No, you are not imagining it, car grilles are indeed getting bigger. And like it or lump it, this front end inflation is here to stay.
Among the biggest culprits are the Germans. Just take a look at the latest models from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. But there is method to their madness, I suppose. These larger grilles all act as an extension to the brand's logo. You can spot BMW's kidney grille a mile off, for example, particularly after dark.
Historically, the primary function of a car's grille was to provide the engine with means of cooling. But with engines now smaller in size and non-existent in EVs, modern grilles are largely decorative, using active grille shutters that open when additional airflow is required.
With its new electric GLC, Mercedes-Benz even describes the model's “brand-defining chrome grille” as a “functional element of the combustion vehicle era evolved into a high-tech artwork”. In other words, the designer didn't know when to put the pencil down.
Obnoxious, tacky or perhaps classy? This new wave of car grilles certainly divides opinion.
The electric GLC I have recently been driving, is the first Mercedes-Benz model to wear this particular chrome grille. For AMG Line specification upwards, the grille uses some 942 polycarbonate backlit dots for illumination at night. It's all very futuristic, but I dread to think of what repair complications could arise from even the slightest knock.
Powering the GLC 400 4MATIC is a usable 94kW lithium-ion battery with a claimed range of up to 643km. A more accurate number for this time of year is probably 550km. Charging speeds are seriously impressive, with capability to charge at speeds of up to 330kW at 800-volt DC charging stations.
This all-wheel drive version is equipped with two electric drive units – one mounted on each axle – developing a combined 489hp. Its 0-100km/h time of 4.3 seconds means you don't need a heavy right foot to get yourself in trouble.
With air suspension and rear-axle steering, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 is one of the smoothest electric cars I have driven all year. I think it just edges the BMW iX3 on driving dynamics. The Volvo ES90 still trumps the lot on the blacktop.
The new GLC loses marks on interior design and build quality. Much of the centre console comprises hard plastics and is hard on the eye. It is also equipped as standard with the 'MBUX Superscreen', which combines three separate displays - a 10.3-inch instrument cluster, 14-inch central display and 14-inch passenger display. Again, it's not pretty and begs the question, how does this differ to using a mobile phone while driving?
With a wheelbase of 84mm longer compared to the combustion GLC, passengers in the electric GLC benefit from more legroom and headroom in the front and rear. The boot provides 520-litres, expanding to 1,690-litres with the rear seats folded down. The 'frunk' contributes an extra 128-litres of load capacity. The electric GLC can be specified with a trailer coupling, offering a braked towing capacity of 2.4 tonnes.
Priced from over €72,000, the electric Mercedes-Benz GLC sits alongside the diesel, petrol and plug-in hybrid models currently available here.
