- Spy photographers have snapped new photos of the facelifted Mercedes S-Class.
- The prototypes have an all-new front end with a larger grille and starry headlights.
- The updated sedan is expected to debut next year as a 2026 model.
Update June 6: The 2026 Mercedes S-Class has taken to the street again and spy photographers were on hand to document the outing. Thanks to this, we’re starting to learn more about the facelifted flagship sedan.
The era of the flagship sedan might be over, but Mercedes is working on an updated S-Class. It can’t come soon enough as the model will celebrate its fourth anniversary this fall.
Caught undergoing testing, the prototypes are still under heavy disguised, but hint at significant changes. While they remain instantly recognizable, there are a handful of updates including an all-new grille. Although largely obscured by camouflage, the grille has increased in size and is taller than the one on the current model.
More: 2025 Mercedes S-Class Gets New Tech And Improved Comfortable
The grille is flanked by new headlights that incorporate three-pointed star graphics. These function as both daytime running lights as well as turn signals. Elsewhere, there’s a new front bumper with revised air intakes. The prototypes also appear to have camouflaged mirrors, which suggests they’ll be updated as well.
Baldauf and SH Proshots
The rest of the design largely carries over, but we can see a lightly revised rear end with new taillights that feature star graphics. They’re joined by an evolutionary bumper. The S-Class may also incorporate some changes to the reflectors and exhaust.
Spy photographers didn’t get a look inside, but previous reports have suggested big changes are in store for the cabin. While nothing is official, the model is rumored to adopt an all-new dashboard that features a Hyperscreen display. The car is also slated to offer a front passenger screen, which is now in vogue.
Little else is known about the model at this point, but the current S-Class offers an assortment of engines including an turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six developing 442 hp (330 kW / 448 PS) and 413 lb-ft (559 Nm) of torque.
Customers can also get a 496 hp (370 kW / 503 PS) twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, a 621 hp (463 kW / 630 PS) twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain that has an electric-only range of 46 miles (74 km).
