New grille design
Mercedes debuts new design language on electric GLC
The German carmaker has revealed the electric GLC – the first production model to showcase the next phase of the Sensual Purity design language
Set to debut at IAA Mobility Munich in September, the new electric Mercedes-Benz GLC reimagines the grille with a smoked-glass effect lattice structure, wider chrome frame and integrated contour lighting.
An illuminated version of the grille, with 942 backlit dots, will be available as an option, with these pixel graphics able to be animated. The central Mercedes-Benz star and surrounding contour of the panel will also be illuminated with this optional extra.
“Our new iconic grille is not just a new front for the GLC, it redefines the face of the brand. It is the perfect fusion of lasting design codes reinterpreted for the future, making our cars instantly recognisable,” commented chief design officer Gorden Wagener.
This is the first time that Mercedes-Benz is straying from the chrome grille that was seen on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman (1963-1981). Now the brand has moved away from the functional ICE grille, the new grille focuses on clean lines and technology in the form of an illuminated panel.
With the GLC acting as reigning champ for the most popular Mercedez-Benz vehicle worldwide, it makes sense for the brand to choose this model to debut the evolution of the Sensual Purity design language.
The new design language can apparently also be seen inside the new GLC, although no pictures have been released yet. The MBUX Hyperscreen has been confirmed as an optional extra.
This news comes after Mercedes announced a shooting brake variant of the CLA, a vehicle that also prioritises lighting and technology – as covered in our weekly round-up.
For more information on the main trends shaping lighting design, check out our monthly theme coverage here.
