New Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2026: Updated Design, Technology, Engines Explained

Mercedes-Benz has given the S-Class its most extensive update ever within a single model generation. More than half of the car has been reworked, covering around 2,700 components. This is not a light facelift. It is a deep refresh designed to keep the S-Class ahead in design, technology, comfort and safety.

The update arrives as rivals push hard in the luxury saloon market. Digital systems, connectivity and electrification are now central to buying decisions. Mercedes wants the S-Class to remain the world’s best-selling luxury saloon and a flagship of its 140-year history.

What has changed on the outside of the new S-Class?

The updated S-Class looks more assertive, especially at night. The grille is around 20% larger and can now be illuminated. It features four horizontal chrome bars and chrome stars. In some markets, the upright bonnet star can also light up.

New DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps introduce a twin-star signature. They increase the illumination field by about 40% while using less energy. ULTRA RANGE high beam can reach up to 600 metres and uses partial high beam to reduce glare for other drivers.

At the rear, the taillights now feature three chrome-framed star elements. The boot lid trim has been reshaped into a two-part design. An optional side-sill projector can display a “Mercedes-Benz” script on the ground when entering or leaving the car.

New alloy wheels join the lineup, including a 20-inch multi-spoke design crafted through high-pressure casting. Wheel sizes now range from 19 to 21 inches. Overall, the car appears bolder without compromising its familiar S-Class silhouette.

How modern is the interior of the new S-Class?

Inside, the S-Class blends digital technology with traditional luxury. The new MBUX Superscreen is now standard. It combines a 14.4-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch passenger display under one glass surface.

A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster sits behind the steering wheel and appears to float. A 3D version is available. The dashboard and door panels flow into each other, with band-style air vents and larger trim surfaces.

The centre console has been simplified. It adds dual wireless charging pads, illuminated cup holders and faster USB-C ports delivering up to 100 W.

New trim options include open-pore oak, open-pore walnut with V-grooves and a metallic textile surface. A new Beech Brown upholstery shade is offered. For the first time, a full leather-free interior in stormy grey is available, using artificial leather and textile materials.

What personalisation options are available in the S-Class?

Personalisation plays a major role. The MANUFAKTUR programme adds new exterior paints, including finishes with real glass flakes and matte colours. New interior colours include tobacco brown, carmine red, lake green and corn yellow.

The MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure service offers more than 150 exterior colours and over 400 interior colours. Buyers also get one-to-one consultation and a dedicated visualiser. Mercedes is clearly pushing the S-Class closer to bespoke territory.

What technology powers the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

Under the skin, the biggest change is the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System, known as MB.OS. It acts as the car’s digital backbone. It powers infotainment, driver assistance and over-the-air updates.

The system uses a new electronic architecture with a central high-performance computer and high-speed Ethernet connections. It links to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud, allowing regular software upgrades throughout the car’s life.

How have MBUX and AI been improved?

The fourth-generation MBUX system builds on this. It focuses heavily on artificial intelligence. The “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant now uses generative AI. It combines ChatGPT-4o, Microsoft Bing and Google Gemini.

The assistant can hold more natural conversations and remember short-term context. New avatars appear on the main screen, including a human-like figure and “LittleBenz”. The interface now includes an app grid, custom folders and swipe navigation. In some markets, more than 40 apps are available.

What driver assistance systems are included?

MB.DRIVE ASSIST comes as standard. It includes updated adaptive cruise control, steering assist, lane change assist and evasive steering support.

The optional MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO can brake automatically at stop signs and traffic lights. It also promises point-to-point assistance in dense city traffic, first launching in China.

Each car uses 10 external cameras, five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors. These feed data to an AI-based controller trained on fleet information.

MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST can now detect spaces earlier and handle angled parking. In China, it can even reverse along a previously driven path. A 360-degree system adds rim-protection warnings to help avoid kerbing.

For navigation, MBUX Surround Navigation uses Google Maps data. An augmented reality head-up display makes complex junctions easier to understand.

What are the new upgrades to the new S-Class comfort?

Comfort remains a core focus. A new multifunction steering wheel brings back physical controls for key functions after feedback on touch-only buttons.

Front seats offer up to 19 motors, massage functions and ENERGIZING seat kinetics. These subtly adjust posture on long journeys. A new heated seat belt can warm up to around 44°C to improve winter comfort.

Digital Vent Control automatically aims air vents using electric motors. Manual adjustments are remembered in the user profile. ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL adds ionisation and multi-stage filtration. Mercedes claims the cabin air can be refreshed every 90 seconds in normal use.

What upgrades are available for rear-seat passengers?

In the rear, long-wheelbase models can be specified with Executive seats. These recline up to 43.5 degrees and include a leg rest extending to 50 degrees. Rear Comfort Plus adds massage, extra airbags and improved sun protection.

A First-Class rear compartment option brings a full-length centre console, cooled storage, folding tables and multiple charging points. New 13.1-inch rear screens support video calls via platforms such as Teams and Zoom, where permitted.

What new powertrains are offered in the updated S-Class?

Every powertrain has been updated. The V8 in the S 580 4MATIC long now produces 537 hp and 750 Nm. Six-cylinder petrol models gain more torque and improved electric compressors.

The updated diesel engine adds an electrically heated catalytic converter and improved emissions control. Plug-in hybrids now offer around 100 km of electric range and up to 750 Nm of torque.

All combustion engines use a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with a 17 kW starter-generator.

Rear-axle steering is now standard at 4.5 degrees. An optional 10-degree system cuts the turning circle to around 10.8 metres. AIRMATIC air suspension remains standard, with optional E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL using predictive damping based on road data.

What are the upgrades to the passive safety?

Safety systems have been enhanced. Up to 15 airbags can now be fitted. PRE-SAFE systems work with the suspension to better manage certain side impacts.

At the top end, the S 680 GUARD gains full VR10 ballistic protection.

When is it arriving in the UAE?

The updated S-Class was unveiled in January 2026. UAE showroom arrivals are expected in Q3 2026. Pricing has not been confirmed, but entry models are likely to start around AED 700,000, with top versions exceeding AED 1 million.

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