Mercedes-Benz has pulled the covers off a comprehensively updated S-Class, delivering the most extensive refresh ever for a single generation of its flagship luxury sedan. More than half of the vehicle’s components have been newly developed or re-engineered, reinforcing the S-Class’s role as the brand’s technological and luxury benchmark.
Visually, the new S-Class makes a stronger statement than before. A larger illuminated grille—now roughly 20 percent bigger—anchors the front end, while an optional illuminated standing Mercedes star on the hood makes its debut. New twin-star Digital Light headlamps with micro-LED technology expand the illumination field by about 40 percent and introduce an adaptive partial high-beam function in the U.S. for the first time, enhancing nighttime visibility without dazzling other drivers.
Inside, the S-Class leans even further into its reputation as a rolling showcase of luxury and innovation. A standard MBUX Superscreen spans the dashboard, pairing a 14.4-inch central display with a 12.3-inch front passenger screen beneath a seamless glass surface. The latest generation of MBUX runs on the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), a vehicle-wide supercomputer that integrates infotainment, driver assistance, and core vehicle functions while enabling over-the-air updates.
MB.OS also underpins the fourth-generation MBUX Virtual Assistant, which now uses generative AI to support more natural, multi-turn conversations. Navigation is powered by Google Maps and enhanced by MBUX Surround Navigation, which blends real-time 3D visuals of the vehicle’s surroundings with route guidance directly in the driver display and available augmented-reality head-up display.
Rear-seat passengers remain a key focus. Optional executive rear seating transforms the S-Class into what Mercedes-Benz calls a “boardroom on wheels,” complete with dual 13.1-inch displays, detachable MBUX remote controls, and built-in video conferencing via platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom. The goal is clear: make every seat feel like first class.
Under the hood, the S-Class continues to balance effortless performance with refinement. The updated S 580 4Matic features a revised 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 530 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, supported by mild-hybrid technology for smoother response and improved efficiency. The S 500 4Matic’s turbocharged inline-six has also been refined, while the S 580e plug-in hybrid now delivers up to 576 horsepower—73 more than before—without sacrificing the calm, composed character expected of the nameplate.
Ride comfort remains a defining trait. Standard Airmatic air suspension now incorporates intelligent damping that can proactively adjust based on road conditions, including data shared via Mercedes-Benz’s Car-to-X network. Rear-axle steering is standard at 4.5 degrees, with an optional 10-degree system dramatically reducing the turning circle for easier urban maneuvering.
Customization is another major theme. Through the expanded Manufaktur program, buyers can choose from more than 150 exterior paint colors and over 400 interior hues, with bespoke trims, leathers, and finishes allowing for near-limitless personalization.
Production of the updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class is scheduled to begin in 2026 at the brand’s Factory 56 facility in Sindelfingen, Germany, where it will be built alongside the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and EQS. As ever, the S-Class isn’t just a luxury sedan—it’s Mercedes-Benz’s clearest vision of where the brand is headed next.
