Glowing Grilles Are Coming Back?

Matt Posky
by Matt Posky

With Mercedes-Benz already offering illuminated badges as a factory option, we knew it was only a matter of time before BMW responded. According to Bimmerpost, dealerships will soon offer “Chrome Iconic Glow Kidney Grilles” as an option.

The accessory is exactly what it sounds like. BMW either looks to be trying to steal a bit of Mercedes’ thunder or this is a touching tribute to Mercury vehicles from the early 1990s. Obviously, we’re hoping it’s the latter scenario.

Of course, Bavaria’s setup is a bit more complicated that tucking a couple of bulbs behind some frosted plastic. Its grilles are still chrome in color and rely on embedded LEDs to produce illumination. While BMW notes that the accessory does provide some forward light, it frames the Glow Kidney Grille primarily as an inclusion to help complement the style and features of the vehicle.

Those interested in individualizing their Bimmer to the max need only spend $644. Considering the amount of tacky lighting you get for the money, it could be a better deal than Mercedes’ $450 illuminated star. Unfortunately, you’ll be outing yourself as someone who really wants the rest of the world to know what brand of car they’re driving. But that may be why you opted for the Benz or BMW in the first place.

Expect the trend to catch on among other premium manufacturers. However, if you can’t wait, there are loads of cheap aftermarket products that can do something similar with pretty much anything you’ve got sitting in your garage.

[Image: BMW]

Matt Posky
Matt Posky

A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.

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  • Flipper35 Flipper35 on Aug 26, 2019

    BMW, sponsored by JC Whitney!

  • Cprescott Cprescott on Aug 26, 2019

    Can't wait until the Duh sisters, Hon and Toyo, and their rebadged sisters A-Cure-Uh and Lexus follow suit and make sure we can see their hideous exteriors even on the darkest nights. Maybe they could then play an organ music tune that sounds like something Count Dracula might like.

  • Art Vandelay Art Vandelay on Aug 26, 2019

    Can we bring back those neon licence plate frames from the 90's too?

  • ToolGuy ToolGuy on Aug 28, 2019

    Extra credit: How much does this reduce range?

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