On the 29th of January 2026, Mercedes-Benz celebrated its 140th birthday—perfect timing to unveil the latest S-Class. Over 50% of the vehicle is new, naturally features the latest innovations, and will be manufactured in Sindelfingen, Germany. What's new here?
Related: Mercedes-AMG S63 S E Performance (2025) Video Review
Styling
The new S-Class maintains its commanding and executive presence. Far from the "old man car" theme it was typically coined as. New styling elements include the Mercedes-Benz badge motif in the light clusters, front and rear. The headlights are dubbed the 'Twin Star' Digital Light headlamps, featuring micro-LED tech. The front grille is 20% larger and illuminated. The long saloon is available in both standard and long-wheelbase forms. It's still a classy design, and that design can be coated in 150 different colour options.
Interior
Inside, you can expect next-level tech and luxury details. You can't miss the MBUX Superscreen placed underneath a sheet of glass and 'Zero Layer' to reduce the number of menus. You can expect all the current AI innovations to enhance their "Hey Mercedes" Virtual Assistant experience. Powering all of this screen real estate is the new MB.OS operating system. It's all linked to the Mercedes-Benz cloud, which offers Over-The-Air updates to keep the S-Class on the bleeding edge of tech. There are now heated seatbelts that can warm up to 44 degrees Celsius.
There are over 450 Manufaktur interior trim combos you can personalise your S-Class with. Other interior tech includes 2x detachable touchscreen remotes and 2x 13.1-inch MBUX displays with cameras in the rear to complement your reclinable rear climate-controlled massage seats. Let's not forget another highlight, an ionised air purifier system complete with a fragrance system, an entertainment centre and a boardroom on wheels.
Powertrain and Suspension
Driving-wise, the S-Class features a new hybrid range, particularly a new hybrid V8.
Engine options include:
Petrol
- M177 EVo24f V8 flat plane petrol hybrid (S580 4MATIC Long Version) making 395 kW /750 Nm. Mild Hybrid System
- M256 Evo 26F 6-cylinder petrol (S450 4MATIC / S500 4MATIC Long Version). There's no kW figure here, but torque is rated at up to 600 Nm, with an overtorque function that boosts torque to 640 Nm. This also includes the Plug-In Hybrid S580 e 4 MATIC and S450 e Long Version variants, which feature EQ Hybrid tech.
Diesel
- OM 656 Evo 6 cylinder diesel (S350 d 4MATIC / S400 d long version). Currently, this engine is poised to make either 230 kW / 650 Nm or 270 kW / 750 Nm, depending on the engine spec.
The Plug-in Hybrid system is rated at around 100km of electric driving. All three engines here also feature a 17 kW integrated starter generator (ISG). This all includes the 48V electrical system. You can also expect AIRMATIC suspension and optional E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL and even rear wheel steering for the ultimate in smooth ride and dynamic control.
This is all the info we have on powertrains for now.
Driver Assistance and Safety
The new S-Class features MB.DRIVE, a new age system for parking and driver assistance. The system has 10 external cameras, five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors. Of course, this works in conjunction with the MB.OS AI algorithms. Other standard equipment includes:
- MB.DRIVE ASSIST
- DISTRONIC with Steering and Lane Change Assist
- Evasive Steering Function
- For highway support, Proactive Lane Change Assist.
- MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO features enhanced assistance functions like automated braking at stop signs and robots.
- MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST and PARKING ASSIST 360 as you'd expect features automated parking as well as parking assistance features like 360 view cameras and more.
Current lineup
- S350 d 4MATIC
- S400 d Long Version
- S580 e 4MATIC
- S450 e Long Version
- S450 4MATIC
- S500 4MATIC Long Version
- S580 4MATIC Long Version
This is all we have for now. Stay tuned for more info!
