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Mercedes revives the standing star — now lit
Mercedes-Benz has reintroduced a standing star on the refreshed S‑Class — and this time it glows. The illuminated hood emblem is a first for the brand, a nostalgic nod to classic Mercedes-Benz styling with a modern, high-tech twist. Mercedes hasn’t published technical details yet, but the new badge likely links to the S‑Class’s lighting system and probably comes on with the daytime running lights (DRLs).
Design comeback with a risk attached
The return of the three-pointed star atop the bonnet fills a styling gap some buyers have wanted back since Mercedes moved most of its badges flush to the grille and hood in recent years. The standing star was last commonly seen on some C‑Class and E‑Class variants through the late 2010s before the brand standardized on flat hood and grille-mounted emblems.
That said, the visible ornament brings an old problem with it: theft. Hood ornaments are easy to grab and remove in seconds, and an illuminated version will almost certainly draw even more attention.
History and theft trends
Hood ornament pilfering isn’t new. In past decades the emblem’s value was more cultural than monetary — teens wore stars as necklaces or jacket brooches, and owners paid modest sums to replace stolen pieces. Depending on model and anti-theft features, vintage replacement costs varied widely. Even though modern badges are pricier and more integrated, the upright star has long been a target because it can be detached quickly.
Safety, retractability and comparisons
Mercedes has not confirmed whether the illuminated star is retractable. Retractable ornaments are a known solution: Rolls‑Royce introduced a spring-loaded, retracting Spirit of Ecstasy in 2004 to meet pedestrian-safety rules and to discourage theft. If Mercedes opts not to make the star retractable, it will need other protective measures to meet safety and liability expectations.
What owners can do
Buyers of the facelifted S‑Class can mitigate theft risk with factory or aftermarket anti-theft systems. Practical options include:
- Proximity sensors and tilt alarms
- Park-mode surveillance cameras and motion detection
- Security screws or locking mounts (where available)
- Protective covers when parked for long periods
Even with alarms, a determined thief can remove an ornament quickly; prevention, visibility and parking in secure locations remain the best defenses.
Market positioning and buyer appeal
The illuminated star is a statement piece — one that reinforces the S‑Class’s role as Mercedes’ flagship luxury sedan. For buyers, it’s about heritage and presence: a visible symbol that separates the S‑Class from lesser trims and rivals. From an industry perspective, the move signals Mercedes’ willingness to blend classic cues with contemporary tech to appeal to affluent, design-conscious customers.
Bottom line
The lit hood star is a charming, attention-grabbing detail that revives a familiar Mercedes touch. But it also revives old concerns about badge theft and pedestrian safety. Whether Mercedes will pair illumination with modern theft-deterrent or retracting hardware remains to be seen. For now, the illuminated star is likely to become a talking point — and an item to watch in parking lots.
Highlights:
- First illuminated standing star in Mercedes history.
- Probable operation with DRLs; retractability not yet confirmed.
- Revives classic styling but raises theft and safety questions.
Source: autoevolution
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