Discover the 2026 Mercedes S-Class facelift – a near‑complete redesign with over 2,700 new parts, heated seatbelts and advanced MB.OS tech. Explore the details today!
Mercedes‑Benz is gearing up to unveil the 2026 S‑Class facelift, slated for an official announcement on January 29. While billed as a mid‑cycle refresh, the German automaker stresses that this update feels more like an almost‑entirely new luxury sedan.
More Than a Facelift – Over 2,700 New Parts
CEO Ola Källenius revealed that more than 2,700 components have been either redesigned or upgraded, accounting for over 50 % of the vehicle’s total parts count. That level of change far exceeds a typical facelift and puts the new S‑Class among the most extensively overhauled models in Mercedes history.
Exterior: Bolder, Wider, and More Light‑Focused
The refreshed front end features a grille that’s roughly 20 % wider, giving the sedan a sturdier, more commanding stance. Mercedes‑signature three‑blade LED elements now appear on both the headlights and taillights, creating a cohesive, modern lighting language that retains the brand’s classic identity.
Interior: Next‑Generation MB.OS Platform
Inside, the cabin is powered by the latest version of Mercedes’ proprietary operating system, MB.OS. The new software suite manages the layout, connectivity, and a host of intelligent assistance features. Drivers will notice an upgraded central display with sharper contrast and faster response times, as well as a broader array of voice‑controlled functions and personalized settings.
Rear‑Seat Comfort – The “Best Seat in the Car”
Mercedes continues to champion rear‑seat luxury. Seats have been re‑engineered for improved ergonomics and can be further customized through the Manufaktur personalization program. An advanced AirMatic air‑suspension now adapts more intelligently to uneven road surfaces, a benefit particularly appreciated on the bumpy highways of the United States and Southern Europe.
Smart Road‑Learning Technology
A novel feature records rough road sections or severe impacts—such as potholes or speed‑bump encounters. The system uploads the data, together with GPS coordinates, to Mercedes’ cloud. Future S‑Class models can then pre‑adjust the suspension when approaching similar road conditions, enhancing ride comfort and protection.
Heated Seatbelts – A First for a Commercial Car
Perhaps the most unexpected addition is heated seatbelts, developed by ZF. The belts warm the shoulder and waist sections based on cabin temperature, ambient conditions, and light levels, delivering a gentle warmth during cold weather. This technology follows Mercedes’ earlier heated steering wheel, seats, and armrests.
Powertrains – Continuity with a Future‑Proof Outlook
The facelift will retain the current engine lineup, ranging from the mild‑hybrid 6‑cylinder to the powerful V8. Mercedes has confirmed that traditional gasoline engines are not being abandoned. A V12 may appear in the near future, while the new V8 has been tuned to meet stricter emissions standards.
What It Means for Buyers
With more than half of its components refreshed, the 2026 Mercedes S‑Class promises a blend of familiar luxury and cutting‑edge innovation. From heated seatbelts to AI‑driven suspension learning, the model sets a new benchmark for premium sedans worldwide.
Stay tuned for the official launch details and see how the new S‑Class can redefine your driving experience.