2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Facelift The Flat-Plane Crank V8 Limo

It’s time for a refresh for the S-Class, as Mercedes gears up to give its perennial executive express a once-over once more. Ahead of its launch later in 2026, Mercedes has invited us to have a go from the passenger seat, and get a taste of life as a high-flying executive.
 

Only this time, the S-Class has a surprise under its bonnet…
 
At a glance
Pros: Impressive and interesting new engine, still very comfortable
Cons: We probably won’t get the new engine in the UK; it’s only a ride…
 
What’s new?
This is ostensibly just a facelift, but Mercedes claims around 2700 components – around half of the car – are ‘newly developed or re-engineered.’ So much so that the brand, and its head Ola Källenius say this is the most extensive mid-life refresh ever. We’ll find out more about the new S-Class very soon, as Mercedes says the model isn’t that far away from launch.
 
We can’t tell you everything, as the car we had a ride in was covered in camouflage inside and out, but naturally there are some significant design changes. From the images you see here, Mercedes will include three-pointed star elements in both the headlights and rear lights.
 
Two wheelbase versions will still be offered, even if 90 per cent of people buy the long-wheelbase model.
 
What we can say is that the new S-Class brings the latest generation of the brand’s MB.OS software technology, described as a ‘superbrain’ that allows the car to become more of an ‘intuitive companion.’ The engine range has also had extensive work done to it (more on that below), and every S-Class now comes with rear-wheel steering (4.5 degrees of turn is standard, while 10 degrees is optional) as well as air suspension.
 
On the options list is Mercedes’ ‘E-Active Body Control’ which is effectively active suspension that can more accurately adjust to road conditions, including a function where it uses cloud-based car-to-X data to prepare the suspension for potholes ahead of time.
 

What are the specs?
Mercedes has confirmed a range of engines already, ranging from six- and eight-cylinder versions with varying amounts of electrification.
 
The biggest news (as you may have guessed) is the arrival of an new V8 engine – something rather unheard of these days – named M177 Evo. If that codename sounds familiar, it’s because M177 is the engine that effectively powers almost all recent V8 AMG models, as well as several Aston Martins. The ‘Evo’ model is more than just a few tweaks and changes to keep it fresh, though – the engine has been completely overhauled, switching from a cross-plane to a flat-plane crank.
 
Yes, you read that right. You can now get a non-performance car – a Mercedes S-Class no less – with a flat-plane crank V8 engine, via the new S580. Why? As well as a more responsive and smooth engine in general – perfect for a luxe limo like this – our driver simply responded: ‘because of emissions.’
 
The engine is a mild hybrid, and Mercedes claims it’s compliant with Euro7 emissions standard. It develops 530bhp in this mild hybrid form, and will likely be the basis for a future AMG S63 model.
 
The snag? It’s almost certainly not coming to the UK market, as there currently isn’t a single eight-cylinder S-Class model on sale besides the stonking AMG S63. That engine line-up isn’t likely to change when the facelift launches, which is a shame.
 

What’s it like to… ride in?
Just as luxurious and wafty as a Mercedes S-Class should be. Stretching out in the back of a long-wheelbase S580 model allowed us to get the full captain of industry experience, and it’s as balanced and smooth as you’d expect it to be. The seats themselves are super plush and come with some good adjustment, as well as an elaborate massage program (my favourite is the hot stone massage), and it’s a quiet place to spend time.
 
Then there’s that new engine. Naturally we weren’t driving or on a track so our sensations were limited, but the new flat-plane V8 certainly surges ahead smoothly with a sedate snarl in the distance as the speed rises. Like all of Merc’s cars that use a mild hybrid system, the S-Class’ engine can turn completely off when coasting and provide extra torque when you’re late for a meeting.
 
Overall, though, it doesn’t feel like a massively distinct difference here. That’s not a complaint, though – the Sonderklasse has always been very good at cosseting you and just getting you from A to B without you really realising because it smoothes over imperfections and does so without a fuss.
 
What’s the interior like?
Like the exterior, mostly bagged up. Spy shots show that the cockpit will come with something resembling the Hyperscreen originally seen on the EQS, and there’s still the same level of fine upholstered materials all over the place. Our version also had open-pore wood in places – seemingly a novelty for the S-Class in recent years.
 
We also get the impression that little will change when it comes to rear seat configurations. Our version had a huge central armrest and large screens affixed to the front seats, so the Rear Seat Entertainment package will remain.
 
First impressions: Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift
No surprises, but that’s largely for the best. The Mercedes S-Class still feels like a luxurious executive express for the One Per Cent. Now, though, it’s a little more performance car flavoured than we ever thought it would be.