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Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift leaks early
21/01/2026
The Mercedes‑Benz S‑Class is on the verge of a subtle yet meaningful facelift, and thanks to a leaked teaser image we already get a first glimpse of what Stuttgart’s luxury flagship will offer later this year.
Don’t expect a revolution, but rather a clear refinement of design, technology and powertrains, exactly as an S‑Class should.
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New front end, familiar but sharper
In the leaked teaser we see the front silhouette of the updated S-Class, where the grille and headlights immediately stand out. Mercedes seems to be opting for a hexagonal grille with four horizontal slats, a pronounced central spine and an illuminated grille surround.
The headlights receive a distinctive star-shaped LED daytime running light, with a subtle eyebrow on top. This visually aligns the S-Class with recent models such as the EQS and the latest E-Class, while still maintaining its own stately presence. Elegant, technological and without excess.
Under the skin: more power, more refinement
There is also an update planned under the bonnet. Mercedes uses the facelift as an opportunity to modernise the engine range with more efficiency and higher performance, fully aligned with the European market.
S 450: Powered by an inline-six delivering around 600 Nm, with an overboost up to 641 Nm. That promises effortless smoothness, even at higher speeds.
S 500: Output around 442 hp, aimed at those seeking a perfect balance between comfort and performance.
S 580: This is where things get interesting. A V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft, producing around 530 hp and 750 Nm, putting the S-Class firmly back at the top of the luxury segment.
Electrification remains a key pillar as well. A plug-in hybrid S-Class returns, with a significant electric range for urban use while retaining strong long-distance capability.
More than a facelift
Although Mercedes has not officially confirmed anything yet, this facelift appears to be more than a simple cosmetic refresh. The S-Class remains the brand’s technological flagship, and this update will almost certainly introduce new assistance systems, refined MBUX software and possibly additional steps toward Level 3 autonomy, depending on market and legal conditions.
Verdict
The S-Class no longer needs to convince anyone. But this facelift shows that Mercedes is not resting on its laurels. With a sharper design, stronger and more efficient engines and further technological refinement, the S-Class remains exactly what it has always been: the global benchmark for luxury sedans.
