Mercedes-Benz might have been late to the oversized-and-illuminated-grille party, but it’s truly going one step further. Set to debut at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich, the all-new fully electric Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology will be the first to feature the brand’s bold new grille design, which will be decorated with prominent LED graphics — making sure everyone knows you’re driving a Mercedes from kilometres away.
What used to be functional in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles has now been transformed into what the company calls an “illuminated work of art”, comprising three main elements: a wide chromed frame, a smoked-glass-effect lattice structure, and integrated contour lighting.
The illuminated version that’s seen in the pictures is available as an option, and features additional 942 LED dots, backlit from behind and can even be animated. Along with this, the contouring grille panel and three-pointed star emblem are also illuminated.
Mercedes-Benz says that the chrome grille has been a central feature on “nearly” all of its car over the past century. As their cars evolved from simple vertical mesh grilles to the more intricate horizontal designs seen in recent years, the grille has remained a proud signature of the brand.
The company notably credited models like the Mercedes‑Benz 600 Pullman, the “Strich 8”, and S-Class models such as the W108, and W111. With this grid-matrix LED pattern, it is clear that Mercedes is looking back at its past models for inspiration.
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Mercedes‑Benz Group Chief Design Officer, Gorden Wagener, said, “Our new iconic grille is not just a new front for the GLC, it redefines the face of our brand. It is the perfect fusion of lasting design codes reinterpreted for the future, making our cars instantly recognisable.”
Additionally, the all-new GLC with EQ Technology is the first model in the brand’s lineup to feature the new MB.OS — a new “superbrain” architecture that connects all vehicle domains, including infotainment, automated driving, body and comfort, as well as driving and charging. The all-new GLC is also said to come with the MBUX Hyperscreen dashboard that is seen in some of the marque’s higher-end models like the Mercedes-Benz EQS.
READ MORE: The all-new electric Mercedes-Benz GLC will debut in September 2025 – 800V tech with 800 km range
