Mercedes Electric GLC.

We just saw the interior earlier today, and now we get to see (before we’re even supposed to) the exterior of the new electric Mercedes GLC. And what a mess that thing is. For a few minutes, I thought these pictures were actually fake…

Let’s start with the profile, which is OK. It actually is pretty much a cross between the EQE SUV and a GLC, sort of. However, things go south quickly from there. That huge ghastly front grille is just a visual nightmare. I know it is supposed to remind us of old Mercedes models, but it’s not. Nothing can bring these back, especially as a clumsy, heavy, heavy-handed SUV. The huge logo on that grille seems to be almost the same size as the steering wheel. It also seems like a major afterthought. Something Mercedes thought about when they saw sales numbers of their EQ models crumble.

A quick fix was added to a design that was already in progress. Things aren’t better in the rear. It is far busier than it needs to be. (That lower bumper alone has enough lines to design 5 other cars)And that very thick light bar just looks really bad. And cheap.

I am sure the specs will be decent. But it seems the specs of the new BMW iX3 are pretty excellent so far. So is its pricing. With a much cleaner and far less offensive design.

I think this is a disaster for Mercedes and a worst-case scenario. Especially when they are trying to boost their EV sales after the EQ failure.