With the global reveal set for January 29, the upcoming Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift has been partially unmasked. In a YouTube video featuring the German brand’s CEO Ola Kallenius, a near-production example was showcased wrapped in eye-catching camouflage. Kallenius highlighted that this update brings around 2,700 new components to the sedan. “The updated S-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s most ambitious product launch programme,” the carmaker told Autocar UK.
- Mild exterior updates with no major design alterations
- Updated S-Class to come with mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines
- New features likely to include the Mercedes-Benz Operating System and a triple-screen setup
2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift: What is new on the outside?
Exterior changes primarily involve revised front and rear styling.
The fancy camouflage covering most of the exterior of the S-Class facelift’s testbed reveals the new lighting setup. The updated S-Class will get dual three-pointed-star daytime-running lights in each headlight cluster, with the taillights sporting a triple three-pointed-star design. While the former is similar to what we see in the brand’s other upcoming models, like the CLA EV, a slightly toned-down version is offered in the outgoing E-Class.
The front grille of the 2026 S-Class now has an LED surround while also being larger than before. Adding to this LED array is an illuminated three-pointed-star on the bonnet, which has been purposefully left out on the camouflaged tester. What is also visible underneath the camo is the star-studded pattern on the front grille, adding another layer of visual drama to this front fascia. While not evident in this preview, the front and rear bumpers are likely to have been revised, too.
There is no apparent change to the overall silhouette of this Mercedes sedan, but there will be new wheel designs on offer. Apart from the new taillights, the rear of the S-Class facelift will come with faux exhaust tips – something that could have been done away with in this update. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is likely to have similar exterior dimensions as its predecessor.
2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift powertrain options
Depending on the market, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift will be available with the 3.0-litre inline-six petrol engine. While the carmaker is yet to confirm it, the updated S-Class could come with the same 9-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox that does duty in the pre-facelift model. Mercedes is also expected to offer a choice of inline-six diesel engines with the 2026 S-Class.
2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift expected features and interior
The extended wheelbase of the ‘Long’ version maximises rear-seat comfort.
Being the brand’s flagship sedan offering, the 2026 S-Class will be brimming with high-end technology. The facelift is expected to get the latest iteration of the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), while those seated up front could be treated to a triple-screen setup running the width of the dashboard, as suggested by spy shots of test mules, thus replacing the more conventional two-screen layout of the pre-facelift car.
The S-Class facelift should get multi-way adjustable individual rear seats that will be heated and cooled while also featuring a multi-stage massaging function. Enhancing backseat comfort further could be four-zone automatic climate control, a rear-seat entertainment system, powered rear sunshades, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, to name a few. Some of the other expected features include a 64-colour ambient lighting system, a cabin fragrance package, an augmented-reality head-up display, and a high-end audio system.
The adaptive driver-assistance systems could entail automatic lane-change assist, automatic collision avoidance, traffic-sign recognition, and a plethora of airbags. Customers are also likely to be offered an extensive personalisation choice as part of Mercedes-Benz MANUFAKTUR.
2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift expected launch
The updated S-Class launch in select markets is expected in mid-2026.
While Mercedes-Benz has not revealed any launch details of the S-Class facelift, it should reach showrooms in select Western markets around the third quarter of 2026. Meanwhile, an India launch is expected to take place in late 2026 or early 2027. It will be a while before official prices of the 2026 S-Class are out, but the pre-facelift model in India starts at Rs 1.78 crore (ex-showroom). Based on the market, the main rivals of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class include the BMW 7-Series, Audi A8, and Lexus LS.
