Mercedes-Benz has been glimpsed field-testing prototypes for a revamped S-Class slated to hit the market toward the end of next year as a 2026 model.
The latest incarnation of the Mercedes flagship four-door, the W223, made its premiere in 2020 as a 2021 model. Mercedes usually rolls out enhancements for its vehicles after a four-year span, which typifies the mid-point of a vehicle’s model cycle for the automotive producer, although this revitalization comes a year later than usual.
This suggests that the present S-Class will enjoy an extended market presence, partly due to the company’s fresh resolution to continue offering vehicles with combustion engines beyond 2030, an epoch previously envisioned as the point of transition to a fully electric product lineup.
Lengthening the availability of existing models with combustion engines affords Mercedes additional time to scrutinize the burgeoning EV sector and possibly devise unexpected successors for its gasoline-driven catalog. Regarding the GLE-Class and GLS-Class, Mercedes is even charting a second rejuvenation to prolong these models’ market duration, and there’s speculation that this S-Class series might also undergo an additional facelift before being eventually supplanted by an electrified progeny.
Scrutinizing the disguised prototypes of the S-Class, the modifications seem to comprise novel illuminations at the front and rear and an expanded grille. The taillight designs exhibit star emblems seen in the latest E-Class, while the headlamps possess a comparable design, here applied to the indicator lights. The EQS electric hatchback is also anticipated to undergo updates concurrent with the S-Class alterations, which will include these star-shaped indicator lights as well.
The reimagined grille of the forthcoming S-Class is distinctly visible, plunging deeper into the vehicle’s frontal portion. The back end reveals extensive disguise, suggesting notable refinements to the rear portion as well. Our on-site photographer notes that the dashboard had coverings in places.
In the American market, the S-Class is presently available with an initial turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 featuring mild-hybrid technology in the S 500 configuration, and the same engine is combined with a plug-in hybrid system in the S 580e variant. An S 580 version, devoid of electrification, also exists, driven by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8.
Those opting for the S 63 E Performance from AMG are treated to the twin-turbo V-8 coupled with a plug-in hybrid system delivering a formidable 791 hp, while the sublime S 680 model from Maybach retains a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12 that generates a potent 621 hp.
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