Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2026: attention to detail

In fact, the current Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been on the market for almost six years and has only now received a facelift. But even when a new S-Class comes onto the market, the industry still pauses for a moment.

With a mid-cycle update, the moment of anticipation among the public and the competition is understandably shorter than with a complete model change. But an S-Class remains, above all, an S-Class. Visually, little has fundamentally changed. All-electric powertrains remain exclusive to the EQS. Instead, the flagship of the Mercedes series receives new headlights at the front and rear as well as a revised radiator grille that looks noticeably more dignified. The visual updates are subtle, but the attention to detail clearly benefits the S-Class. The illuminated Mercedes star on the hood is a playful, yet image-enhancing and technically sophisticated feature, which, however, will not be available on the German home market for the time being. The same applies to level 3 automated driving. In Germany, this was previously possible on motorways up to speeds of 95 km/h at considerable cost. Many had expected the facelift of the S223 and V223 to increase speeds to at least 120 km/h and thus provide much greater practical benefit. Instead, Level 3 has now been completely deleted. The updated S-Class returns to Level 2 Plus and shares technology with the smaller CLA. Given the already low utilization, the reasoning behind this decision is difficult to justify.

In addition, much remains known while the engines have been revised. The traditionally broad drive range includes the six-cylinder S 350d 4Matic with 230 kW and 313 hp, the S 450d 4Matic with 270 kW and 367 hp and the gasoline engine S 450 4Matic with 280 kW, 381 hp and 640 Nm of torque. The plug-in hybrid options include the S 450e with 240 kW and 326 hp and the S 500 4Matic with 330 kW and 449 hp. At the top sits the S 580 4Matic with V8 drive and produces 395 kW, 537 hp and 750 Nm. Depending on the model, all are available in standard and long versions. The plug-in hybrids achieve a purely electric range of around 100 kilometers. The powerful V12 is reserved for the armored S 680 Guard 4Matic. AMG and Maybach variants will follow at a later date. All models benefit from new vehicle electronics and are networked via the MB.OS operating system, which was previously only found in the new CLA. The air suspension remains standard; electronic roll stabilization and rear-wheel steering with a steering angle of up to ten degrees regardless of the wheelbase are available as options.

Inside, occupants enjoy the usual S-Class luxury with large front and rear displays, newly removable remote controls and updated video conferencing technology. When it comes to safety, there is little to be desired with up to 15 airbags, heated seat belts and numerous driver assistance systems. Thanks to an expanded manufacturing program with more than 150 exterior colors and over 400 interior options, every S-Class can be customized almost limitlessly. Prices for the Mercedes-Benz S 350d 4Matic start at 121,356 euros.