The Front Ends You Can’t Unsee
Most people focus on horsepower, interiors, or tech features, but the grill is often the first thing that grabs your attention. It's the car's face, and it says a lot before the engine even starts. Some grills are sleek and futuristic, and a few are so iconic they’ve become design blueprints for decades. So, here are 20 of the coolest car grills that made us stop and appreciate a little extra boldness on the road.
1. Double Kidney Grille (BMW M4 G82)
BMW’s double kidney grille has been a staple since 1933, but on the G82 M4, it’s been seriously upsized. The new vertical design features active air flaps to help regulate engine temperature and improve airflow. Moreover, deep side intakes and sharp LED lights enhance the aggressive front end.
2. Spindle Grille (Lexus RX 500h F Sport)
Lexus first introduced the spindle grille with the LF-Gh concept, and it’s been central to the brand’s identity ever since. On the RX 500h F Sport, the hourglass shape instantly communicates both precision and power. That impression is reinforced by the dark mesh pattern unique to F Sport trims.
3. Seven-Slot Grille (Jeep JL Wrangler Rubicon)
The seven-slot grille on the Jeep JL Wrangler Rubicon originated during WWII. Its vertical slots are fully functional, providing essential engine cooling during off-road driving. The design also supports modern tech, accommodating forward-facing cameras and adaptive cruise control sensors.
4. Black Panel Radiator Grille (Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC SUV)
On the EQS 580 4MATIC SUV, the gloss black surface creates a seamless, modern front profile. Integrated within are hidden cameras, radar sensors, and autonomous driving tech. The grille also features embedded 3D Mercedes stars that illuminate when active.
5. Waterfall Grille (Lincoln Continental, 2017–2020)
The Waterfall Grille on the 2017–2020 Lincoln Continental features closely spaced vertical chrome bars designed to resemble flowing water. Its construction is notably complex, as it increases manufacturing cost but also delivers a distinctly upscale appearance.
6. Pantheon Grille (Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II, 2023)
Inspired by the grandeur of ancient Greek temples, this grille’s upright vertical slats channel timeless architecture into automotive artistry. Crafted in mirror-polished stainless steel and often hand-finished, it gleams with unmistakable opulence.
7. Digital Tiger Face (Kia EV6 GT)
The Kia EV6 GT’s Digital Tiger Face reimagines the brand’s iconic Tiger Nose for a sleek, futuristic era. Angular inserts and active air flaps handle battery cooling, all while keeping things visually razor-sharp. Its minimal intake merges cleanly with aggressive LED DRLs, creating a front end that looks aerodynamic.
8. V-Motion Grille (Nissan Maxima Platinum, 2023)
The V-Motion Grille on the 2023 Nissan Maxima Platinum starts with a chrome V-line that cuts deep into the fascia. First seen on the Resonance and Sport Sedan Concept, the design now unifies Nissan’s entire lineup.
2023 Nissan Maxima Platinum POV Test Drive & Review by Nothin’ But Car Reviews
9. Crosshair Grille (Dodge Charger R/T, 2023)
Understated yet aggressive, the Crosshair Grille on the 2023 Dodge Charger R/T is divided by a bold central cross into four distinct sections. The design emphasizes the Charger’s wide-body shape and is frequently matched with heat extractors and vented hoods.
10. G-Matrix Crest Grille (Genesis G90, 2023)
Inspired by light diffraction through diamonds, this grille’s expanding diamond-like patterns create a sharp 3D texture. It integrates effortlessly with the split-level LED headlamps and broad proportions, emphasizing visual width and authority.
11. Crystal Face Grille (Skoda Enyaq iV)
Available on premium trims, the Crystal Face Grille houses 131 embedded LEDs that light up on unlock and remain animated while driving. Depending on drive mode, the grille glows white or blue, further amplifying the Enyaq’s electric identity.
12. Frameless Grille (Tesla Model S Plaid, 2024)
Tesla removed the grille entirely and replaced it with a smooth, body-colored panel. This clean approach reflects the brand’s minimalist design language. Surround shapes differ slightly by trim, and sensors are discreetly embedded underneath.
13. Shield Grille (Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio)
Alfa Romeo’s “Scudetto,” or “little shield,” has anchored the brand’s face since the 1930s. Positioned low for a race-ready stance, it’s typically chrome-trimmed and flanked by aggressive lower intakes. Moreover, the shape enhances airflow to the twin-turbo V6.
14. Illuminated Black Crystal Grille (Cadillac Lyriq)
The Illuminated Black Crystal Grille houses 736 LED jewels that pulse outward in a ripple pattern as you approach. When off, the gloss-black surface mimics crystal depth. The badge also stays still while light animates around it.
15. Honeycomb Grille (Ford Mustang Mach-E GT)
This grille features a honeycomb pattern designed purely for visual depth. Though non-functional, it reinforces a sporty appearance and covers both radar sensors and the charge port. Although updated for the EV era, the design still connects to Mustang’s pony car legacy.
16. Dynamic Shield Grille (Mitsubishi Outlander SEL)
There's something undeniably bold about the Outlander SEL’s Dynamic Shield grille. Those chrome blades slicing down the front give it the armored intensity of a sci-fi warrior’s face guard. And at the top, sleek DRLs and turn signals trace a sharp outline.
17. Floating Grille (Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic)
At first glance, the Velar’s grille seems to hover like a design illusion, perfectly poised between narrow headlights and sculpted panels. This floating effect, paired with matte or gloss black mesh, gives off a vibe of refined restraint.
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima on Wikimedia
18. Horse Collar Grille (1958 Edsel Citation)
Dubbed the “horse collar” grille, this grille split the front like a fashion statement no one asked for. Critics mocked it endlessly, yet designers aimed for luxury and futuristic flair. The grille flopped in the showroom, but today it lives on as a cult classic.
19. Signature Grille (Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD)
Mazda’s CX-5 strikes a pose with its five-point Signature grille leading the charge. Designed around the brand’s Kodo philosophy, the shape pulls inward, creating a sense of movement even at a standstill. With each generation, the grille evolves just enough to stay fresh.
20. Parametric Jewel Grille (Hyundai Tucson Limited, 2024)
The Tucson Limited’s grille features a mosaic of polygonal shapes and forms a faceted surface that catches light like a jewel box in motion. Hidden DRLs glow to life from within, barely detectable when off but stunning once illuminated.
