Mercedes-Benz GLC new grille design is set to change the game for the luxury automaker’s next-generation electric vehicles (EVs). The iconic carmaker has confirmed it will introduce an entirely new and bold grille aesthetic for its EV lineup, starting with the upcoming fully-electric version of the GLC SUV. The debut will take place at the Munich Motor Show in September, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s EV transition strategy.
According to Mercedes-Benz, this new design will be first seen on the electric GLC, which will stand alongside its internal combustion engine (ICE) sibling. Serving as the successor to the EQC, the new GLC EV will not carry the traditional ‘EQ’ prefix, symbolizing a departure from dedicated electric nomenclature and instead integrating EVs under the mainstream branding. This shift underscores Mercedes’ broader move to unify its electric and fuel-powered offerings under a cohesive design and identity.
A Bold New Look with Technology at the Forefront
One of the standout features of the Mercedes-Benz GLC new grille is its illuminated chrome design. Rather than simply replicating older ICE designs or going with the minimalistic “soap-bar” appearance seen in earlier EVs like the EQE and EQS, Mercedes is reintroducing a vertical, upright front grille that pays homage to the brand’s heritage.
This grille isn’t just about looks—it’s also packed with innovation. The front panel is perforated with 942 small holes, each contributing to a sleek and detailed aesthetic. Behind this perforated surface, more than 100 LEDs are installed, allowing customizable lighting effects. Mercedes has indicated that the lighting setup will vary based on local regulations, but the iconic three-pointed star will also be illuminated, ensuring the vehicle stands out in all environments.
This approach closely mirrors the design strategy of competitors like BMW’s iX and Skoda’s Enyaq Crystal Face, both of which feature grille illumination as a distinguishing factor. However, Mercedes seems determined to maintain a unique visual language that reflects what CEO Ola Källenius calls the “unmistakeable Mercedesness.”
A Unified Identity Across EVs and ICE Vehicles
The GLC EV’s grille is part of a larger transformation that Mercedes-Benz is rolling out across its vehicle lineup. Over the next two years, the company plans to launch 15 all-new or updated EV models, with the Mercedes-Benz GLC new grille serving as a visual blueprint. Unlike the EQC and other previous models that sported curved, aerodynamic noses, the new design reinstates the classic, upright grille that customers have long associated with Mercedes luxury and performance.
Källenius explained that this shift aims to help the brand stand out in an increasingly saturated EV market, particularly as over 100 Chinese firms and other automakers ramp up their electric offerings. “We want to stay recognizable and proud of our roots,” he said. “This grille design is not just a look—it’s a signature.”
Importantly, this grille design will not be limited to the GLC EV. ICE models will also begin to adopt variations of this aesthetic in upcoming refreshes, providing visual continuity across all vehicle types. The aim is to make both electric and non-electric models clearly identifiable as part of the Mercedes-Benz family without alienating traditional buyers or EV enthusiasts.
As for technical details, the new GLC EV is expected to offer improvements over the outgoing EQC in terms of range, battery efficiency, and driving dynamics, although Mercedes has yet to release full specifications. What is clear, however, is that styling and design will be a major focal point.
Mercedes’ decision to drop the ‘EQ’ prefix also aligns with its desire to normalize electric mobility. Rather than segregating electric models with different branding, the company is betting on a future where EVs are standard, not separate. This aligns with global trends as automakers increasingly integrate EVs into their core lineups.
Consumers can expect bookings for the GLC EV to open shortly after its official unveiling in Munich. Deliveries are anticipated to begin early next year, as Mercedes-Benz moves swiftly to reclaim its competitive edge in the premium electric SUV space.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC new grille is more than just a visual overhaul—it’s a symbol of evolution. By blending tradition with futuristic technology, the brand is redefining how luxury vehicles should look in the electric era. As other carmakers like BMW and Audi experiment with bold styling changes, Mercedes is leaning into what it knows best: sophistication, identity, and timeless appeal.
And while enthusiasts wait for more technical specs to be released, it’s already clear that the new GLC EV will be a flagship not only in performance but in presence. The illuminated grille may just be the start of a new design era for Mercedes-Benz.
