kink. Named after BMW’s design director at the time, Wilhelm Hofmeister, this styling cue made its debut on the 1500 model in 1961. You can find it on virtually every BMW Sedan, COupe and SAV since.