Mercedes-Benz is bringing back one of its most iconic design elements to usher in a new era of design for its growing EV lineup.

It’s no secret that Mercedes-Benz’s current lineup of EVs has been less than enthusiastically received by the market. Although luxurious and innovative, their designs have failed to strike a chord with the buying public due to their lozenge-shaped bodies and overly streamlined design, which did little to evoke the classic Mercedes-Benz design that many buyers associate with the brand.
This is set to change with the introduction of the brand’s upcoming all-new GLC compact crossover.
A single photo released by Mercedes reveals an all-new, prominent chrome grille dotted with multiple rows of individual square LED lights. Its shape has clearly been inspired by that of vintage Mercedes vehicles, including the 600 Pullman and W108 S-Class. If the new CLA is any indication, these lights will likely be capable of displaying various lighting patterns to communicate functions such as locking/unlocking the vehicle, among others, though Mercedes has yet to verify their capabilities.

“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,” said Gorden Wagener, the brand’s Chief Design Officer.
Like the exterior, the interior of the upcoming GLC will also usher in a completely new design direction, with Mercedes saying “an optional all-new, seamless MBUX HYPERSCREEN elevates the interior of the new GLC in a way never seen before.” An emphasis on a welcoming, encapsulating interior design will also be featured in an effort to make “every journey feel familiar and intuitive.”

The new GLC will be the first to feature the brand’s new MB.OS, a new supercomputer that will eventually find its way into every new Mercedes-Benz model. This new system will feature “intelligent, intuitive software…designed to adapt effortlessly to diverse needs and lifestyles.” Sounds like customization and adaptability will be at the heart of this new experience.
We’ll likely hear more about the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC in the near future.