The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a long-reigning symbol of automotive luxury, is poised for a refresh. While initially anticipated sooner, the updated S-Class is now expected to debut in late 2025 or potentially in the first half of 2026. This slight delay provides Mercedes-Benz with additional time to further refine what is already considered a benchmark in the luxury sedan segment. This upcoming iteration will be a facelift, focusing on visual and technological enhancements rather than a complete overhaul, ensuring the 2026 S-Class maintains its iconic status while incorporating modern upgrades.
Refreshed Exterior Design for the 2026 S-Class
Spy shots and speculative renderings offer a glimpse into the visual evolution of the 2026 S-Class. The most noticeable changes are expected at the front and rear fascias, aligning the flagship sedan with Mercedes-Benz’s latest design language.
Front Facelift: Headlights, Grille, and Bumper
The headlights of the 2026 S-Class are anticipated to receive a significant redesign, incorporating Mercedes-Benz’s new signature three-pointed star daytime running lights. This distinctive element, first showcased on the CLA Concept in 2023, is expected to become a hallmark of future Mercedes-Benz models. Renderings based on prototype sightings illustrate these updated headlights in detail, alongside a larger, more prominent grille. The front bumper is also expected to be reshaped, adopting a sportier aesthetic, possibly drawing inspiration from the S63 model with redesigned air intakes.
Front view rendering of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift, highlighting the redesigned headlights and grille.
Rear Updates: Taillights and Bumper
The rear of the 2026 S-Class will also undergo revisions, primarily focusing on the taillights. Prototypes have revealed overhauled taillights with new LED signatures, lending a more contemporary and sophisticated appearance to the rear. Subtle adjustments to the rear bumper are also likely, complementing the updated taillight design and contributing to the overall refreshed look of the 2026 S-Class.
While the front and rear will see noticeable changes, the side profile of the 2026 S-Class is expected to remain largely consistent with the current model. Significant alterations to body panels on the sides are generally less common in facelifts due to cost considerations, even for luxury marques like Mercedes-Benz. The focus remains on updating the easily changeable front and rear elements to deliver a fresh visual impact.
Side-by-side comparison of the rendered 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift (top) and the current model (bottom), emphasizing the subtle design evolution.
Interior and Technology Enhancements for the 2026 S-Class
Inside the cabin, the 2026 S-Class is expected to receive notable upgrades, particularly in the realm of technology. A redesigned dashboard is anticipated, potentially featuring a Hyperscreen display similar to that found in the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS. This integration of the Hyperscreen would represent a significant technological leap for the S-Class, offering a more immersive and advanced user interface.
Software updates are also expected, incorporating the latest enhancements to the MBUX infotainment system. While specific details are yet to be officially confirmed by Mercedes-Benz, the 2026 S-Class is poised to benefit from the newest features and functionalities within the MBUX ecosystem, ensuring a cutting-edge and user-friendly in-car experience.
Interior of the current generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class, providing context for anticipated Hyperscreen and MBUX upgrades in the 2026 facelift.
Powertrain and Performance to Remain Robust
Under the hood, the 2026 S-Class is projected to retain most of the current model’s powertrain options. This indicates that the engine lineup will likely carry over, offering a range of choices to suit different preferences and performance needs. Among these expected to continue are the potent turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, producing 442 horsepower, and the robust 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivering 496 horsepower.
The high-performance S63 E Performance variant is also anticipated to receive the same facelift treatment as the standard S-Class models. This range-topping performance model is expected to maintain its impressive output of 791 horsepower, ensuring that the 2026 S-Class lineup continues to offer exhilarating performance alongside its renowned luxury.
Maybach S-Class to Receive Parallel Updates
The ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is also set to receive a similar refresh in line with the standard S-Class updates. The Maybach version is expected to feature revised front and rear styling elements, incorporating the three-pointed star lighting motif, and a similarly upgraded interior. The debut of the updated Maybach S-Class is anticipated to occur alongside the unveiling of the refreshed standard 2026 S-Class, ensuring that the entire flagship sedan family benefits from these enhancements.
In conclusion, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift is shaping up to be a carefully considered evolution, refining the exterior aesthetics, enhancing interior technology with features like the Hyperscreen, and retaining a powerful engine lineup. While details are still emerging, the updates promise to keep the S-Class at the forefront of the luxury sedan market, reinforcing its position as an automotive icon for years to come.
