2026 Mercedes S-Class Interior Will Be A Mix Of Old & New

Even our highly skilled CarBuzz spy photographers can have trouble getting shots of the inside of new prototype cars. They’re covered up, kept far away, and stay moving, all of which make it challenging to get that big look in the window. Fortunately, our spies have snapped shots of the inside of the newest version of the latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Maybach form.
 

Some of the changes for the new big Benz facelift aren’t much of a surprise. The giant Hyperscreen display, for example, is poking out from under the cover that Benz and other automakers use to hide the latest dashboards. Fortunately, there are physical controls evident.
 
New S Gets Hyperscreen, More Steering Wheel Buttons
The so-called Hyperscreen is Mercedes-Benz’s giant display system, which debuted in the EQS before quickly showing up in other models. With up to 56 inches of display area, including a screen for the passenger, it is one of the most advanced infotainment systems in the business.
 

We can also see that Benz appears to be taking a step backward with the steering wheel. The current S-Class models use a wheel that is entirely operated with capacitive touch buttons. This wheel has a mix of capacitive touch and actual physical controls. The latter appear to be there to control the audio system and cruise control speeds.
 
There are more physical controls on the dashboard. When Benz launched the EQS, the Hyperscreen had only on-screen virtual buttons. The current S has some physical controls, including the hazard lights and volume control, and it looks like the new one will have at least a few as well for those features, as well as drive mode adjustment and one for the cameras. It’s a big reversal, possibly related to the older customer that typically buys this big sedan.
 

Star Lights And New Mystery Cameras
Exterior changes appear subtle, but what we would expect from a new Benz. The star design head and taillights popping up across the lineup are here.
 
Look closely at the fenders, and there are more signs of tech. Each front fender has what looks to be a small camera. The position seems strange to replace a rearview mirror, but it could greatly expand forward-facing camera views. It could also be part of a new version of the Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot Level 3 autonomous driving system.
Maybach logos on the rear pillars have been covered, so we aren’t supposed to know what this is. But the extra split inside the tailpipes gives it away. You can also see Maybach in script on the steering wheel in the interior photos. Expect a reveal later this year.