2026 Mercedes S-Class Debuts With New Tech and 140-Year Benz Tribut
Mercedes should definitely add this wrap to the options list for its updated flagship.
2026 is shaping up to be a major milestone for Mercedes-Benz. Not only is the brand preparing to roll out a wave of new and updated models, but it will also mark 140 years since unveiling its first car, the Patent Motorwagen. Recently, Harja.Tn spy photographers captured a prototype that brings these two moments together: a refreshed Mercedes S-Class adorned with a striking anniversary-themed wrap.
140 Years of Benz
This eye-catching wrap honors 140 years of Mercedes-Benz innovation—marking the moment Karl Benz filed the patent for the groundbreaking vehicle he had built the year before. Its gold finish and flame-like graphics make the prototype impossible to ignore, even though it’s meant to conceal key design details. With the front and rear still heavily camouflaged, it’s difficult to pinpoint every change coming to the refreshed Mercedes S-Class. However, a few expected updates are visible, including the addition of Mercedes’ signature star-pattern headlights. First introduced on the CLA concept several years ago, this branding-forward lighting design is now spreading across the lineup.
The front grille looks noticeably deeper than before, with a lower license plate mount compared to the current model. The camouflage also stretches farther down, hinting at an expanded grille design. The side vents have been redesigned as well, and the trim along the bottom edge of the bumper has been reworked to match the updated styling.
New camera mounts on each front fender suggest an upgrade in onboard technology. These additional cameras enhance the vehicle’s 360-degree visibility, enabling driver-assistance systems to operate more accurately, more smoothly, and in a wider range of scenarios.
Just like the updated headlights, the new Mercedes S-Class will adopt taillights featuring subtle star-logo accents. Their overall shape appears largely unchanged, but Mercedes is refining the rear bumper and side skirts with a fresh profile and added aerodynamic elements.
New Cabin Will Get Hyperscreen
Inside, the refreshed S-Class will replace its current portrait-oriented display with the Hyperscreen setup seen in models like the EQS. This wide, seamless-looking panel integrates multiple screens beneath a single expansive glass surface, creating the illusion of one continuous display. Unlike the electric models that use it, this version incorporates a physical engine start/stop button. The updated interior also features a redesigned steering wheel, signaling a shift back to traditional physical controls instead of the touch-sensitive buttons used in recent years.
According to our sources, the updated Mercedes S-Class will feature an all-new onboard computer to support its upgraded interior tech. It’s also set to receive a high-performance Nvidia chip, which should enable advanced Level 2+ and Level 2++ driver-assistance capabilities—likely explaining the addition of those extra cameras. The car will also introduce a new lighting element around the grille. It may not be cutting-edge tech, but it will certainly look the part.
Mercedes-Benz is counting on the refreshed S-Class to reclaim its throne. The model has traditionally been the executive sedan of choice, but BMW’s latest 7 Series pushed its rival to the top of the U.S. luxury sedan charts in 2024. Part of that shift comes from Mercedes separating its EV lineup under different names and platforms, yet it’s still a statistic likely causing a few restless nights in Stuttgart.
