Giant, Metal Mercedes-Benz Grille makes a comeback

Mercedes-Benz has been the home of gigantic grilles for more than 100 years. The faces of his cars wore metal masks with which their engines could breathe for generations before grille sizes shrink when aerodynamics became the name of the game. Now they come back.

Engineers have worked for years to deliver a modern version of the segmented metal grille of the company. The result is a new-age look that combines metal with a grid structure, which supplies the heritage-related modernity.

The design leans heavily to the Mercedes-Benz W111 era. That version of models was popular with buyers, which ultimately resulted in the company that produced and selling around 350,000 vehicles between 1959 and 1971.

Each new schedule is made using a multi-phase process. At the base is the new schedule various injection-shaped polycarbonate parts. The parts then undergo a multi-phase dip process similar to how chromium is applied.

The finished look is a grid with a grid structure with smoked stained glass effect with 942 “dots” over six segments, supported by 140 LEDs. In contrast to earlier versions of metal grille, carried by vintage Mercedes-Benz models, this new grid has no inlets through which air can flow. It is unnecessary because the grid is an electric vehicle.

The LEDs bring the grille to electronic life with a welcome and farewell animation. In certain markets, including the US, the Mercedes-Benz Driepuntsster logo in the middle of the schedule will also illuminate. While they are animated at Walk-up and Walk-Off, the lighting pattern settles in a static state when the vehicle is in operation.

Owners can choose that the grid will be relieved or not, but not as desired, the grid cannot switch off if they choose one that has been illuminated, nor can they control one of the animations.

“Our new iconic grille is not only a new front for the GLC, it redefines the face of our brand. It is the perfect merger of permanent design codes that are re-interpreted for the future, making our cars immediately recognizable,” said Gorden Wagener, chief design officer at Mercedes-Benz Group AG, said in a press release.

The schedule can be seen for the first time on the new Mercedes-Benz GLC-Battery-Electric vehicle, when it makes its debut at IAA Mobility in Munich on 7 September.