The Breakdown
- The S-Class gets a flat-plane crank V8 with 530 horsepower.
- The six-cylinder gasoline now packs more torque.
- Rear-wheel steering (4.5 degrees) comes standard.
- Debut locked in for January 29.
Mercedes is off to a strong start in 2026 by sharing key details about its upcoming S-Class facelift. The flagship is undergoing the largest mid-cycle update in its history, receiving about 2,700 brand-new or updated parts. That amounts to more than half of the car being reengineered for the second half of its life cycle.
Ahead of its world premiere at the end of the month, the S-Class facelift conceals its styling revisions beneath a thin body wrap. Mercedes deliberately cut openings in the camouflage to reveal the three-pointed star motif within the headlights and taillights. Stuttgart’s range-topper follows other recent models that integrate the iconic logo directly into the lighting elements at both ends.
More significant changes are found under the hood, where the S450 and S500 receive an updated inline-six engine. The “M256 Evo” now delivers 443 pound-feet (600 Newton-meters) of torque, an increase of 30 lb-ft (40 Nm) over the previous S500. It improves further thanks to an overboost function that temporarily raises torque to 472 lb-ft (640 Nm). Horsepower figures haven’t been disclosed, but the outgoing S500 produced 442 hp from its 3.0-liter engine.
For buyers whose budgets can accommodate eight cylinders, the S-Class in S580 guise adopts the “M177 Evo” flat-plane-crank V8. Yes, just like the AMG GT Black Series and its "M178 LS2" engine. Mercedes extracts 530 hp and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm), marking healthy gains of 34 hp and 37 lb-ft (50 Nm) over its predecessor. Beyond the extra muscle, a new firing order and upgraded injection system improve efficiency, aided by a revised intake camshaft. Engineers also reworked the intake and exhaust ports, resulting in improved performance and lower fuel consumption.
The S-Class facelift will also be offered as a plug-in hybrid for customers choosing the S580e, which pairs the revised six-cylinder engine with an electrified motor. Combined output increases by 74 hp, while the battery pack is estimated to deliver more than 62 miles (100 kilometers) of electric range on the WLTP cycle.
Looking ahead, Mercedes will equip all gasoline-powered S-Class variants with particulate filters and pressurized fuel tanks. Diesels haven’t been neglected either, as the S350d and S450d receive the “OM 656 Evo” to comply with stricter upcoming emissions regulations. The German luxury automaker says it is the first to introduce an electrically heated catalytic converter in series production, enabling faster pollutant reduction after cold starts.
All three engines feature mild-hybrid technology via a 17-kW starter-generator, complemented by a 48-volt electrical system designed to reduce fuel consumption. There’s still no word on the mighty V12, but Mercedes has already confirmed that the twelve-cylinder engine will live on in the Maybach S-Class. The AMG S63 with an electrified V8 is likely to return as well.
Beyond the revised powertrains, the full-size luxury sedan finally gains rear-wheel steering as standard, albeit with a 4.5-degree setup. The full 10-degree system remains optional and reduces the turning circle of the long-wheelbase model by nearly two meters.
Elsewhere, the standard air suspension has been further refined to deliver an even silkier ride. The S-Class can now pre-adjust its damping electrically before reaching a speed bump, reducing the impact felt in the cabin. The system anticipates road irregularities by using cloud-based data collected from other Mercedes vehicles.
The S-Class facelift breaks cover on January 29, with the further-stretched Maybach variant following later in the year. Fun fact: Every third S-Class sold globally last year wore the double-M logo, while in China, the extra-long-wheelbase version accounted for half of all S-Class sales in 2025.
Motor1's Take: As substantial as this facelift is shaping up to be, it may not address the main complaints surrounding the W223 generation. The current S-Class has been harshly criticized for its interior design and heavy reliance on screens. While Mercedes remains tight-lipped about cabin changes, the updated luxo-barge is unlikely to return to a more traditional dashboard layout.
Doubling down on the star motif could alienate buyers seeking a subtler look. Even so, it should remain relatively discreet next to the BMW 7 Series facelift, which also arrives later this year and will retain its flashy, oversized grille and odd split headlights.
The Lexus LS is being phased out, and the Audi A8’s future is up in the air, leaving the S-Class with only a handful of rivals to face, including the Genesis G90. In a world dominated by SUVs, we're pleased to see Mercedes is investing heavily to freshen up its flagship sedan.
