Key highlights
- 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift revealed globally
- Features 150+ exterior and 400+ interior colour options
- Equipped with 7 screens, AI tech, MB OS digital architecture
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the mid-life facelift of the W223 S-Class in the international market. The German carmaker has gone berserk with the new S-Class facelift, as it features over 50% new or re-engineered parts. Read its complete details below.
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2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift: Everything to know
New design with more stars
On the outside, Mercedes has made some careful changes to make the S-Class facelift more upmarket. For example, it now gets a 20% bigger grille with 112 illuminated tri-star logos. Additionally, the redesigned bumper now provides better air flow, while the new tri-LED headlamps offer 40% more brightness with the Mercedes Digital Light than the outgoing version.
While the overall dimensions and the side profile are nearly unaltered, it now features new alloy wheel options, including a 50-spoke rim made from the new pressure-cast technology. The rear design now gets the new LED taillights with triple tri-star logo and a new bumper.
7 screens, AI, and more interior customisation
The cabin experience of the S-Class has always been class-leading, and the new facelift takes things one step further. The big change includes the all-new dashboard that features the Hyperscreen full-width setup. Mercedes has replaced the MBUX with the new MB OS operating system on the 14.4-inch infotainment screen, which serves as the brain of the car.
The water-cooled MB OS is also assisted by AI and incorporates the Gemini, ChatGPT, and Bing. Additionally, it gets the built-in Google Maps-based computing and OTA (over-the-air) update support. It also gets the twin 13.1-inch rear individual infotainment screens for passengers, and the rear controller tablet is now replaced by two individual smartphone-like screen operators, which control all functions, including climate control, seat reclining, massage, infotainment, ambient lights, and more.
Other notable changes include the inclusion of the roller physical buttons on the steering wheel, redesigned air-con vents at the front, and more than 400 interior colour customisation options, which are suited with 150+ exterior colour options as per the choice of buyers. Customers can also opt for the Pinnacle Plus Package, which adds up to 43.5-degree reclining rear seats with ventilation/heating/massaging options and cushions.
For audiophiles, Mercedes has upgraded the sound system with the 4D Burmester audio that features 39 speakers, 4 exciters, and a 1,690-watt woofer.
Safety takes a step further
Another major update on the S-Class facelift is the introduction of the full self-driving or FDS technology. Although it will be offered in certain markets only, like the US and China, FDS allows a complete control takeover by the AI-assisted ADAS features, which do not require any physical input from the driver in certain conditions.
To achieve this, Mercedes has loaded the S-Class facelift with 10 cameras, 5 radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. The ADAS safety suite has also been expanded with AI assistance, which can easily detect potential threats in the surroundings.
Euro 7 engines with more power
While Mercedes-Benz has not added any new engine options to the S-Class facelift, the current engines are now Euro 7 emission-compliant. The 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine has been upgraded with the flat-plane crank design, which features the new dual balancer shafts to eliminate the vibrations and produce more power.
The power figure of this engine is reported to be 537 bhp and 750 Nm on the S540 guise. The AMG-spec variants are reported to have gone further in the top power figures. Additionally, the exhaust sound has also grown into a more mature growl than before.
Other technical updates are seen on the diesel engine, which now features an electrically-heated catalytic converter and improved insulation. Meanwhile, the six-cylinder petrol engine is now equipped with optimised air intake and exhaust ports, a redesigned intake crankshaft, and improved insulation. The PHEV variants are also upgraded with up to 100 km pure EV range, as opposed to the previous 75 km.
2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift India launch details
The all-new S-Class facelift is expected to arrive in India by late 2026 or early 2027. With more than 50% parts re-engineered or new, we expect the pricing of the S-Class will be completely revised and hiked.
Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz has already announced that the new India-EU FTA will not reduce the prices of its models.
