Mercedes-Benz unveils daring new grille design for upcoming GLC electric vehicle model
Mercedes-Benz is set to make a bold statement in the electric vehicle (EV) market with the introduction of a distinctive illuminated chrome grille on their upcoming electric GLC SUV. This design, which will be a staple feature on all next-generation Mercedes models, marks a departure from the industry trend of reducing chrome styling elements and harks back to the brand's rich heritage.
The illuminated grille on the new GLC EV is inspired by historic Mercedes models, such as the 1902 Simplex, and features a grid-matrix design. This design consists of a wide chromed frame and a smoked-glass-look lattice structure with 942 individual backlit square LED dots. The grille can be optioned with animated lighting that greets the driver with a synchronized light show upon unlocking the car. The giant illuminated Mercedes star is also integrated into the center of the grille, though lighting details vary by market regulations.
This design significantly differs from previous Mercedes EQ electric models, which had more streamlined, smooth, and rounded front-end designs. The new grille reintroduces a more structured, square-focused pattern with a modern lighting twist, signalling a fresh era in Mercedes's electric vehicle design language. It revives a classic upright radiator grille motif but replaces the traditionally functional inlets with purely decorative LED lighting, celebrating the brand's heritage with futuristic technology.
The electric GLC SUV is a successor to the EQC and will coexist with the existing combustion-engined version. The new grille design will debut on the electric GLC SUV, set to be revealed at next month's Munich motor show. Mercedes-Benz is also planning to update its combustion models in the coming years, and their radiator grille designs are likely to change to match the new shape.
Behind the illuminated panel on the new GLC EV grille are more than 100 LEDs, enabling customizable lighting effects. Aerodynamics has led to grilles in current Mercedes models becoming lower and wider, but the new front-end design of the electric GLC SUV reinvents the classic radiator grille design that has featured on most combustion-engined Mercedes models.
Mercedes-Benz is launching a major product offensive, abandoning dedicated model names for their EVs. The new electric GLC SUV will be the first in a series of vehicles from Mercedes-Benz to feature the new chrome grille design. The central star logo on the illuminated grille is illuminated, but the extent depends on local regulations.
According to Mercedes-Benz boss Ola Källenius, the grille was originally not a design choice but form follows function. Elements from the 1900 Mercedes 35 PS design, such as the central kink on the angled grille, can be seen in current Mercedes models. The grille's design varies slightly between different next-gen Mercedes models.
The grille on the first generation of electric Mercedes vehicles had a different front-end design due to the lack of cooling need. Mercedes-Benz is introducing a new chrome grille design on their next-generation of electric vehicles, signalling a shift towards a more traditional taller and upright grille design.
- The illuminated chrome grille on the new electric GLC SUV, inspired by Mercedes's heritage and featuring a grid-matrix design, signals a fresh era in the brand's electric vehicle design language.
- The electric GLC SUV, set to be revealed at next month's Munich motor show, will coexist with the existing combustion-engined version and will be the first in a series of vehicles from Mercedes-Benz to feature the new chrome grille design.
- As Mercedes-Benz launches a major product offensive, abandoning dedicated model names for their EVs, the automotive industry is likely to witness a shift towards more traditional taller and upright grille designs in their electric vehicles.
