Mercedes-Benzes to get new illuminated grille, superstars will be irresistible to them

As if Mercedes-Benzes weren’t already distinguishable enough from the rest of the automotive hodgepodge, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer has announced a new accessory for many of its compact models. It’s a grille that dons a large massive Three-Pointed Star, which is normal, except for the part that the new ones will be backlit!

Utilizing LED optical fiber, the emblem illuminates only when the car isn’t in motion. It also lights up when the car is shut off or when the owner unlocks the vehicle and opens any of the doors. It stays lit for no more than 15 seconds.

So far, the M-Class and GL-Class SUVs come with this illuminated grille that couldn’t say “I drive a Mercedes-Benz” any more to your face. I think it’s a bit pompous and silly…and I’m going to bet some money and guess that the other German counterparts will most likely follow. Remember when BMW introduced “angel eye” halos to their headlamps? Or how Audi introduced LED daytime runners? Yea…I think you can see the trend.

The next models to get the illuminated grille as an option are the C-, CLS-, and E-Class models. Cars with Distronic Plus radar-guided cruise control will be unable to get the option because the forward-facing sensor sits in the same spot.

So far, this has only been announced for the European models. No word on US availablity.

To see it in action, check out the video after the jump.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Mercedes-Benz Accessories YouTube