Mercedes-Benz GLC EV: A New Era of Premium Grille Design

Mercedes-Benz GLC EV: A New Era of Premium Grille Design

Mercedes-Benz is generating buzz ahead of the Munich IAA Auto Show with its new grille design on the GLC EV. As it tells a long design and historical story while leveraging modern technologies, this modern grille design presents an original depiction of luxury that demonstrates the rich history of Mercedes-Benz while re-inventing new rounded luxury and design language.

  • Illuminated Concept

This grille concept gleams with illumination by the LED squares to create a presence and sense of luxury that cannot be ignored.

  • Animation Lighting

In addition, the grille has an optional light animation that stares drivers as they glide to their vehicle, feeling instantaneously welcomed by their first strategic illumination as they unlock the GLC EV.


If it is a more discreet presence of the grille's luxury, the Mercedes GLC EV will be available in smoked-white glass inserts with chrome detail instead of illumination.

Customization Defined for Every Lifestyle

To Mercedes, luxury means many things, and the GLC EV grille supports many lifestyle options for customization and indulgence.

  • Finish Options: Buyers can select between two different color finishes: Silver Shadow for a more lively character, or Dark Chrome Optic for a more subtle presence.

  • The Illuminated Logo: The iconic star at the grille's center is also illuminated on the illuminated version. This builds on the premium look of the vehicle.
    Mercedes-Benz gives drivers options to choose a design that best suits their personality.

A Change in Design Direction

The new grille design is symbolic of a complete shift in Mercedes-Benz’s design outlook. Over the years, EQ lineup models have prioritized smooth lines and minimal styles. The GLC EV grille is instead focused on bold geometry, to ensure the car is recognizable as a Mercedes at a glance.


The juxtaposition of a grille imbued with heritage but combined with contemporary design features speaks to a modern audience.

More Than the GLC EV

The GLC EV is just the first class of vehicles that will see this new grille design. Mercedes-Benz already anticipates using this design for hybrids and traditional gas-powered cars. Ultimately, this will mean the grille will become one recognizable element of the Mercedes-Benz brand that connects the various vehicles in the lineup.

What the Grille Means

The GLC EV grille clearly demonstrates how a brand can honor its past whilst embracing future needs of consumers. In a market that is ever increasing in size, where differentiation is crucial, the grille offers Mercedes-Benz the ability to emerge distinctly from other brands. The grille also serves as more than aesthetic design - it is a signal that Mercedes is a brand that can bridge modern technology with one of history.

Why It Matters

The GLC EV’s grille is not only aesthetically distinct; it is a representation of a bold new direction for the company. By combining some of its historical designs with modern features like LED lighting and personalization options, it clearly shows that the brand can remain relevant while holding onto their identity.