2026 Mercedes-Benz S-class spy update

The current generation of Mercedes' flagship sedan, the W223, debuted in 2020 as a 2021 model. Mercedes tends to start updating cars after 4 years, which traditionally marks the midpoint of the car lifecycle of the car manufacturer, but this update is 1 year behind its schedule.

It points to the current S-Class having a longer shelf life and is likely to be part of the fallout from the automaker's recent decision to continue selling gas-powered cars beyond 2030, a date the automaker previously thought would be a full electric brand.

Selling the current gas-powered model longer would buy time for Mercedes to wait for how the Ev market will develop and potentially prepare a previously unplanned successor for the gas lineup. For the Gle and GLS classes, Mercedes is preparing a second update to extend the shelf life of those vehicles, and there are rumors that this S-class generation will also receive a second update at some point before it is finally replaced by an electric successor.

Judging by the camouflage gear of the s-class prototype, the update will consist of new headlights and a larger grille. The new grille is clearly visible extending down towards the front fascia. The rear section is heavily camouflaged, suggesting that there are some changes going on there as well. According to our photographer, the dashboard was also covered in the area.

The S-Class is currently available in the U.S. with a base turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 with s580e-grade mild hybrid technology and the same engine paired with the s580e-grade plug-in hybrid system.

Buyers who opt for the S63E performance from AMG will receive a twin-turbo V-8 paired with a good plug-in hybrid system for a total of 791 hp, while the range-topping S680 grade from Maybach will still have a good twin-turbocharged system for 621 hp. In 6.0-liter V-12 can have.

It has also been discovered that Mercedes is testing a major update to EQS, which will also be introduced in the 2026 model.