Appears to be like could be deceiving as a result of that is no unusual facelift for the S-Class. Mercedes has modified greater than half of its flagship mannequin by updating or changing round 2,700 components. That is by far essentially the most intensive mid-cycle replace the full-size luxurious sedan has ever acquired. You wouldn’t essentially inform at first look, because the starry therapy is essentially the most noticeable exterior change.
Mercedes has embedded its well-known three-pointed star into the headlights and taillights. To drive the purpose dwelling, the hood decoration now lights up, and the illuminated grille is full of hot-stamped stars. It’s a bit too flashy for our tastes, however this stage of opulence has develop into acquainted on latest fashions. We do recognize the brand new 20-inch wheels with their intricate 50 cross-spoke design. Nonetheless, they positive appear like they’re an absolute ache to wash.
In comparison with the pre-facelift S-Class, the grille is now 20% bigger, giving the range-topper an much more imposing stance. Mercedes presents greater than 150 paint colours, though none of these featured within the official photos are notably placing. Then once more, sedans on this section are hardly ever ordered in daring finishes.
Screens Aplenty
The modifications develop into way more apparent when you step inside, the place Mercedes doubles down on screens. The 2026 S-Class takes a web page from the electrical EQS by supersizing its shows. The central show measures 14.4 inches and is now flanked by twin 12.3-inch screens: a digital instrument cluster for the motive force and a devoted show for the entrance passenger. We’re listening to the BMW 7 Collection facelift may also cram a 3rd display into the dashboard for the particular person using shotgun.
Within the again, the revised leisure system has bigger 13.1-inch shows that includes built-in HD cameras for video conferencing. You possibly can say it’s each get together and enterprise within the again. Moreover, removable distant controls give rear occupants entry to many seat capabilities, together with adjustment, heating, air flow, and therapeutic massage. Passengers can even use the remotes to regulate quantity, local weather settings, and the electrical sunshades.
As with each S-Class earlier than it, the up to date W223 is a technological tour de drive. It may be ordered with as much as 10 exterior cameras, 5 radar sensors, and a whopping 12 ultrasonic sensors. All this {hardware} allows the crown jewel of Mercedes’ lineup to drive itself, even in busy city environments. At launch, MB.Drive Help Professional might be supplied completely in China earlier than arriving in the USA, whereas the Euro-spec mannequin should await rules to catch up.
Commonplace Rear-Wheel Steering And Extremely-Vibrant Headlights
Going ahead, the S-Class comes commonplace with 4.5-degree rear-wheel steering, although Mercedes will nonetheless cost further for the complete 10-degree setup. Elsewhere, the starry headlights use micro-LED know-how to chop vitality consumption in half, whereas switching to a single management unit reduces weight by 25 %. An ultra-range excessive beam illuminates the highway forward by as much as 600 meters. Oh, and let’s not neglect the heated seatbelt, which reaches 44°C (111.2°F).
Improved Gasoline And Diesel Engines
The substantial facelift additionally brings modifications beneath the hood. The six-cylinder gasoline engine receives a torque increase to 600 Nm (443 lb-ft), rising to 640 Nm (472 lb-ft) when the momentary overtorque operate is activated. The M256 Evo can also be quieter than earlier than, because of decreased NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) following insulation upgrades.
The six-cylinder diesel introduces an industry-first electrically heated catalytic converter that warms the exhaust extra shortly in order that it reaches optimum working temperature sooner for improved effectivity. The OM656 Evo has additionally been additional tweaked to satisfy more and more stringent emissions rules as Euro 7 looms.
For these wanting extra cylinders, the M177 Evo V8 includes a flat-plane crank and a revised firing order. It produces 537 hp and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) whereas reducing NVH ranges for smoother, quieter operation. Just like the six-cylinder engines, it’s a gentle hybrid geared up with a 17-kW built-in starter generator.
Mercedes may also provide the brand new S-Class as a plug-in hybrid pairing a six-cylinder gasoline engine with an electrical motor for a mixed output of as much as 577 hp. That’s an enormous 74-hp improve, accompanied by a wholesome 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque.
The V12 Lives
Till the Maybach S-Class arrives later this yr, the one technique to get a V12 is to go for the Guard armored model, which options the venerable twin-turbo 6.0-liter powerhouse.
Now that the 2026 S-Class is formally out, consideration turns to BMW’s response: the 7 Collection LCI. Count on the revised G70 to floor within the coming months, with manufacturing scheduled to start in July.
