Mercedes-Benz S-Class Facelift Promises “Most Extensive Evolution” With MB.OS, Personalisation Options

Mercedes-Benz has teased its upcoming S-Class facelift, with a new video on its YouTube channel showing a partially camouflaged unit, with CEO Ola Källenius talking about the legacy of the company’s flagship luxury saloon. “This is the biggest refresh that we have ever done in the history of the S-Class,” he says in the video, before detailing several of the features that buyers can expect when the refreshed model goes on sale later this year. 

Celebrating 140 years of the automobile in 2026, the new S-Class is more than the average facelift, according to Källenius. “More than 2,700 parts have been either completely changed or refined; more than 50 percent of the vehicle,” he says. 

Among the updated design touches are an illuminated three-pointed star badge on the hood, intended to look like a sculpture on display. There’s a new “status-oriented” hexagonal grille with an illuminated border and embedded Mercedes-Benz stars, which is visible in cutaway shots in the video. Mercedes-Benz has also created fresh designs for all exterior lighting elements. 

On the inside, Källenius says every trim part has been refined for a sophisticated, understated sense of luxury. The best seats are at the rear, and a big promise the teaser makes is that the cabin is now quieter than before. Talking about the experience of listening to music in the upcoming car, he says “This is a concert hall — I’ve seldom been in a space where you can enjoy music better than in the S-Class”. 

As for technology, the new S-Class will completely incorporate the company’s MB.OS digital infrastructure stack, which is a ground-up approach to human interaction in the age of software-defined vehicles. Voice interaction will be emphasised, along with physical buttons and the use of touchscreen surfaces. 

Additionally, the new S-Class will be ready for L4 autonomous driving, which means a driver does not need to be paying attention in some conditions. The company is currently running its first pilot projects on streets.

Källenius also explained the company’s new “i damping” feature for its Airmatic suspension system, which leverages a “community” of S-Class owners to create maps of uneven terrain. If one S-Class experiences a bump in the road, it will send that data to the cloud so that other cars approaching that spot can automatically adjust their suspension. 

Buyers will also be able to completely customise the exterior colour and interior finishes of their S-Class. In addition to a selection of catalogue colours, the Mercedes-Benz Manufaktur programme will help buyers personalise their cars, down to the fabric and stitching.

Further details, including engine specifications and performance, will be confirmed when the new S-Class is formally launched on January 29.