Mercedes-Benz celebrates its 140th birthday this year and reminisces on when Karl Benz patented the design for the Patent-Motorwagen, a machine widely agreed to be the first practical automobile and nicknamed the "Horseless Carriage" all the way back in 1885. Little did he know that he and his compatriots would revolutionise transport for the masses. Fast-forward to today, Mercedes-Benz is still on the bleeding edge of tech, motoring and innovation. So what can we expect for 2026, and what can we appreciate from yesteryear?
Related: Buyer's Guide Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2014 - 2021)
Mercedes-Benz has had a long history in South Africa. Since 1958, the manufacturing plant in East London has seen Mercedes-Benz set up in South Africa and formalise its presence in 1962. Manufacturing continues in South Africa, with several models not just in the passenger car segment but also in the commercial segment. Mercedes-Benz saw 5% sales growth in South Africa in 2025.
A look into the past - Makotopong Car Museum
Looking at the past, the event we attended was held at the Makotokong Car Museum on the outskirts of Pretoria. Mr Pius Mokgokong and his team run the place, which houses around 300 cars from the museum's collection. We saw not just the landmark Mercedes-Benz vehicles but also humble workhorses and family cars, such as early-1900s sedans, bakkies, vans, estates, and service vehicles, to name a few. It was. time capsule of note when juxtaposed with the latest machinery gracing the red carpet at the entrance of the venue. We even witnessed a beautifully restored Patent-Motorwagen crowning a dining room. If you'd like to find out more about the museum, check out https://makotopongcarmuseum.co.za/
The Year Ahead
Mercedes-Benz Commercial - Vans
In 2026, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Inkanyezi XL will debut. The current-generation Sprinter launched in 2021, but this XL variant, which is popular for interprovincial travel, is built on a long-wheelbase platform to increase legroom for the 22-seater. The conversions for these vans are done locally, too.
On the electric front, Mercedes-Benz Vans launched the EQV at the tail-end of 2025, serving as the electric offering for the V-Class, should you wish to try something different from the V300d. The E-Sprinter was also announced; it launched at the end of 2024, and a feasibility pilot project in South Africa was conducted, providing a gentle introduction to the South African market. Another pilot project was proposed to turn the said E-Sprinters into mobile offices as well. Finally, the new Mercedes-Benz VLE will hit the roads in 2026, built on the new modular VAN-EA architecture, a luxury van with cutting-edge tech.
C-Class and GLC Diesel Price Realignment
At the end of 2025, a price realignment was introduced for the locally produced C-Class and GLC diesel range. So expect better value for money if you're considering hitting that order button if you're in the market for a C-Class or GLC diesel.
Mercedes-Maybach SL
If your banking app is burning a hole in your phone, the following two vehicles will solve that for you. The Maybach SL consists of red ambiance and white ambiance paintwork, special monoblock wheels and a host of Manufaktur specialties. To top it all off, this vehicle is only offered in SL680 trim, which means you get the brutish 400 kW V8 engine. All the high-end fashion, and the power to go with it.
Mercedes-Maybach S680 V12 Edition
This vehicle marks a celebration for Maybach and pays homage to the original Maybach Zeppelin, which had a V12 engine fitted. There's also an aesthetic treatment with special green paint and pinstriping. Plus, it's an overall celebration of the V12 engine, a format you don't see much of anymore due to tightening emissions regulations. 50 units will be produced, with 2 secured for the South African market.
Night Edition Models
Carrying on with the special edition train is the Night Edition aesthetic kit, applied to the A-Class, CLA and GLA models before the new CLA rolls in. This applies to the 200 derivative models and consists of Alpine Grey paintwork, 19-inch wheels for the A-Class and CLA and 20-inch wheels for the GLA. The exterior also features microfiber-trimmed seats with grey stitching throughout the cabin.
GLC200 4Matic
Coming very soon is a new entry-level derivative to compete in the ever-competitive compact SUV market. The GLC200, but in 4Matic trim, as it will likely be the only vehicle in its class to have All Wheel Drive. Pricing will be announced soon, and this vehicle seeks to broaden the GLC's appeal.
New CLA
Crowned European Car of the Year, the new CLA will be hitting South African shores shortly. This vehicle boasts having the most advanced MBUX infotainment system to date. The current rollout plan will see the CLA200 for the ICE version and CLA250+ for the EV version. There will be Progressive and AMG Line variants available, and we'll see the ICE version first.
CLA 45S Final Edition
We got up close with the final edition of the current CLA, but in AMG form. Only 15 units will be available locally and feature bespoke 19-inch wheels and the Night Package. The Black and Yellow colour combo is a sight to behold. More info here.
New S-Class
This event occurred on the same day as the global unveiling of the updated S-Class, though we were only catching the actual online livestream later that evening. Over 50% of the vehicle is new. The new S-Class sports new styling and Mercedes-Benz badge motif in the light clusters, and there's an illuminated grille to command attention. 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 to see the S-Class in normal saloon and long wheelbase form.
Driving-wise, the S-Class features a new hybrid range, particularly a new hybrid V8. The Plug-in Hybrid system is rated at around 100km of electric driving. You can also expect AirMatic suspension even.
The new S-Class features MBOS, the next iteration in AI integration, parking and driving assistance to work with the latest version of MBUX. Other highlights include:
- Over 450 Manufaktur interior combos
- Over 150 exterior colours
- Heated Seatbelts up to 44 degrees Celsius
- Climate-controlled massage seats
- Purified Air Filters with Fragrance systems
- 2x Detachable touchscreen remotes
- 2x 13.1-inch MBUX displays with cameras
- The latest in intelligent safety
We'll have more info about the S-Class in a separate article.
