- Mercedes-Benz confirmed last week that a refreshed 2026 S-class is on its way, and we spotted the updated sedan testing in Sweden.
- The S-class prototype—which could be a Maybach model—has a reworked front end, including headlights with LED three-pointed stars, similar to the taillights on the 2024 E-class.
- The 2026 S-class could get updated powertrains, and Mercedes has confirmed that the V-12 engine is sticking around.
The Mercedes-Benz S-class is among the brand’s most important models, serving alongside the G-class as the pinnacle of the luxury automaker’s lineup. The flagship sedan may not move a ton of units—its 8809 U.S. sales last year only beat out the GT and SL sports cars among the company’s gas-powered vehicles—but the S-class has been critical to Mercedes-Benz’s reputation as a purveyor of opulence. Now, the brand is readying an update to the S-class for the 2026 model year, and we just spotted a prototype of the refreshed luxo-barge testing in Sweden.
Amid a flurry of announcements last week, which included the confirmation of a “baby” G-wagen, Mercedes said it was developing a “major update” for the S-class that would go on sale in 2026. While Mercedes didn’t spill any details, the spy photos give a taste of what to expect from the S-class’s visual changes. The most obvious difference is the headlight design, which appears to have adopted a slightly different shape. The headlights also feature an LED three-pointed star motif, a theme that first appeared on the taillights of the 2024 E-class.
The shape of the grille also seems to be a bit different, stretching lower on the bumper, while the bottom vents also appear to be reworked. Another curious detail is a cutout in the camouflage on the front fender for a forward-facing camera, which could form part of a bolstered driver-assistance package. The 2024 S-class, along with the electric EQS, already offers Drive Pilot, a Level 3 autonomous-driving system that allows the driver to both keep their hands off the steering wheel and their eyes off the road for lengthy periods.
The rear end carries over mostly unchanged, although the taillights look to also include a three-pointed star element in a similar vein to the headlights. We think the prototype seen here represents a Maybach model, due to the extra chrome trim around the side windows and the camouflage on the C-pillar, where a Maybach logo typically resides on the ultra-luxury models. The wheels aren’t as glamorous as the units normally found on Maybachs, but that’s likely just because this is a prototype. The test unit next to the Maybach appears to be a standard S-class and shares many of the same changes at the front.
Obviously, a “major update” for the S-class should bring more than just visual tweaks. That could mean changes to the S-class’s powertrains, which currently include a 442-hp inline-six, a 496-hp V-8, and a plug-in-hybrid setup. The Maybach versions come with either the V-8 or a 621-hp V-12. Although both the inline-six and V-8 already come with a 48-volt hybrid system, we wouldn’t be surprised to see more electrical assistance as Mercedes aims to remain in compliance with increasingly strict European emissions regulations. Mercedes did confirm last week that the V-12 will remain in production, although it will only be available in certain markets. We should learn more about the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-class later this year.
Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.
Source: Motor - aranddriver.com
