Mercedes Unveils S-Class Amidst Celebrating 140 Years

February 23, 2026

Roberto Baldwin

Mercedes moves toward a more traditional feel with the latest S-Class. *(Mercedes-Benz)*

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating a landmark. It's been 140 years since Carl Benz filed a patent for the first automobile. Fast forward to Stuttgart, Germany in January 2026, where Mercedes took the wraps off the latest generation S-Class, the jewel in the automaker's crown.

Each generation of the S-Class is meant to be the pinnacle of what the automaker is working on at that moment. For the latest version of the luxury sedan, Mercedes says that 50% of the vehicle has been newly developed, updated, or refined. Much of the development and updates have to do with technology, specifically, the company's SDV (software-defined vehicle) platform.

Software base

Underpinning the S-class is the latest version of MB.OS. Outfitted with multiple computers connected via Ethernet, the platform optimizes how the vehicle talks with individual parts in a way that allows Mercedes to quickly pivot during the development and upgrade stages of a vehicle. New hardware can be placed within the vehicle more quickly because Mercedes wields more control over the integration of software and hardware via MB.OS.

The interior gets the full Mercedes tech update. *(Mercedes-Benz)*

For drivers, the system delivers the fourth-generation MBUX infotainment system with the automaker's Zero Layer interface that surfaces frequently used items based on the driver's behavior as widgets over a map. A new AI assistant uses Microsoft Bing, Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent, and ChatGPT4 to find information for the driver while the voice assistant continues to provide vehicle control support via Mercedes. As for which AI assistant is used for each query, Mercedes says that it sends the question to all available assistants and determines which information is more relevant (or correct) before determining which to share with the driver. For the customer, this is a seamless integration without having to worry about the backend via the animated Mercedes assistant within the infotainment system.

This extends to the 12.3 in front passenger and dual 13.1-in rear detachable passenger screens. The front display uses an in-car sensor to detect when the driver is looking at it and shuts down for safety. When asked about the front passenger display, Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius told SAE Media that the display is important for Asian markets and especially China, which Källenius noted was a very important market.

The driver’s assistant

The rear seat continues to offer first-class accommodations. *(Mercedes-Benz)*

As shown in our recent ride-along in the CLA with MB.Drive Assist Pro, Mercedes continues its move towards a self-driving vehicle. The S-Class is set to be the centerpiece of that strategy. Along with the SAE Level 2 capabilities, the consumer version of the S-Class will have SAE Level 3 (hands off, eyes off) available by the end of the year, according to the automaker. This shouldn't be that big of a surprise. Mercedes S-Class vehicles with Level 3 capabilities are currently available, but can only operate legally in California and Nevada.

The big news out of the unveil is that Mercedes plans to launch a robotaxi powered by partners NVIDIA and Momenta. The vehicle will be outfitted with NVIDIA's Drive Hyperion architecture and the company's full‑stack NVIDIA Drive AV Level 4 software.

Mercedes will partner with Momenta to create the robotaxi experience and is teaming up with Lumo and Uber as the services that will actually offer the robotaxis. Källenius announced that the service will launch later this year in Abu Dhabi. The automaker stressed the importance of redundancies within its driver assistance and future self-driving vehicles with backups for steering, braking, computing, and power supply.

Mercedes, along with its partners, will enter an increasingly crowded self-driving taxi market with offerings from Waymo, Tesla, and Zoox already operating in select cities in the U.S. Building and deploying a robotaxi service is incredibly difficult. The current operators of the services in the U.S. have been plagued with stranded vehicles, collisions, and questionable maneuvers, including illegally passing stopped school buses.

Electrified

The taillights get the Mercedes star treatment. *(Mercedes-Benz)*

The S-Class will be available as an all-wheel drive 4Matic in the U.S. with three electrified engine options.

The S500 will be equipped with a mild-hybrid 3.0-L inline six capable of 442 hp (330 kW) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm). The S580e plug-in hybrid ships with an 3.0-L inline six pushing 576 hp (430 kW) and 553 lb-ft (750 kW). Mercedes says it is targeting up to 100 kilometers (62 mi) in EV-only mode for this PHEV. There are no EPA numbers yet, but we're guessing about 50-55 miles (80-89 km) of EV-only driving after the car goes through governmental testing.

Finally, for those looking for the most power, the S580 will have a 4.0-L twin-turbo mild-hybrid V8 under the hood that produces 530 hp (395 kW) and 553 lb-ft (750 kW). The power increase is due to a new firing order, intake camshaft, port injectors, and turbos. We can expect official EPA fuel economy numbers closer to launch.

Groupthink bump reduction

To reduce the bumps encountered in the real world, in addition to Mercedes outfitting the vehicles with Airmatic and E-active suspension, a new vehicle-to-vehicle communication feature will be launched. When an S-Class encounters a pot hole, it notes the exact location and shares that information with other S-Class vehicles as they enter the area. Those vehicles will prime the suspension as they encounter the pothole to reduce any potential impacts.

Traditionally new

As for the exterior, Mercedes has opted for a more traditional, larger grille. The company has introduced a light-up hood ornament, but it will only be available in certain regions due to differing regulations. Those looking for a fancy glow-up in the U.S. will be happy to learn that the ornament will be available.

While the designers reduced some of the more angled elements found on the current S-Class, the tech is still there, with cameras situated around the vehicle and a radar up front.

Cameras are also available inside for both front- and rear-seat occupants. Mercedes touted the ability to conduct video-conference meetings from the vehicle. The front seat camera requires the vehicle to be parked, so no on-the-go video chats for drivers.

The S-Class has to exist and appease two types of people. For owners who sit behind the wheel, the automaker has delivered the latest technology with promises of Level 3 support. For passengers, the rear seats are the pinnacle of luxury with access to their meetings, media, and comfort. We'll know more about how this all comes together when we have a chance to drive the upcoming S-Class in the coming months.