2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Breaks Cover Has More Oomph & More Stars

The latest S-Class continues that legacy in a way that feels both familiar and forward-looking. From its illuminated grille and DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps to the calm, sanctuary-like interior, every detail is designed to create a sense of ease the moment you step inside. MANUFAKTUR personalisation, advanced ambient lighting, a refined MBUX experience powered by MB.OS and first-class rear-seat comfort all come together in an environment that feels less like a car – and more like a place to arrive. Nearly 140 years ago, Carl Benz filed patent DRP 37435 that marked the birth of the automobile. Since then, Mercedes-Benz has continued to redefine what a flagship model can be – with the S-Class often leading the way, introducing innovations that would later shape the entire industry. Today, that heritage meets the present. A place of calm in a busy world. A car that connects generations. And still quietly sets the benchmark time and again. Watch as Callum takes you through the details, the atmosphere, and the feeling that has made the S-Class an icon for decades. The availability of the equipment, functions, features and services shown depends on the respective vehicle model, the individual configuration and the respective market. Illuminated Mercedes Star available as optional equipment shortly after market introduction. The availability of the equipment, functions, features and services shown depends on the respective vehicle model, the individual configuration and the respective market. Display content may differ from production vehicle.

The new S-Class: how an icon still defines its class in 2026 | The Walkaround

 
Meet the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the car that the automaker has also presented as the epitome of luxury, advanced technology, and comfort. This time, it arrives in the year the German brand celebrates 140 years since Carl Benz invented the automobile, with new or revised engines, futuristic tech, and the S-Class typical luxury and comfort.
 
Light-years away from the Benz Patent Motorwagen, the refreshed luxury sedan has just driven out of the automaker’s laboratory with a new design, more stars, and more oomph. The biggest update is the new flat-plane V8, which replaces the old power plant under the hood of the range-topping S 580.
 
The BMW 7 Series fighter has just undergone its greatest mid-cycle update yet. Mercedes-Benz says the model received about 2,700 newly developed or updated components. This means that around half of the sedan was basically reengineered.
 
Months of testing on public roads have brought in front of our eyes spy shots of heavily camouflaged prototypes that deliberately hid the new styling. What the camouflage kept away from the eyes of the curious were a new light signature and more stars, similar to what we have already seen on the updated CLA and E-Class.
 
People will be able to identify the refreshed S-Class in a heartbeat, as Mercedes credits it with a bolder silhouette. Nothing to write home about in that department, but for the first time in history, it will feature a new illuminated standing Mercedes-Benz star, positioned on the hood. It sounds like thieves are going to love it!
 

The eye-catching illuminated star will standing proud right above the 20% larger illuminated grille, displaying three-dimensional chrome stars, lik those seen in the CLA, but with a totally different allignment, because the S-Class isn’t much into organized chaos.
 
The front end enhances the model’s intimidating nature. It also sports the next-gen DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps with micro-LED technology, flanking that larger grille. Impressively, the dynamic ULTRA RANGE high beam has a reach of up to 1,968 feet (600 meters), which is more than the length of five American football fields. At the opposite end, the automaker has come up with newly designed taillights with three chrome-framed signature stars.
 
The refreshed S-Class receives two new MANUFAKTUR paint colors: the MANUFAKTUR Black Sparkling, which features genuine glass flakes for that pearlescent effect, and MANUFAKTUR Verde Silver Magno, which Mercedes describes as a new sophisticated matte finish to the already popular color.
 
Mercedes-Benz also introduces new 20-inch multi-spoke wheel design. The wheels are manufactured using high-pressure casting, are finished in Tremolite Metallic High Sheen, and feature a striking 50-cross-spoke design.
 
In fact, with MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure, customers will be able to choose from more than 150 paint colors and over 400 interior colors for the new S Class.
 

However, the most significant changes sit under the hood of the S-Class. The S500 receives an updated inline-six. Codenamed M256 Evo, the unit brings more oomph to the S500: 442 horsepower (448 metric horsepower) and 443 pound-feet (600 Newton meters) of torque, a boost of 30 pound-feet (40 Newton meters) over its predecessor.
 
The base S-Class is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, because with such numbers, the luxury sedan falls right into the sports car category, doing 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 kph) in 4.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 130 mph (210 kph). And wait, there is more to the S-Class than an inline-six!
 
The flat plane crank V8 is the big news here, making its way under the hood of the S 580. The 4.0-liter V8 pumps out 530 horsepower (537 metric horsepower) and 553 pound-feet (750 Newton meters) of torque, which is already a solid gain over the outgoing model (34 horsepower and 37 pound-feet). An overboost function, present due to the integrated starter generator (ISG), adds an extra 23 horsepower for a limited amount of time.
 
The M177 Evo V8, with a new firing order, a reworked intake camshaft, and an upgraded injection system, pushes the S-Class from zero to hero (0 to 60 mph or 0 to 97 kph) in just 3.9 seconds, and promises improved efficiency.
 
Customers will also be able to order a plug-in hybrid S-Class, in the shape of the S 580 e. The system brings together a revised six-cylinder engine and an electric motor for a total of 576 horsepower (584 metric horsepower), which is an increase of 74 horsepower (75 metric horsepower) over the outgoing S 580 e, and up to 553 pound-feet (750 Newton meters) of torque.
 
The plusg-in hybrid battery is equipped with a battery that sports a usable capacity of 21.96 kWh. The unit stores enough energy for a drive of up to 62 miles (100 kilometers) on electric power only.
 

The S-Class sedan acts up to its name and rolls off the production line with the AIRMATIC air suspension as standard, while the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL with intelligent damping and the 10-degree rear-axle steering are offered for extra money.
 
As always, the cabin is designed as a space of comfort, high-tech, and luxury. Additional insulation reduces noise and vibration inside. The MB.OS supercomputer makes its way on board, alongside the MB.DRIVE advanced driver assistance systems, which debuted with the CLA late last year.
 
The MBUX Superscreen, with a 14.4-inch central display and the 12.3-inch front screen under a seamless glass surface, comes as standard, featuring the latest generation MBUX infotainment, featuring the Virtual Assistant with generative AI, navigation through Google Maps, and MBUX Navigation.
 
Mercedes-Benz also redesigned the multifunction steering wheel, which now incorporates a rocker for Digital Extra: Distance Assist DISTRONIC15, as well as a roller for volume control, based on customer feedback. Fortunately, they listened!
 
Mercedes-Benz claims it built a boardroom on wheels, offering a first-class experience for the rear passengers. They get the optional 13.1-inch displays, two detachable MBUX remote controls, and integrated video conferencing for a fully connected experience, with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Webex available back there.
 
The Burmester 3D Surround Sound system is standard, but buyers will be able to equip their cars with the optional Burmester High-End 4D Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos, which will convert their cabin into a concert hall.
 
The all-new S-Class will go into production at the automaker’s Sindelfingen Factory 56 center in Germany later this year, where the EQS and the Maybach also see the light of day.