The Mercedes-Benz S-Class gets more stars, a flat-plane V8, and tech for 2026

Despite how other brands from other countries may play catch-up in terms of luxuries and features, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class always remains the gold standard for luxury vehicles. With every successive generation and update, the S-Class introduces new technology that other brands eventually integrate.

And while we wait for the new fully electric S-Class to arrive in 2030 (as the EQS will be discontinued in favor of a BEV variant of the S-Class), Mercedes-Benz has given the W223 generation a mid-life update. Mercedes says that more than 50% of the car is new or updated, meaning that this is a very comprehensive update.

The revised exterior receives a lot of stars— a design cue taken from the CLA. The larger grille, the micro LED headlights, and even the taillights all feature the tri-star. And if that wasn’t enough, the hood ornament and the grille itself can be optioned to light up. Regardless, the rest of the car is still the same, with new paint jobs and wheel designs.

As for the powertrains, the S-Class comes with several engine choices, with the highlight being the new flat-plane crank V8 (called the M 177 Evo) with a 48V mild-hybrid found in the S 580e 4Matic. While this type of engine is usually found in performance cars, Mercedes says that this new engine should provide a more refined driving experience, with more power and efficiency.

Apart from that, there’s an inline-six gasoline (S 500), a plug-in hybrid variant (S 450e) with the same engine and 100km of all-electric range, and an inline-six turbodiesel (S 350d and S 450d). There is a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12; however, it’s reserved for the armored variant, at least for now.

Mercedes has also implemented the cloud to make the S-Class ride better. The standard air suspension and optional E-Active Body Control now have intelligent damping that utilizes the cloud to plot and remember where speed bumps, potholes, and other road imperfections can be found, and it will adjust the dampers to appropriately firm or soften up to make sure the ride remains undisturbed. Plus, it comes with rear-wheel steering as standard, with an option to increase the turning circle up to 10 degrees for the long-wheelbase S-Class.

Finally, the controversial MBUX Superscreen makes its way in, now with a singular glass surface dominating the dashboard of the updated S-Class, featuring a 14.4-inch central infotainment, and two 12.3-inch screens for the passenger and digital instrument cluster.

The all-new MB.OS user interface now integrates Google services, meaning you can utilize Google Maps and Google Gemini with various functions. This change also means the vents are now electronically controlled, but Mercedes-Benz says the system will intelligently adapt to the conditions.

And of course, the interior can be specced out in the most luxurious of upholstery, with new tech like 100W fast-charging USB-C ports, concealed wireless chargers, refrigerated compartments with temperature-controlled cupholders, folding tables, two 13.1-inch rear seat displays, a Burmester surround sound system, and heated seatbelts to coddle you in comfort wherever you are in the car.

With all the stiff competition coming from automakers, especially in the East, do you think that Mercedes-Benz still has it, or do you think they’re playing catch-up now?

^{Photos from Mercedes-Benz}