Mercedes New Styling Language Makes BMW Grilles Look Normal

3 months, 4 weeks ago - 6 August 2025, Carbuzz

Mercedes New Styling Language Makes BMW Grilles Look Normal

Needless to say, the birth of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC will be very important for the German automaker. It is, after all, a consistent top-seller, representing a huge chunk of Mercedes' sales since its introduction in the past decade, which means it needs to do really well when it debuts in September.

However, there's one more reason the next electric GLC - to be called the GLC with EQ Technology (replacing the EQC) - will be important: it will be the first production model to showcase Mercedes-Benz’s updated design language, based on the long-running "Sensual Purity" philosophy. In its announcement, Mercedes-Benz is generous enough to show off the face of the upcoming GLC with EQ technology. At the heart of this design update is the new iconic grille, intended to represent the brand's face for the electric era.

A So-Called "Illuminated Work Of Art"
According to Mercedes, the new grille features a wide chrome frame and has a smoked-glass-looking lattice structure. It also features integrated contour lighting, but what caught our attention (and probably everyone lucky enough to get a glimpse of it someday) is the well-lit section of the new grille. Apart from the illuminated surround panel and central Mercedes-Benz star, the grille features 942 backlit, animated LED dots that form a pixelated grille graphic.

"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 recognizable."
- Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG
Thankfully, the illuminated grille is available as an option and not as a standard feature of the GLC with EQ Technology. The automaker calls it an "illuminated work of art," but interestingly, Mercedes says that the grille draws inspiration from its several iconic models, namely: the Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman (W100, 1963–1981), the "Strich 8" (W114, 1968-1973), and the S-Class W108 (1965-1972) and W111 (1959-1968).

Based On The MB.EA Medium Architecture
Mercedes also shares some information about the GLC with EQ Technology. The cabin is said to be focused on comfort, warmth, and seamless integration into daily life, while the MBUX Hyperscreen, which debuted in the S-Class and EQS, will also be optional. It will be powered by MB.OS, a central AI-powered control hub for the vehicle's hardware and digital features.

The GLC with EQ Technology will be based on the MB.EA Medium architecture, which features an 800V electrical system, silicon carbide inverters for better power management, 320 kW DC fast charging, and an integrated brake system combining the master cylinder, booster, and ESC for quicker response.

The world premiere of the all-new electric GLC is set for September 7, 2025, at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich. It will be shown side-by-side with the all-new CLA and the gorgeous CLA Shooting Brake - the latter will be shown to the public for the first time at the event.