WEB DESK: The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been a symbol of luxury and prestige, alongside the G-Class as one of the most loved models in the Merc lineup.
While it may not be the highest-selling vehicle in the United States, with 8,809 units sold in 2024, the S-Class remains crucial to Mercedes-Benz’s reputation for elegance and innovation.
Now, the luxury automaker is preparing to unveil a significant update for its flagship sedan, set to launch in 2026. Recently, a prototype of the revamped S-Class was spotted undergoing testing in Sweden, giving a glimpse of what to expect from this luxury titan.
Recently, some spy shots were leaked on the Car and Driver website, giving us an idea of how the next Mercedes S-Class might look. Although the car was wrapped, the images provide a glimpse of certain details about the luxury sedan.
Updates to the S-Class exterior
Among the most noticeable changes to the upcoming S-Class are updates to its exterior design. Spy photos from the Swedish tests reveal several subtle yet stylish tweaks.
Most prominent is the redesigned headlight, featuring a new shape that adds a modern edge to the vehicle’s front profile. The lights are expected to include a three-pointed star LED motif, a design element introduced on the taillights of the 2024 E-Class.
The grille has also been reworked, stretching lower on the front bumper, while the bottom vents have been subtly reshaped for a fresh look. One intriguing feature seen in the prototype is a cutout on the front fender, likely housing a forward-facing camera, suggesting that Mercedes-Benz may be expanding its already advanced driver-assistance systems.
Improved driver assistance
It’s likely that the upcoming model will further refine and expand these capabilities. The cutout in the camouflage could indicate a more advanced driver-assistance package, potentially introducing additional safety and convenience features.
The Maybach touch
The prototype spotted in Sweden is believed to represent the ultra-luxurious Maybach version of the S-Class.
This is suggested by the extra chrome trim around the side windows and the presence of camouflage on the C-pillar, where the iconic Maybach logo typically resides. The wheels on the prototype are less extravagant than those usually seen on Maybach models, but that’s expected for a test unit.
A second test car, likely a standard S-Class, was seen alongside the Maybach prototype, sharing many of the same design changes at the front.
While the spy photos primarily highlight visual updates, Mercedes-Benz’s “major update” likely includes improvements to the S-Class’s performance as well.
The current lineup offers a range of powerful engines, including a 442-horsepower inline-six, a 496-horsepower V8, and a plug-in hybrid system. The Maybach versions come with either a V8 or a mighty 621-horsepower V12.
Although the existing inline-six and V8 engines already feature a 48-volt hybrid system, stricter European emissions regulations could push Mercedes to further enhance its powertrains with more electrical assistance. The brand has confirmed that the V12 engine will continue to be available, but only in select markets.
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