Mercedes-Benz’s flagship sedan, the S-Class, has received a major mid-lifecycle facelift. The 2026 S-Class is claimed to be 50 percent new compared to the outgoing model, which is quite high for a facelift. We delve into everything that sets the new and old S-Class apart.
2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift vs old model: Exterior design
Up front, the 2026 S-Class facelift sports reshaped headlights that incorporate tri-star LED signatures and are claimed to be 40 percent brighter than the prior model.
These flank a new, 20 percent larger grille that integrates tri-star-pattern slats and an illuminated surround; the bonnet-mounted Mercedes-Benz emblem is illuminated too. Lower down, the bumper now has larger, enclosed air intakes.
The side profile of the 2026 S-Class facelift is virtually identical to that of the prior model, with the only differences being new 20-inch alloy wheels and cameras on the front fenders and outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs).
Not much has changed at the rear of the 2026 S-Class facelift either, save for a smoother profile for the LED tail-lamps (they, too, get tri-star daytime running lamps), a slimmer chrome band and a redesigned bumper.
2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift vs old model: Interior and features
Superscreen replaces wood-panelled dashboard
Inside, the 2026 S-Class facelift sees a substantial tech-heavy rework. The outgoing S-Class’s wood-panelled dashboard and 12.8-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen give way to a gloss-black full-width panel that integrates a 14.4-inch central display, a 12.3-inch passenger display and a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display; Mercedes-Benz calls this setup the ‘Superscreen’.
An ambient lighting strip sits atop the dash and connects to identical strips on the doors, and there’s a new three-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel with more physical controls. The AC vents at the extremities of the dashboard are now circular, while the central AC vents have been folded into the single-slat design above the Superscreen. Storage spaces and wireless charging pads in the centre console have also been updated in the 2026 S-Class facelift.
Circling back to the Superscreen, it runs the latest iteration of MB.OS (Mercedes-Benz Operating System) and is touted as a ‘supercomputer’. Every function of the 2026 S-Class facelift, such as suspension, climate control, headlights, ADAS and powertrain, among others, has been integrated into the Superscreen. The AI assistant now combines ChatGPT, Gemini and Bing for more accurate responses.
Tech upgrades for rear occupants
The rear-seat experience is the defining factor for an S-Class, and the 2026 facelift brings a few notable upgrades here as well. There are dual 13.1-inch entertainment screens; the 7-inch central controller tablet has been replaced by two phone-esque units, and heated seatbelts are available as an optional extra. The car continues to offer 43.5-degree reclining seats with heating, ventilation and massage functions.
Other notable features for the 2026 S-Class facelift include a Burmester 4D sound system, 4-zone climate control, a dual-pane sunroof, connected car tech, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, auto park assist, a 360-degree camera, air suspension, 4.5-degree rear-wheel steering, over-the-air updates, and more.
2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift vs old model: Powertrains
Initially available only in PHEV guise in India
In India, the 2026 S-Class facelift is available solely in the S 450e plug-in hybrid variant for now, which combines a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline-six with a 22kWh battery and a rear motor for a combined 435hp and 680Nm. This is channelled to the rear wheels via a 9-speed automatic gearbox, enabling a claimed 0-100kph time of 5.7 seconds, an all-electric range of 115km and a 32.2kpl fuel efficiency figure (WLTP). The brand says a 10-80 percent recharge using a 60kW charger takes 20 minutes.
Mercedes-Benz India will later introduce the petrol-powered S 450 4MATIC variant as well, powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six paired with a 48V mild hybrid system. Its total output is up to 404hp and 500Nm, routed to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic, and the claimed 0-100kph time is 4.9 seconds. However, it is currently unclear if the diesel-powered S 350d variant of the 2026 S-Class facelift will make it to our market.
2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift vs old model: Price
The 2026 S-Class S 450e PHEV is priced at Rs 2.2 crore for the Launch Edition Exclusive Line variant and Rs 2.38 crore for the Manufaktur Edition AMG Line. Compared to the pre-facelift S-Class, which was sold here in three variants and ranged from Rs 1.85 crore to Rs 1.95 crore, that’s an increase of Rs 35 lakh at the base and Rs 43 lakh at the top end. However, their powertrains differ, and the upcoming S 450 variant of the 2026 S-Class is expected to be closer in pricing to the previous model.
Dipan Sur
Uday Singh
Saptarshi Mondal
