Over half the S-Class has been revised, from suspension logic to software architecture, without losing the calm personality it’s known for.
Mercedes-Benz refreshes S-Class for its 140th anniversary, updating over 2,700 parts. Features include a new V8 engine, MB.OS software, enhanced suspension, and improved autonomous driving capabilities. Powertrain and autonomy updates are also expected.
Mercedes-Benz is marking its 140th anniversary, and to celebrate, the German automaker is focusing on something highly relevant: a substantial refresh of its flagship sedan. The W223 S-Class is receiving an extensive update. While Mercedes is keeping some details under wraps, CEO Ola Källenius recently provided an unusually candid preview in a video ahead of the official launch.
This isn’t a simple facelift. The S-Class remains Mercedes’ showcase for comfort, safety, and cutting-edge technology, and this update is designed to keep it at the top of its class for years to come. We already know a new V8 engine and advanced autonomous driving systems are in the works, but the video gives insight into just how much has been reworked beneath the surface.
Mercedes reports that over half of the vehicle has been revised, roughly 2,700 parts in total. Some changes are immediately noticeable, while others are subtle. The exterior retains the familiar S-Class silhouette, but details are sharper and more refined.
The upright hood ornament returns, the grille has been redesigned for greater presence, and the front and rear lights have been updated, all while preserving the S-Class’s understated elegance.
Inside, the focus is on refining what already works. Mercedes says every trim surface has been reworked to enhance the quiet, tactile luxury the S-Class is known for. Ride comfort remains paramount, with updates to the Airmatic air suspension designed to smooth out rough roads and long drives.
A new cloud-based suspension system allows S-Class vehicles to share road data, enabling the car to adjust proactively for bumps before the driver feels them.
On the technology side, the update is substantial. The refreshed S-Class is the first to run entirely on the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), which integrates infotainment, rear-seat entertainment, over-the-air updates, and other as-yet-unannounced features into a single software platform.
The S-Class also benefits from continued evolution of the brand’s Pre-Safe and active safety systems. Additionally, the Manufaktur Made to Measure program now offers nearly unlimited exterior color choices and expanded customization options for the interior and exterior.
Although not mentioned in the video, one of the biggest changes is a new V8 engine. The refreshed S-Class will feature a flat-plane-crank V8, signaling a more performance-oriented character without converting the flagship into a full AMG model.
Autonomous driving remains a priority. Mercedes says the updated S-Class is already hardware-ready for Level 4 autonomy, with pilot programs running in controlled environments. Broad hands-off driving capabilities will depend on regional regulations, but it’s clear that Mercedes is designing the S-Class to support real-world autonomous operation.
The facelifted S-Class is set to debut on January 29, 2026, with market launches expected to follow later in the year.
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