Mercedes-Benz has given the S-Class a refresh so thorough it’s basically a polite reinvention. Marking 140 years since Carl Benz’s 1886 automobile invention, the updated S-Class arrives with over 50% of the car reworked (around 2,700 components), a bold new lighting signature, a new digital backbone called MB.OS, and enough rear-seat tech to make your laptop feel underqualified.
And yes—the iconic bonnet star can now be illuminated. Because sometimes luxury is also about being seen… from space.
What’s new at a glance (aka: “More S-Class than ever”)
- New presence package: Optional illuminated Mercedes star on the bonnet, a 20% larger illuminated grille, and next-gen Digital Light with micro-LEDs for a ~40% larger high-resolution illumination field.
- MB.OS supercomputer: A new electrical/electronic architecture that connects major vehicle domains into one ecosystem and supports over-the-air updates for many functions.
- MB.Drive assistance suite: More sensors + more compute for advanced driving and parking assistance; MB.Drive Assist Pro aims for point-to-point support in dense traffic (rollout depends on market regulations).
- New MBUX generation: Standard MBUX Superscreen and upgraded MBUX with an AI-based “Hey Mercedes” assistant, improved Zero Layer, and Google Maps-based navigation with MBUX Surround Navigation.
- Boardroom-on-wheels rear seat: Optional First-Class rear setup with dual 13.1-inch rear displays, detachable remotes, and built-in video conferencing support.
- Comfort and wellbeing upgrades: Heated seat belts, Digital Vent Control, and a new electric air filter with Energizing Air Control.
- Safety focus: Enhanced restraint system with Pre-Safe Impulse belt pretensioners and up to 15 airbags depending on configuration.
- Manufaktur goes big: Over 150 exterior colours and 400+ interior colours, plus made-to-measure consultations.
Design: the S-Class now arrives with a light show (tastefully, of course)
The facelift is less “new face” and more “new aura.” The grille grows by about 20%, gets an illuminated outline, and picks up a more three-dimensional star detailing. The optional illuminated bonnet star becomes the cherry on top—because why should only skyscrapers have signature lighting?
Mercedes also updates Digital Light with micro-LED tech, including Ultra Range high beam that can reach up to 600 metres (roughly six football fields). In simple terms: night driving gets clearer, and the road ahead gets fewer surprises.
And for that boutique hotel entrance energy, there’s even a side-sill projector that can cast “Mercedes-Benz” lettering onto the ground when you get in or out.
MB.OS: the new brain behind the badge
If the illuminated star is the theatre, MB.OS is the script, director, and backstage crew. Mercedes calls it a purpose-built operating system and “supercomputer” that powers infotainment, driver assistance, and vehicle functions under a new architecture.
The headline benefit: over-the-air updates for numerous features—so your S-Class can improve while you’re sleeping, not just when you’re paying service bills.
MB.DRIVE: more sensors, more confidence (and fewer awkward parking moments)
The updated S-Class packs serious hardware for assistance:
- 10 external cameras
- 5 radar sensors
- 12 ultrasonic sensors
- Plus a new high-performance control unit running on MB.OS
Standard systems include advanced cruise and lane support, with additional features available depending on market and package. Parking tech also levels up with earlier space detection and enhanced surround view, including rim-protection warnings (availability may vary by market rollout).
MBUX Superscreen + AI: your S-Class now does “natural conversation”
Inside, the big story is the standard MBUX Superscreen—a continuous glass surface integrating the 14.4-inch central display and 12.3-inch passenger display, with privacy tech to reduce driver distraction.
Mercedes is also pushing the “assistant that feels human” angle: the latest MBUX brings multi-turn conversational ability, a smarter Zero Layer interface, and an AI-powered voice experience. The result is meant to feel less like “voice command mode” and more like “co-pilot with manners.”
Navigation is now built around Google Maps, paired with MBUX Surround Navigation (a real-time 3D view of the car’s surroundings) and an Augmented Reality Head-up Display to make complex junctions less stressful.
Rear seat: now officially a workplace (with massage options)
If you’ve ever sat in the back of an S-Class and thought, “Nice, but where’s my dual screen productivity setup?”—Mercedes heard you.
The rear can be specified with:
- First-Class rear compartment (four-seat lounge layout)
- MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment with two 13.1-inch displays
- Two detachable rear remotes
- Integrated video conferencing support (because your calendar doesn’t care about traffic)
There are also folding tables, charging ports, refrigeration options, and enough comfort tech to make a premium office chair feel insecure.
Powertrains and ride: calm, composed, and quietly quick
Mercedes says the updated line-up brings new and refined electrified powertrains—ranging from six-cylinders and V8s to plug-in hybrids, plus diesel options in certain markets. Ride comfort remains core to the S-Class identity, supported by:
- Airmatic air suspension (standard)
- Optional E-Active Body Control
- Rear-axle steering now standard at 4.5°, with up to 10° optional for tighter turning circles and easier manoeuvring
There’s also a clever new suspension feature that can adjust damping before long speed bumps, using vehicle sensors and shared cloud-based road data—because even luxury hates surprise speed breakers.
Manufaktur: when “custom” means actually custom
The S-Class doubles down on personalisation with the Manufaktur Made to Measure programme:
- 150+ exterior colours
- 400+ interior colour options
- One-to-one consultation and visualisation tools
- Bespoke requests evaluated individually by specialists
In other words: if you can imagine it (and it’s technically feasible), Mercedes wants to paint it.
What Mercedes leadership is saying
Mercedes-Benz leadership positions the updated S-Class as both a heritage celebration and a technology statement—mixing “timeless elegance” with “AI-driven intelligence” and the brand’s long-running emphasis on comfort, safety and presence.
Sales launch and price (Europe)
Mercedes says customers can configure and order the new S-Class online from 30 January 2026, with the S 350 d 4Matic Saloon starting at €121,356.20/INR 1.33 crore (incl. 19% VAT). Leasing and business pricing options are also outlined as part of the launch communication.
