Mercedes-Benz is kicking off 2026 with a big promise for its flagship sedan: the S-Class is about to receive the most extensive mid-cycle update the model has ever seen. The company says roughly 2,700 parts are new or revised, which is a wild number for a refresh and a strong hint that this is more than a light touch-up. In other words, Mercedes is treating the second half of this S-Class generation like a full-on rework instead of a typical midlife tweak.
Even through the thin camouflage wrap, the design message is clear. Mercedes intentionally left peek-through sections so you can spot the new lighting signature, with the three-pointed star motif embedded right into the headlamps and taillamps. It is a confident flex for a car that already wears the emblem proudly on the hood and grille, and it gives the updated S-Class a nighttime look you should be able to recognize from a block away.
The bigger story sits under the hood. The S450 and S500 move to an updated inline-six known as the M256 Evo, now rated at 443 lb-ft of torque, plus an overboost function that can briefly push it to 472 lb-ft. Step up to the S580 and Mercedes swaps in an M177 Evo V8 with a flat-plane crank, a layout usually reserved for far more aggressive performance machines. Output lands at 530 hp and 553 lb-ft, and Mercedes says changes like a revised firing order, upgraded injection, and reworked airflow paths help it pull harder while also improving efficiency.
Electrification is part of the plan, too. The S580e plug-in hybrid pairs the updated six-cylinder with an electric motor, and Mercedes claims a combined output bump of 74 hp along with an estimated WLTP electric range of more than 62 miles. Across the board, the gas engines stick with mild-hybrid hardware via a 17 kW starter-generator and a 48-volt system, while upcoming emissions requirements bring additions like particulate filters and pressurized fuel tanks. Diesel fans are not left out either, with the S350d and S450d adopting an OM 656 Evo update aimed at meeting tighter standards.
Mercedes also tackled the way the big sedan moves through the world, not just how fast it can go. Rear-wheel steering becomes standard with a 4.5-degree setup, with a 10-degree system still available for those who want the long-wheelbase car to feel noticeably smaller in tight spaces. The air suspension gets further refinement, and the S-Class can now pre-adjust damping before hitting a speed bump, using cloud-based road data collected from other Mercedes vehicles. The full reveal is set for January 29, with the Maybach variant following later this year, which tracks with the brand’s own numbers showing how much buyers continue to gravitate toward the extra-luxury double-M versions.
Mike Floyd is a finance executive by trade and a car enthusiast at heart. As a CFO with a keen eye for detail and strategy, Mike brings his analytical mindset to the automotive world, uncovering fresh insights and unique perspectives that go beyond the surface. His passion for cars—especially his favorite, the Porsche 911, fuels his contributions to Automotive Addicts, where he blends a love for performance and design with his professional precision. Whether he’s breaking down industry trends or spotlighting emerging innovations, Mike helps keep the site both sharp and forward-thinking.
