Mercedes-Benz unveils the W223 S-Class for 2026

2026 marks 140 years of Mercedes-Benz, a milestone the brand will commemorate with their most ambitious product launch programme. It starts with the W223 S-Class refresh that gets 2700 new or re-engineered components including a new flat-plane crank V8, increased digitalisation, upgraded luxury and – keeping with trends – a generous application of lighting elements to the exterior.

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class design

Standing proud at the leading edge of the vast bonnet, the Mercedes-Benz star is now illuminated, to go with the 20 per cent larger grille that is also illuminated around the edge. In case you’re wondering, this is Mercedes showing restraint. Unlike the new CLA and GLC, the stars within the grille are not illuminated; on the S-Class you get row upon row of accented three-dimensional chrome stars, too plentiful to count. The star-motifs continue to the digital headlamps, two in each unit, which now have micro-LED technology for 40 per cent better illumination along with ultra range high beam that has a reach of up to 600 meters. At the rear each taillamp incorporates three chrome-framed signature stars ensuring this update will not be filed away in the blink-and-you-will-miss-it category.

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class cabin and comfort

The S-Class has always previewed technologies that will eventually percolate down the range, but in the case of the operating system, MB.OS has been commandeered from the CLA. It beams into a three-screen setup – 14.4-inch central infotainment flanked by 12.3-inch screens on either side – the bodyguard in the front passenger seat finally getting their own screen to play with, or watch videos when the boss is not riding in the back. The front seats have up to 19 motors with six different massage programmes using vibration motors to enhance the effect of a relaxing hot-stone massage by combining seat heating with the inflatable air chambers of the seats.

There’s even heated seatbelts up front so the driver and bodyguard can enjoy, ‘A warm embrace’. Incorporating the Super Screen has necessitated a redesign of the dashboard which now gets digital vents along with two wireless charging pads. The new electric air purifier cleans the air inside in 90 seconds flat. Most importantly – and now this is something that will trickle down to the rest of the range – Mercedes have listened to our criticism of the touch pads on the steering wheel. The S-Class debuts the redesigned ’wheel which now gets physical controls – a rocker switch on the left spoke and a beautifully knurled rotary knob for the volume on the right. At the rear Mercedes claims the S-Class steps up from business to first class in the four-seater configuration. The backrest reclines up to 43.5 degrees, the rear seat leg rest on the passenger side rises by 50 degrees, there’s adaptive rear-compartment lighting, and an airbag integrated in the seatbelt.

The seats include massage functions based on vibration motors in the seat cushion and body sound transmission via the Burmester 4D sound system. Rear seat entertainment has been comprehensively upgraded with 13.1 inch screens in the back and new controllers replacing the old Samsung pad. The screens have an integrated HD camera while MS Team is integrated in MB.OS so you can jump into team meetings while being chauffeured to the club. The MB.OS also integrates AI as a virtual assistant.

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class engine options

On the powertrain front, the big news is the new 4-litre flat-plane-crank V8 that gets the M177 Evo monicker. The E25-compliant engine puts out 528bhp and 750Nm of torque in the S 580 and gets integrated mild-hybrid tech to boost low end torque while also recuperating energy. This engine will be further amped-up for the S 680 Maybach due in the next two months and the ballistic S 63 AMG that will be next in line. The six-cylinder M 256 Evo petrol in the S 500 is now more responsive thanks to a more powerful auxiliary electric turbocharger, cylinder head with optimised intake and exhaust ports, and revised intake camshaft. Peak torque has gone up to 600Nm with 640Nm available using overtorque that provides added boost during overtaking or acceleration. The plug-in hybrid in the S 580e combines this upgraded six-cylinder petrol with a 125kW electric motor to deliver peak output of 577bhp (74bhp up from before), 750Nm of torque and 100km of electric-only range.

The six-cylinder diesel engine has also been upgraded and while power and torque of the OM 656 Evo remains the same at 362bhp and 750Nm for the S 450d, the upgrades have centred around meeting future emissions legislation by the use, for the first time in series production, of an electrically heated catalytic converter. Both the petrols and the diesel features a 17kW integrated starter-generator and 48-volt electrical system which enables coasting, boost or recuperation and thus reducing fuel consumption.

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class chassis and technology

Dimensionally the S-Class remains unchanged and India, as always, will get the extended wheelbase (3216mm) version that measures 5289mm in length. Standard across the entire range is 4.5 degrees of rear-wheel steering while there is an option of 10 degrees of RWS which reduces the turning circle on the long wheelbase S-Class by two meters. The Airmatic air-suspension is standard with the option of e-Active body control and intelligent damping via Car-to-X that pulls data from other Mercs in the area to map out speed breakers and potholes and prep the suspension in advance of hitting the road imperfections. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 21 inches, with a gorgeous new 20-inch high-pressure cast wheel available for more precise spokes – 50 of them!

In terms of driver assistance there are 5 radars, 10 cameras and 12 sensors delivering Level 2++ driver assistance that can self-drive from door-to-door in urban areas including going through roundabouts and even changing lanes. China will be the first market to get this feature; don’t expect it to come to India when the S-Class arrives later this year, as part of 12-strong new product offensive.

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class availability

The first of these has already been announced, the locally assembled GLS Maybach, which also marks India’s entry into Maybach’s top 5 markets globally. Mercedes-Benz India’s focus will continue to be on the Top End Vehicles segment (TEV) which saw 11 per cent growth in 2025, contributing to Mercedes’ best-ever year in terms of revenue, with further contributions set to be made by the new Manufaktur Made-To-Measure offering on the updated S-Class. This includes more than 150 exterior colours, over 400 interior colours, and options including illuminated door sills with brand lettering, steering-wheel variants, emblem packages, and one-on-one expert consultation for customers to individually craft their S-Class – the flagship that still defines the category.