The W223 is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class’s seventh generation and has been made since 2020. As a result, you know what the brand’s next move for its flagship sedan is, don’t you? That’s right, a mid-cycle refresh meant to keep it on the appealing side of the segment for a few more years, likely until close to the turn of the decade. The facelifted S-Class will feature updates inside and out, and probably beneath the skin, and was recently caught undergoing testing yet again, this time wearing a striking new camouflage.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class // SPY PHOTOS
The W223 is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class’s seventh generation and has been made since 2020. As a result, you know what the brand’s next move for its flagship sedan is, don’t you?
That’s right, a mid-cycle refresh meant to keep it on the appealing side of the segment for a few more years, likely until close to the turn of the decade. The facelifted S-Class will feature updates inside and out, and probably beneath the skin, and was recently caught undergoing testing yet again, this time wearing a striking new camouflage.
What lies beneath it is quite obvious, as it’s a facelift. Thus, look for a new grille, a different bumper, and fresh headlights at the front, and refreshed taillights and bumper at the other end. The grille recently leaked and appears to have been somewhat inspired by the stunning Vision Iconic Concept unveiled a little over a month ago, albeit while retaining the same size (more or less) as the outgoing Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
The main clusters will go down the star-studded path, and this also applies to the taillights. The trunk lid appears to soldier on with no modifications, though some say that instead of a chrome trim above the license plate, it might feature a thin light strip. That will be revealed in due course, as well as the design of the rear bumper, which seems to be evolutionary. The three-pointed star company will likely top it off with new colors and wheels.
It is not only the exterior design of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz S-Class that was captured by our spy photographer, but also the cabin. This was largely under wraps, yet the all-new infotainment system (MBUX Hyperscreen) was still visible, alongside a tweaked center console. The screen behind the steering wheel, which has new switchgear, appears to have remained the same, though we expect it to at least feature new software. This tester had black leather upholstery and several metal accents.
The powertrain options of the facelifted Mercedes S-Class are still unknown, yet we do not expect any major upgrades. In our market, the current 2026 model year lineup starts with the S 500 4Matic, which features a 3.0L inline-six with mild-hybrid assistance that produces 442 hp (330 kW/448 ps) and 413 lb-ft (560 Nm) of torque. The S 580e 4Matic is an electrified proposal with 503 hp (375 kW/510 ps) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm).
Mercedes’ 2026 S 580 4Matic brings V8 power (mild-hybrid) to the table, offering 496 hp (370 kW/503 ps) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm). The Mercedes-AMG S 63 S E Performance is the punchiest variant. It is a V8-powered plug-in hybrid with 791 hp (590 kW/802 ps) and 1,055 lb-ft (1,430 Nm), which hits 60 mph (97 kph) in 3.0 seconds. The lineup also comprises the Maybach S 580 and Maybach S 680.
The facelifted Mercedes S-Class is expected to launch as a 2027 model.
