Mercedes-Benz has offered an early glimpse of the upcoming S-Class facelift in a video featuring CEO Ola Kallenius, ahead of its global debut on January 29. The preview highlights the design, cabin, and advanced technologies of the flagship luxury sedan, which Mercedes claims incorporates "over 50 per cent new or revised parts" as part of its mid-cycle update. This extensive refresh underscores the brand's commitment to keeping the S-Class at the forefront of innovation and luxury.
On the exterior, the facelifted S-Class receives a more refined fascia, marked by a redesigned grille with three-point-star chrome detailing. The lighting signature has also been updated, with new LED headlights and tail lamps featuring three-point-star LED guides, adding a distinctive visual identity. Revised bumpers and fresh alloy wheel designs further enhance the sedan's presence. A particularly notable return is the iconic Mercedes hood ornament, absent from modern models since the mid-2000s. For 2026, it makes a comeback with illumination, alongside a lit grille surround, reinforcing the S-Class's blend of tradition and modernity.
Inside, the most significant upgrade comes with the introduction of the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). Developed in-house, this advanced software platform will oversee infotainment, vehicle functions, connectivity, and over-the-air updates. By enabling greater flexibility for future upgrades, MB.OS ensures the cabin remains technologically relevant over time. Mercedes is also expected to refine switchgear and steering wheel controls, with reports suggesting a return to physical buttons for improved usability-a move likely to be welcomed by customers who prefer tactile feedback over touch-sensitive controls.
In terms of technology, the facelifted S-Class will feature Mercedes' adaptive Airmatic suspension, now enhanced with a new iDamping function. This system allows the car to detect and share information about road imperfections with other S-Class models, enabling them to pre-adjust suspension settings for improved ride comfort. Such connected intelligence highlights Mercedes' push toward smarter mobility solutions.
Perhaps the most forward-looking revelation is that the new S-Class will be Level 4 autonomous-ready. Kallenius confirmed that Mercedes is already testing this capability on public roads, signaling the brand's ambition to lead in autonomous driving technology.