Why is Carbon Black the Most Popular Color for BMW?
2 Answers
Carbon black has advantages in terms of paint texture, luminosity, and transparency. The differences between Carbon Black and Black Sapphire: 1. Texture: BMW's Carbon Black is actually a deep blue color. Although it appears black from a distance, a closer look reveals a more prominent deep blue hue, while Black Sapphire is pure black. The black paint on BMWs is typically a standard paint, whereas Carbon Black is a metallic paint. The gloss of Carbon Black paint is relatively higher than that of black, but it is also more expensive. 2. Luminosity and Transparency: Under the refraction of natural light, Carbon Black exhibits a subtle blue sheen, whereas black only shows a dark black hue. Due to black's light-absorbing properties, it rarely reflects light. In terms of transparency, Carbon Black is relatively more transparent and gives a sense of depth, while black's spatial effect is not as pronounced.
I once discussed this with a salesperson at the 4S dealership. BMW's Carbon Black isn't a pure black—it reveals a deep blue metallic sheen under sunlight, which looks particularly premium. This color best accentuates BMW's three-dimensional waistline design, making the muscular body contours stand out distinctly under light and shadow. Compared to pure black, it's more dirt-resistant, with dust and scratches being less noticeable. Most importantly, it holds its value half a percent better than other colors. In the used car market, Carbon Black always sells better than red, as everyone considers this color both classic and business-appropriate. Observing the cars in the showroom, out of every ten BMWs, at least six are in Carbon Black or Mineral White—the two mainstream colors.
