When it comes to surprises in the 2025 automotive world, car colors are definitely at the top of the list! From Cadillac's eye-catching Drift Metallic to Nissan's nostalgia-infused Midnight Purple, major automakers have seemingly unlocked their paint palettes and poured all their long-held creativity onto new models. In recent years, people's demands for car colors have been on the rise—no longer satisfied with monotonous black, white, and gray. Brands like Audi, BMW, and Chevrolet have long seen through this desire, bringing vibrant hues such as blues, greens, and purples back into the limelight, turning driving into a stylish affair.

That said, classics never go out of style. Data from Germany's BASF Coatings tells it like it is: 83% of car buyers still opted for achromatic colors like white and black in 2024, and 2025 is not much different. Take the US market, for example—gray remains a firm favorite; while in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, black's popularity has never wavered. This year, several new neutral tones have made their debut in the US, with silver, white, and black each boasting unique textures. Additionally, earth tones like bronze and brown have been riding the wave of rugged SUVs' popularity, and they're expected to become even hotter in the next few years.

Of course, for those looking to stand out, there's no shortage of options. More than 15 new colors have emerged in the global automotive circle in 2025—from understated black to elegant blue, energetic green to fiery red—there's bound to be one that steals your heart. Let's highlight some of the most representative ones:

A Collection of Fantastic Color Options from Major Brands

Audi: The all-new Malpelo Blue adorns the A6 E-Tron electric sedan and Q3 crossover. Though labeled as "blue," it's more akin to teal or turquoise—neither as intense as Ascari Blue nor as vivid as Kyalami Green. It strikes the perfect balance, embodying the best of both shades.

BMW: Longtime fans are over the moon about the return of Avus Blue! This time, it graces the M340i Jahre Edition, reviving the classic charm of the E36 model—more you look, the more you love it. Then there's Grigio Telesto, which used to fly under the radar in the BMW lineup but has recently gained a massive following on models like the M5 and M2, slowly becoming a hit.

Cadillac: The mid-cycle refresh of the CT5 brought along Drift Metallic. This soft light blue is a master of coordination, pairing seamlessly with the vehicle's black accents and wheels to elevate the luxury quotient. Especially on the CT5-V Blackwing, it accentuates the car's contours beautifully.

Chevrolet: The Corvette ZR1's new Hysteria Purple is simply stunning. Paired with bronze wheels, its aesthetics are nothing short of legendary. The 2026 ZR1 and ZR1X will also feature Roswell Green—a lighter shade that complements black accents and dark wheels, exuding immense sportiness.

Ford: Sinister Bronze is quite unique—it's not a full-car paint job but an accent package for the Bronco, Bronco Sport, and Mustang. It adds subtle touches to the badges, wheels, body details, and even the interior. When paired with black or white bodies, it strikes the perfect balance between understatement and distinctiveness.

Kia: The Terrain Brown on the 2027 Telluride plays brilliantly with light. In bright sunlight, it resembles wet sand; as the light fades, it takes on a calm, earthy tone. Whether parked at a high-end hotel's valet or cruising down a dusty road, it fits right in.

Lexus: The exclusive "Wind" color for the limited-edition IS500 F Sport Ultimate Edition is utterly captivating. With a silvery-white body, black wheels, and Circuit Red leather interior, its texture is off the charts. The catch? Only 500 units are being produced for the US market—you'll need to act fast to get your hands on one.

Morgan: The Armeria Lilac on the overseas Supersports supercar is a dream for those who love soft hues. This pinkish-purple shade, alongside options like Almond Green and Belfast Blue, is enough to give anyone decision fatigue—no wonder it's so popular abroad.

Nissan: The Midnight Purple on the 2026 Nissan Z Performance trim is pure magic. Depending on the light and viewing angle, it shifts between black, purple, and green, perfectly inheriting the classic DNA of the R34-generation GT-R. Paired with bronze wheels and the "Twin Turbo" badge, it's a paradise for nostalgia lovers.

Porsche: The exclusive Olive Neo on the 911 Spirit 70, unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show, is a seamless blend of retro and luxury. Featuring gold badges, black accents, and a retro checkered interior in Olive Neo and black, only 1,500 units are available worldwide—owning one makes you an instant standout wherever you go.

Renault: The French have always had a knack for color! The Hauts-de-France Green on the Renault 4 E-Tech blends blue, turquoise, and sage, offering a gentle yet distinctive look. The Pop Yellow on the Renault 5 E-Tech, paired with red and black accents, is like a lively little sun—more you look, the more charming it gets.

Toyota: The TRD series welcomes two new shades: Everest and Wave Maker. The former made its debut on the 4Runner TRD Pro, adding a touch of softness to its rugged vibe. The Karashi Yellow on the Prius Nightshade breaks the traditional dull image of the Prius, with dark accents throughout the vehicle complementing the bright yellow, wiping away any sense of monotony.

A Sneak Peek at 2026 Color Trends

Experts at BASF have already figured out automakers' plans, predicting that more neutral tones will hit the market in 2026. After all, with rugged crossovers and SUVs gaining such popularity, neutral colors are a natural fit. But fear not—vibrant hues aren't going anywhere. Bright colors like yellow will continue to rise in popularity, especially in electric vehicles. Color designs will focus more on harmony and an optimistic atmosphere, satisfying people's desire for individuality without being overly flashy. The future of car colors is sure to be more exciting than ever!