MERCEDES S-CLASS GETS A DEEP FACELIFT AMID DIP IN BIG LIMO SALES

The classic luxury saloon is under the kind of pressure that even the folks at Mercedes in Stuttgart feel bearing down on them.

Big SUVs are dominating many markets, economies are weakening, and electric competitors are catching up.

Amid this market turbulence, the S-Class remains the Mercedes-Benz flagship and is also still the best-selling luxury saloon worldwide.

However, the latest sales figures show headwinds are buffeting this limousine. In 2024, deliveries of the S-Class family, including Maybach and electric EQS, declined significantly. The Chinese market in particular cooled down noticeably.

In mid-2026, Mercedes is launching a revamped S-Class with prices starting at €121,356. It will compete with the BMW 7 Series, Tesla Model S, and new upmarket limousines from China.

To ensure that the S-Class's biggest update in the model's history is clearly visible, Mercedes has enlarged the grille by 20% for greater presence and illuminated it with LED technology.

In addition, the brand logo on the bonnet is illuminated, symbolically becoming a guiding star albeit not in the EU where such snazzy light extras are prohibited.

Many makeovers are limited to fresh headlights, bumpers, and a few software updates. With the new S-Class, the changes are much more extensive.

Internally, Mercedes refers to this as an “in-depth” overhaul. The aim is to ensure the vehicle remains digitally up to date throughout its entire service life and is technically closer to future model generations.

As the manufacturer announced at the premiere party in Stuttgart, more than half of the components have been replaced or improved. These include:

・A new operating system

・Enhanced driver assistance

・Improved navigation

・Extra comfort such as heated seat belts

・An optimized massage programs for the seats

Changes to the engine range

The engine revamp is particularly significant. The V8 engine in the range-topping S 550 now delivers 395 kW/537 hp and runs more smoothly thanks to mild hybrid technology.

The 3-litre, in-line six-cylinder engines in the S 450 (280 kW/381 hp) and S 500 (330 kW/449 hp) have more torque and accelerate better as a result. And the plug-in hybrids with an electric range of up to 100 kilometres now have 55 kW/75 hp more system power in the best case.

They are available as: S 450 e with 320 kW/435 hp or as S 580 e with 430 kW/585 hp.

In addition, the two six-cylinder diesel engines in the 230 kW/313 hp S 350 d and the S 450 d with 270 kW/367 hp are being upgraded to meet upcoming emissions standards and converted to mild hybrid technology.

2026-02-03T12:09:22Z