Car brands beginning with B, from mass-market to luxury

If you are shopping for a car and want to know what brands start with the letter B, here is what exists in the current market. Some of these manufacturers sell vehicles worldwide, while others operate only in specific regions. A few are older brands that have stopped production but still appear in used-car listings.

The list includes everything from budget-friendly options to high-end luxury vehicles. Some brands you will recognize when ready; others are less common in North America but well-established elsewhere. Understanding which brands are still active, which have merged with larger companies, and which have ceased production helps you make sense of what you see on dealer lots and in classified ads.

Key Takeaways

  • BMW, Bentley, and Bugatti are luxury and performance brands owned by larger parent companies (BMW Group and Volkswagen Group respectively).
  • Buick is General Motors' mid-range brand in North America, positioned between Chevrolet and Cadillac.
  • BYD is a Chinese manufacturer that leads the global electric vehicle market but has limited presence in the United States.
  • Brands like Baic, Brilliance, and Borgward are primarily sold in China or have ceased production in most markets.
  • Several B-brands from decades past—including Borgward, Bristol, and Bitter—no longer manufacture vehicles for consumers.

Major B brands still in production

BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke) is a German luxury automaker owned by the BMW Group. The company produces sedans, SUVs, coupes, and motorcycles sold worldwide. BMW also owns Mini and Rolls-Royce, though those operate as separate brands.

Bentley is a British luxury brand now owned by Volkswagen Group. Bentley makes high-end sedans and convertibles, with prices typically starting above $200,000. The brand is known for handcrafted interiors and powerful engines.

Bugatti is a French hypercar manufacturer also owned by Volkswagen Group. Bugatti produces extremely limited-run vehicles with prices in the millions of dollars. These are not practical daily drivers but rather collector's items and performance art.

Buick is a General Motors brand sold primarily in North America and China. In the United States, Buick positions itself between Chevrolet (budget) and Cadillac (luxury), offering mid-range sedans and SUVs. The brand has been in continuous production since 1903.

BYD (Build Your Dreams) is a Chinese manufacturer that has become the world's largest maker of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids by volume. BYD sells extensively in China, Southeast Asia, and other markets, but has minimal presence in North America as of now.

Chinese brands with limited global reach

Baic (Beijing Automotive Industry Holding) is a state-owned Chinese automaker that produces sedans, SUVs, and electric vehicles. Baic vehicles are sold primarily in China and a few other Asian markets, not in North America or Europe.

Brilliance is another Chinese automaker owned by Huachen Group. The brand manufactures sedans and SUVs sold mainly in China. Brilliance has attempted to enter other markets but has not established a significant presence outside Asia.

Borgward is a German brand that ceased production in 1961 but was revived in 2015 as a Chinese-owned company. The modern Borgward makes SUVs and sedans sold in China and select other markets. The original Borgward vehicles from the 1950s and earlier are now collector's cars.

Defunct and historical B brands

Bristol was a British luxury automaker that produced handmade cars from 1947 to 2011. Bristol vehicles were expensive, rare, and highly customized. Very few were made each year, and they are now found only in collector collections and auctions.

Bitter was a German sports car manufacturer active from 1973 to 1997. The company produced small numbers of high-performance vehicles. Bitter cars are now vintage collectibles and rarely appear on the used market.

Bricklin was a Canadian-American manufacturer that produced the Bricklin SV1 sports car from 1974 to 1975. Only about 2,900 were made before the company folded. Original Bricklins are now considered classic cars.

Borgward (original) manufactured vehicles in Germany from 1924 to 1961. The company made sedans, coupes, and commercial vehicles. Original Borgwards are now vintage cars found in museums and private collections.

How to identify a B-brand vehicle

When you see a car with a B logo or name, the easiest way to identify it is to check the badge on the front grille or rear trunk. Most manufacturers place their logo prominently. If you are looking at a used car and the badge is missing or unclear, you can search the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or a VIN decoder service.

For older or rarer B-brand vehicles, an online search of the model name and year will usually tell you the manufacturer and production history. Collector car websites and forums dedicated to classic vehicles are also helpful resources if you are researching a vintage B-brand car.

What to know if you are considering a B-brand vehicle

If you are shopping for a new car from a major B brand like BMW or Buick, you will find dealers and service centers in most areas. Parts availability and warranty support are straightforward because these are established manufacturers with ongoing operations.

If you are looking at a used B-brand vehicle from a smaller or defunct manufacturer, research parts availability and repair costs before purchasing. Some rare or older B-brand cars can be expensive to maintain because parts are scarce and specialized mechanics are hard to find. Chinese B-brand vehicles like BYD or Baic may have limited service networks outside their home markets.

For collector or classic B-brand cars, factor in the cost of specialized insurance, storage, and restoration work. These vehicles are often purchased for their historical value or rarity rather than as practical transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BYD sold in the United States?

BYD does not currently sell passenger vehicles in the United States market, though the company manufactures electric buses and other commercial vehicles used by some American transit systems. BYD's passenger cars are available in China, Southeast Asia, and select other regions.

What is the difference between BMW and Buick?

BMW is a German luxury brand owned by BMW Group and sold worldwide at premium prices. Buick is an American mid-range brand owned by General Motors, positioned between budget and luxury segments. BMW focuses on performance and high-end features; Buick emphasizes comfort and value.

Are Bentley and Bugatti the same company?

Both Bentley and Bugatti are owned by Volkswagen Group, but they are separate brands with different histories and target markets. Bentley makes luxury sedans and convertibles; Bugatti makes ultra-high-performance hypercars. They operate independently despite shared ownership.

Can I still buy parts for a vintage Borgward or Bristol?

Parts availability for vintage Borgward and Bristol vehicles is limited. Specialty suppliers and online marketplaces for classic car parts may have some components, but many parts must be custom-made or sourced from salvage vehicles. Owners of these rare cars typically work with specialists who focus on vintage European vehicles.

What happened to Borgward?

The original German Borgward company ceased production in 1961 due to financial difficulties. The brand name was later purchased by a Chinese company, which revived Borgward in 2015 as a manufacturer of modern SUVs and sedans sold primarily in China. The two Borgwards are separate entities with no direct connection beyond the name.