Mercedes-Benz is reimagining one of its most recognizable and iconic front-end design elements. The debut of the upcoming all-new electric GLC will do more than launch another SUV; it will introduce a design revolution that sets the tone for a new generation of electric vehicles from the three-pointed star. The GLC, after all, is the German marque’s most popular model, outselling its competitors in the fiercely competitive compact luxury SUV segment.
Right from the first glance, this new grille design, as with Mercedes tradition, continues to command attention. Gone is the purely functional radiator face of the outgoing model, and in its place is a striking chrome frame housing a smoked-glass lattice structure, now brought to life with integrated contour lighting. The upright shape is sleek and yet unmistakably Mercedes.
That illuminated grille is also expressive. With the 942 backlit dots and an animated pixel display, the optional lighting package transforms the front fascia into a dynamic identity signature. The illuminated Mercedes-Benz star and glowing surround panel showcase a new era of Mercedes-Benz exterior design in the digital era.
Compared to current EQ models like the EQB, EQC, the EQS sedan, and EQS SUV, which have leaned on soft, cab-forward forms with glossy black panel grilles, the upcoming GLC introduces a more pronounced and imposing upright front facia with this new backlit grille that carries a hint of heritage-infused visual drama and continues to build on Mercedes-Benz’s design philosophy, known as Sensual Purity.
Speaking of heritage, Mercedes further emphasized that the grille has been a central design feature of its models since the early days. From the majestic and stately 600 Pullman to the refined S-Class sedans of the 1960s and everything in between, the Mercedes grille has gone through several iterations and has been a symbol of identity and prestige for its cars around the world. This new iteration honors that legacy while looking to the future. We’ve also seen hints of this grille on the recently unveiled Vision V concept.
“Our new iconic grille redefines the face of our brand. It is the perfect fusion of lasting design codes reinterpreted for the future.” - Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener.
Underneath that futuristic skin is EQ Technology and MB.OS, Mercedes’ next-generation operating system that builds on MBUX and powers the interaction between occupants and the vehicle. In the upcoming CLA, MB.OS will make Mercedes-Benz the first automaker to natively integrate technologies like Microsoft Teams, 365 Copilot, and Intune directly into the vehicle.
Most notably, MB.OS will also give the GLC and the future CLA a digital backbone that older EQ models simply don’t have. Where current EQ vehicles rely on legacy systems wrapped in modern UI, the all-electric GLC is purpose-built for AI, OTA updates, and deep software integration from the get-go. MB.OS also supports the optional MBUX Hyperscreen, the pillar-to-pillar immersive digital display system.
The all-electric Mercedes-Benz GLC will make its global debut next month at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich on Monday, September 7, 2025. Watch this space.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
