- The 2027 S-Class introduces MB.OS software with OTA updates and genAI integration.
- New Digital Light headlamps improve night visibility, with high beam range extended to 600m.
- The (flat-plane) V8 output rises to 395kW, while rear-axle steering now offers up to 10°.
Mercedes-Benz has given its S-Class a heavy mid-life refresh for 2026, with the brand claiming more than half the car has been newly developed, updated or refined.
It’s a big swing for the world’s best-selling luxury saloon, and the upgrades span everything from styling and lighting to software, rear-seat tech and powertrains.
Star power, literally
The easiest spot is up front. For the first time, the bonnet-mounted Mercedes star can be illuminated as an option shortly after launch, paired with a grille that’s about 20% larger and also available with illumination.
New twin-star Digital Light headlamps shift to micro-LED tech, with Mercedes claiming around a 40% larger high-resolution illumination field.
Night driving gets a serious assist too: Ultra Range high beam now reaches up to 600m, and the system uses camera data and map intelligence to sharpen its cornering light.
A supercomputer in a suit
The new S-Class runs on Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), described as the car’s “supercomputer”, tying assistance, infotainment and vehicle functions into one ecosystem with over-the-air updates for a stack of features.
Inside, the MBUX Superscreen is now standard, combining a 14.4-inch central display with a 12.3-inch passenger screen under one pane of glass.
The latest MBUX Virtual Assistant adds generative AI support, including ChatGPT-4o and Google Gemini integration, plus a more conversational, multi-turn style of interaction.
Rear-seat life gets even more “boardroom” with dual 13.1-inch displays, detachable remote controls, and integrated video conferencing support via platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Webex.
More watts, more wiggle
At the top of the engine tree, the updated S 580 4Matic gets a new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine featuring a flat-plane crankshaft, now producing 395kW and 750Nm, backed by mild-hybrid tech. Plug-in hybrid variants step up too, with system output of up to 430kW and an EV range of around 100km (WLTP).
Agility gets attention as well: rear-axle steering is now standard with 4.5 degrees, while an optional 10-degree setup can trim the turning circle to 10.8m in long-wheelbase form.
Orders in Europe open today, with German pricing for the S 350 d 4MATIC listed from €121,356.20 (around NZ$240K). DRIVEN Car Guide understands Mercedes-Benz has not disclosed local pricing or on-sale timing yet.
