Aurelia Butler

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.Caleb Miller|Car and DriverThe 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.More on Mercedes’s Flagship SedanCaleb 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. More

Volvo continues to tease information about the electric ES90 sedan ahead of its reveal next week, this time detailing its range estimate and charging info. Volvo claims the ES90 has 435 miles of range based on the optimistic European WLTP cycle; we expect its EPA figure to be closer to 369 miles. The ES90 will also be the first Volvo EV with an 800-volt architecture, which helps it charge from 10 to 80 percent in a claimed 20 minutes.The IV drip of information about the upcoming Volvo ES90 continues. Following last week’s teaser, the automaker has released more information, this time focused on the mid-size luxury sedan’s electric architecture and range. Volvo claims the ES90 with dual motors and all-wheel drive can travel 435 miles on a full charge. However, that’s based on the more optimistic WLTP cycle. We expect its EPA estimate will be closer to 369 miles. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait a bit longer for the official U.S. figures. Either way, the sedan’s estimated range is notably longer than the EX90 SUV, Volvo’s other new all-electric model, which is EPA-rated to travel up to 310 miles.VolvoThe EX90’s battery has a usable capacity of 107.0 kWh, while the ES90 has a slightly smaller pack that we estimate will have about 101.0 kWh on tap. Despite the size difference, the sedan’s extra range is partly attributed to its 800-volt architecture. Along with providing considerably faster charging speeds, the ES90’s platform uses lighter e-motors, which Volvo says help reduce overall weight and improve acceleration, efficiency, and range.The value of the 800-volt system is evident as the battery’s state of charge shrinks. Volvo claims the ES90 can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 20 minutes when connected to a 350-kW DC fast-charger. The automaker also says the sedan will be able to add 186 miles of range in 10 minutes.When it comes to the construction of the ES90, Volvo says that 29 percent of the aluminum used in the car is recycled, as is 18 percent of the steel and 16 percent of the polymers. We’ll learn even more about the first Volvo EV to feature an 800-volt architecture when it’s revealed via livestream next Wednesday, March 5.More on the Volvo ES90Jack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More

Hennessey’s latest over-the-top Mustang, the Super Venom, is based on the Mustang GT and Dark Horse models and limited to 91 examples in total.The tuner claims a 10.9-second quarter-mile time, shaving 1.1 seconds off the standard Mustang Dark Horse’s time. The Super Venom is on sale now and includes the full Ford factory warranty, plus an additional three-year/36,000-mile Hennessey warranty. Hennessey Performance, the brazen Texas-based tuner, modifier, and manufacturer of high-performance vehicles, has added a new weapon to its arsenal of offerings: The Super Venom Mustang. Intended to commemorate Hennessey’s 1991 founding date, production is limited to 91 examples. Unsurprisingly, the modifications begin under the hood, where the Hennessey horsepower gurus conjure up an additional 350 horsepower for a total of 850, a 70 percent increase over the factory engine’s 500 ponies. Torque is up too, to 650 pound-feet, an increase of 55 percent over the stock Dark Horse’s 418, though both hit peak torque at 4900 rpm. Buyers can choose between 10-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmissions.HennesseyHennessey doesn’t offer too many specific data points detailing the components fitted to extract this newfound performance. But it does note that it has added a high-performance supercharger fed by a high-flow air induction system, upgraded the fuel injectors and fuel pump, and that it manages it all with a proprietary Hennessey engine management system. In other words, they done cranked the boost up, which should come as little surprise to anyone familiar with the shop. The exterior wears a unique ’91 Icon livery in tribute to Hennessey’s 1991 founding date. (Get it?) The ’91 package is available in black, silver, and red hues, intended to contrast and complement the factory paint options. The carbon-fiber “VenomAero” kit includes a functional hood vent, front fender louvers, a more aggressive front splitter, side skirts, an integrated duck bill on the carbon-fiber deck lid, and an imposing fixed rear track wing. There are also 20-inch lightweight wheels and Hennessey “H” fender badges and signature script on the deck lid. Carbon-fiber engine cover bits, complete with a plaque bearing the car’s serial number, adorn the engine bay. Hennessey also claims to have improved cooling, which is beneficial to any track-focused vehicle.HennesseyInterior mods include tailor-made Hennessey leather and Alcantara seat upholstery in blue or black—with the requisite Hennessey logo embossing, natch—built on your choice of the Recaro sports seats or the standard “comfort” seats. The center console gets retrimmed and includes a plaque displaying your Super Venom Mustang’s serial number. (There’s one on the dash too, for people with short memories.) Hennessey all-weather floor mats complete the package. Hennessey says the Super Venom Mustang package is available built on the Mustang Dark Horse for $163,950 or the Mustang GT for $149,950. At this price point, it seems almost silly to go for the GT, but variety is the spice of life, right? The Super Venom Mustang is on sale now and available directly from Hennessey or authorized Hennessey Ford dealers. Hennessey’s Greatest Hits from the C/D ArchiveAndrew Wendler brings decades of wrenching, writing, and editorial experience with numerous outlets to Car and Driver. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including Car and Driver, Esquire, Forbes, Hot Rod, Motor Trend, MPH, MSN, and Popular Mechanics, among others. A Rust Belt native and tireless supporter of the region, he grew up immersed in automotive, marine, and aviation culture. A lifetime of hands-on experience and a healthy dose of skepticism provide him the tools to deliver honest and informative news, reviews, and editorial perspective. Of note, he once won a $5 bet by walking the entire length of the elevated People Mover up track that encircles downtown Detroit. More