Halo headlights

Introduced in 2000 by BMW, halos were originally typical of this automaker's cars[1] but soon became a popular customization option to enhance any vehicle's front end appearance.

Although composite headlight assemblies became widely used only in the 1980s, their bulky construction which utilized parabolic reflectors didn't allow for the freedom to create intricate designs.

With an increasing use of less cumbersome projector lenses in the 2000s, automakers could implement innovative headlamp designs, including halo rings.

This was a breakthrough: halo headlights not only served as daytime running lights, but also created a revolutionary look that gave a sharp stance to a vehicle's front.

A signature element that served to distinguish BMW vehicles on the road, halo headlights were soon borrowed by other automakers.