The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class gets a mid-cycle facelift with subtle exterior tweaks and a revamped MBUX Hyperscreen interior. Discover the updates and future plans – read more now!
First introduced in September 2020, the seventh‑generation Mercedes‑Benz S‑Class (W223) has been on the market for more than five years. As the German marque celebrates its 140th anniversary, a mid‑cycle refresh is slated for early 2026, marking a quiet yet purposeful evolution of the flagship luxury sedan.
Exterior: A Refined Evolution
The facelifted model keeps the overall silhouette unchanged, but a few details receive a modern touch. The front fascia now features the signature star‑shaped LED units that have become a hallmark across Mercedes‑Benz’s latest line‑up. The lower grille opening has been subtly reshaped for a cleaner look, while the rear incorporates a three‑point star motif that echoes the brand’s heritage.
Interior: MBUX Hyperscreen Takes Center Stage
The most noticeable change arrives inside the cabin. Rather than the traditional digital instrument cluster paired with a separate central infotainment screen, the refreshed S‑Class adopts the expansive MBUX Hyperscreen layout first seen on the EQS. This uninterrupted glass‑covered display spans the entire width of the dashboard, offering a seamless blend of navigation, media, and vehicle controls. Although the EQS is slated for phase‑out, its cutting‑edge interface now finds a new home in the S‑Class.
Powertrain Options: Balancing Tradition and Electrification
Mercedes has not yet released detailed specifications for the updated sedan. Industry insiders expect the lineup to continue offering the 3.0‑liter inline‑six mild‑hybrid (MHEV) across most trims, alongside a plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) variant and the high‑performance 4.0‑liter twin‑turbo V8 powering the S 63 E Performance model.
Strategic Context: Towards a Unified Luxury Platform
The facelift arrives during Mercedes‑Benz’s broader electrification transition. With the EQS facing modest sales, the company appears to be aligning its pure‑electric and internal‑combustion offerings, a strategy mirrored by rivals such as BMW, which is blending design cues between its 7 Series and i7 models.
Market Outlook and Special Deployments
According to local sources, the mid‑cycle S‑Class could debut in January 2026. In Vietnam, the model remains a best‑seller in the full‑size luxury segment, starting at approximately VND 5.04 trillion. Earlier this year, a pre‑release S‑Class was selected for a robotaxi trial in the United Arab Emirates, paving the way for Level‑4 autonomous driving demonstrations.
All eyes are now on the official launch, which promises to blend timeless luxury with the latest in digital cockpit technology.
