Mercedes-Benz has pulled the wraps off the latest evolution of its S-Class, positioning it as a celebratory flagship tied to 140 years since Carl Benz’s 1886 automobile invention. The brand is treating this update as more than a simple refresh, describing it as the most extensive mid cycle overhaul within a single generation. More than half of the vehicle was revisited, with roughly 2,700 parts said to be newly developed or redesigned. The goal is straightforward, keep the S-Class at the top of the luxury sedan heap while pushing harder into software, connectivity, and digital features.
Company leadership framed the reveal as a statement about what the three pointed star still wants to represent. Mercedes-Benz Group board chair Ola Källenius put it bluntly in a long message that reads like a mission statement for the model line. “We are celebrating 140 years of Mercedes-Benz and 140 years of innovation and excellence. No car embodies this legacy more than the S-Class. Brilliant engineering, exceptional comfort, effortless confidence, timeless design. That is what the Mercedes star stands for. And that is what the S-Class delivers. The new S-Class remains our benchmark and our promise. It combines its rich heritage with bold ambitions for what comes next.” The language is lofty, but the hardware and software updates show where those ambitions are aimed.
Visually, the most noticeable changes are up front, where Mercedes is leaning into lighting as a signature. For the first time, the S-Class can be ordered with an illuminated Mercedes star on the hood, a detail that signals status even before you register the grille. The brand also cites a grille that is 20 percent larger in its illuminated area, along with new twin star DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps. Mercedes says the micro LED technology boosts the high resolution lighting field by about 40 percent, which is meant to improve visibility and enable more sophisticated light patterns.
The bigger shift is under the skin, where Mercedes is talking up its in house vehicle operating platform. MB.OS is described as the brain that acts like a supercomputer for the car, linking major systems into one ecosystem and connecting to an intelligent cloud for over the air updates. That matters because luxury buyers increasingly expect their cars to improve after delivery, not just age in place. Mercedes is also highlighting the standard MBUX Superscreen and a newer MBUX generation built around an AI driven assistant. The assistant still uses the familiar wake phrase “Hey Mercedes,” and the interface gets upgrades like a refined Zero Layer layout and MBUX Surround navigation that is based on Google Maps.
Powertrains remain a core part of the S-Class pitch, and Mercedes is spreading its bets with multiple electrified options. At the top of the gasoline range, the S 580 4MATIC with a long wheelbase uses a new V8 called the M 177 Evo, rated at 395 kW, which Mercedes also lists as 537 horsepower. Torque is quoted at 750 Nm, which is about 553 lb ft, and the company credits mild hybrid tech and engineering revisions for better smoothness. In the six cylinder gas lineup, the S 450 and S 500 4MATIC use the M 256 Evo and are said to deliver up to about 443 lb ft of torque, with up to roughly 472 lb ft available briefly during a “boost.”
Plug in hybrids also get a prominent role, offered as the S 450 e and S 580 e. Mercedes claims an electric only range of about 62 miles, and says the updated six cylinder engine works with an electric motor to raise total system output by up to 55 kW, which is around 74 horsepower, versus the prior generation. Diesel loyalists are not left out either, with the S 350 d and S 450 d 4MATIC using the OM 656 Evo six cylinder. One of the headline technical notes is the first series production use of an electrically heated catalytic converter, intended to improve exhaust aftertreatment efficiency.
Across the lineup, Mercedes says every engine uses an integrated starter generator rated at 17 kW, or about 23 horsepower, paired with a 48 volt electrical system. This setup enables functions Mercedes calls “sailing,” short bursts of electric assistance, and energy recuperation, all aimed at reducing fuel use without compromising the S-Class feel. Ride comfort and agility are also emphasized, with AIRMATIC air suspension available, an optional E ACTIVE BODY CONTROL system for more advanced damping over longer speed bumps, and standard rear axle steering up to 4.5 degrees. The message is clear, even a large luxury sedan should not feel clumsy when the road gets tight.
Inside, the rear cabin is being marketed as a true executive space rather than just a back seat. Mercedes describes a First Class rear compartment that can be equipped with two 13.1 inch displays, two detachable MBUX remote controls, and integrated video conferencing. The idea is to turn the S-Class into a rolling office or a quiet private lounge depending on the day. This is where the S-Class has traditionally flexed, and the new tech heavy approach is meant to keep it ahead of rivals that are racing to offer similar limousine grade experiences.
Safety and personalization remain central to the flagship narrative. Mercedes points to an improved adaptive protection system that includes PRE SAFE Impulse belt tensioners and up to 15 airbags depending on configuration. For buyers who care as much about individuality as technology, the MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure program is presented as a major draw. Mercedes says customers can choose from more than 150 exterior colors and over 400 interior colors, backed by consultations with specialists to tailor a highly individualized build.
Ordering is already being positioned as straightforward for shoppers who prefer configuring from home, and a German market reference price was provided for context. The Mercedes-Benz S 350 d 4MATIC is listed in Germany from 121,356 euros, which is roughly $143,000 at an exchange rate around $1.18 per euro. Final pricing and availability will vary by market, options, and powertrain, but the figure signals that Mercedes is keeping the S-Class firmly in rarefied territory. That is not surprising, since the car’s role is as much about brand identity as it is about volume.
For readers who want a bit of background, the S-Class name has long been Mercedes-Benz shorthand for its top sedan, and it has often introduced features that later spread across the lineup. Over decades, innovations like advanced safety systems, new suspension ideas, and cutting edge infotainment have frequently appeared on the S-Class first. The company’s references to Carl Benz point back to the Patent Motorwagen era, a historical anchor Mercedes uses to frame modern tech as part of a continuous story. Terms like 4MATIC refer to Mercedes all wheel drive system, while MBUX is the brand’s infotainment and digital cockpit suite that has grown increasingly screen centric and software driven.
If this new S-Class direction hits the right balance between timeless luxury and rapidly evolving technology, it could set the tone for what premium sedans try to be next, so share your thoughts in the comments.
