The 2026 S-Class presents a refined silhouette, updated grille, and illuminated detailing that signals modern luxury without excess. | Source: The Car Wow
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class arrives as a major mid-cycle update rather than a full redesign, but the changes are meaningful. Mercedes refreshes its flagship with updated styling, a reworked digital cabin, expanded AI functions, and more advanced driver-assistance systems. The goal is clear: modernise the S-Class without altering what defines it.
At its core, the S-Class continues to represent Mercedes’ long-term view of luxury motoring. The 2026 update reinforces that role, positioning the car as a platform for new technology that will appear across the brand over time.
Design Updates
The exterior evolves rather than changes direction. The most noticeable update is at the front, where a redesigned grille is larger than before and paired with slimmer LED headlights. These headlights introduce star-shaped daytime running lights and improved digital lighting that increases night-time visibility, illuminating the road further ahead.
For the first time on an S-Class, the illuminated three-pointed star hood ornament becomes available. Elsewhere, the updates remain restrained, with new wheel designs and revised LED taillights that reflect Mercedes’ newer design language. The overall shape and proportions remain familiar, preserving the S-Class’ understated presence.
Interior and Technology
The 2026 S-Class cabin introduces the Superscreen layout, ambient lighting, and a calmer, more connected digital driving environment. | Source: The Car Wow
The biggest shift happens inside. Mercedes replaces the previous portrait-style touchscreen with its Superscreen layout. This setup uses three displays: a large central screen, a digital driver display, and a passenger screen. While smaller than the Hyperscreen used in the EQS, the Superscreen feels more integrated and less visually dominant than the outgoing arrangement.
A new AI-based voice assistant plays a central role in the cabin. It supports more natural conversation, can pull information from the internet, and helps with everyday tasks such as navigation, reminders, and note-taking. Mercedes presents this as a move away from rigid voice commands toward more intuitive interaction.
Comfort features continue to define the experience. Heated front seatbelts debut on the 2026 model, while features such as seat massage, heating, and ventilation remain core parts of the S-Class offering.
Rear-Seat Experience
The rear cabin of the 2026 S-Class prioritises space, comfort, and quiet control for passengers who prefer to ride. | Source: The Car Wow
The rear cabin remains a priority, especially for chauffeured use. Rear passengers get twin 13.1-inch screens that support video calls through built-in cameras, fast USB charging, and voice-controlled functions for productivity and media.
The rear entertainment setup delivers a focused viewing experience, placing function and clarity above cinematic spectacle. | Source: The Car Wow
The focus here stays on comfort and usability rather than visual drama. The layout favors individual screens and personal control, keeping the rear environment calm and functional.
Driver-Assistance Systems
The 2026 S-Class moves closer to hands-off driving in certain conditions. A water-cooled onboard computer manages adaptive cruise control, automated lane changes, obstacle avoidance, and predictive braking at traffic lights. These systems still require driver supervision and depend on regional regulations, but they represent one of the most advanced assistance packages available in a production sedan.
Overall, the update sharpens the S-Class’ strengths rather than redefining them. The 2026 model builds on an established foundation, focusing on smarter software, smoother automation, and everyday comfort—keeping the S-Class aligned with its long-standing role at the top of the luxury sedan segment.
2026 vs 2025: Evolution, Not Reinvention
The 2025 S-Class exterior maintains a classic luxury profile, with restrained styling that emphasizes presence over visual drama. | Source: Caranddriver
The 2025 S-Class interior centres on a portrait touchscreen and traditional layout, offering luxury with a more hardware-led feel. | Source: Caranddriver
Compared with the 2025 S-Class, the 2026 update shifts the focus from small feature additions to a more joined-up technology approach. The 2025 model brought useful updates like a standard digital key, added safety features, and more flexible trim options, but the overall experience stayed largely the same.
The 2026 S-Class builds on that base by changing how people interact with the car. Mercedes swaps the old portrait touchscreen for the Superscreen layout, introduces a more capable AI voice assistant, and expands automation across key systems. These updates do not change how the car drives, but they do change how it feels to live with day to day.
Under the skin, little has changed. Engine choices remain the same, as does the air suspension and the S-Class’ focus on a smooth, isolated ride. Anyone moving from a 2025 to a 2026 model should not expect noticeable differences in performance or handling.
Where the 2026 model stands out is in how intelligent and polished it feels. Driver-assistance systems work more smoothly, while features like heated seatbelts and improved rear-seat tools reinforce the car’s chauffeur-friendly character.
Overall, the difference between the two model years is less about hardware and more about software. The 2026 S-Class treats technology as a core part of the experience rather than an add-on.
Taken together, the update strengthens the Mercedes S-Class by refining what already works. It doesn’t reinvent the car, but it sharpens the details that matter most as the luxury sedan segment continues to move forward.
