A Milestone Year for the Three-Pointed Star
Mercedes-Benz is celebrating its 140th year, and as part of the likely festivities, the German marque is putting its energy into something really relevant: a major update to its flagship sedan. The W223 S-Class is getting a thorough refresh. Mercedes is, of course, still keeping some details under wraps, but CEO Ola Källenius has already given us a surprisingly open preview in a recent video ahead of the official launch.
Mercedes is clear that this isn’t just a routine facelift. The S-Class is still the brand’s showcase for comfort, safety, and tech, and this update is meant to keep it at the top of its game for years to come. We already know there’s a new V8 and advanced autonomous driving in the works, but the preview video gives us a better sense of just how much is changing under the surface.
What’s Changing
Mercedes says over half the car has been changed or refined – about 2,700 parts in total. Some of these updates are easy to spot; others are tucked away. The S-Class keeps its familiar shape, but the details are sharper and more formal. The upright hood ornament is back, the grille has been tweaked for a stronger presence, and the lights front and rear have been updated, all while sticking to the S-Class’s understated style.
Inside, it’s all about refining what already works. Mercedes says every trim surface has been reworked to push the S-Class’s quiet, tactile luxury even further. Ride comfort is still a top priority, with updates to the Airmatic air suspension aimed at smoothing out rough roads and long stretches. There’s also a new cloud-based suspension system that lets S-Class models share road data, so the car can get ready for bumps before you even feel them.
On the tech side, this update is a big step. The new S-Class is the first to run fully on the Mercedes-Benz Operating System, or MB.OS. This is a complete overhaul of the car’s software, running everything from infotainment to rear-seat entertainment, over-the-air updates, and features Mercedes hasn’t even announced yet.
The new S-Class will also benefit from the continued evolution of the brand’s Pre-Safe and active safety systems, while Manufaktur Made to Measure will offer near-unlimited exterior color choices and expanded customization options, inside and out.
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Everything Will Be Revealed Soon
While not mentioned in the video, the biggest surprise under the hood will be a new V8. Mercedes confirms the refreshed S-Class will get a flat-plane-crank V8, which is a big change for the flagship sedan. It points to a more performance-oriented character, but without turning the S-Class into a full-blown AMG.
Autonomous driving is still a major focus. Mercedes says the updated S-Class is already hardware-ready for Level 4 autonomy, with pilot programs running in controlled settings. Widespread hands-off driving will depend on local rules, but it has been clear for a while that Mercedes is building the S-Class for real-world autonomy.
We won’t for too long, as Mercedes has confirmed that the facelifted S-Class will debut on January 29, 2026. Market launches are expected to follow later in the year.
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