2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

DriveSpark (opens in a new tab) describes a facelift that keeps the overall proportions and platform but adds revised exterior detailing, new lighting, expanded digital functionality with Mercedes' MB.OS software and updated powertrain technology; body dimensions are unchanged, with revised bumpers and new wheel designs. Savvy Autos (opens in a new tab) calls the changes substantive enough for a meaningful step forward while falling short of a full redesign, leading with updated infotainment software, revised trim packaging and expanded standard safety features.

MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) lists the trim news: a Burmester 15-speaker audio system as standard with a 30-speaker upgrade available, more Manufaktur paint and Nappa leather colors on the AMG and Maybach versions, and a Maybach S680 Edition Emerald Isle limited to 25 units for the U.S. Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says three powertrains cover a 442-horsepower turbocharged inline-six to a 510-horsepower turbo V-8 plug-in hybrid, all with a nine-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive; MotorTrend gives the plug-in up to 48 miles of electric-only driving.

NHTSA lists no recall campaigns and no owner complaints for the 2026 S-Class so far, and U.S. News (opens in a new tab) reports no safety recalls and that reliability ratings are not yet available. A new model year with no complaint history is not evidence of reliability, only of newness; Consumer Reports collects owner surveys over time and has not published a rating for this year.

Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) lists the S 580 4MATIC at $131,750 and estimates a five-year cost to own of $145,045, which includes fuel, insurance, service, financing and depreciation, placing it in the bottom bracket of high-end luxury cars for cost to own. EPA rates the range at 15 to 23 mpg combined with an annual fuel cost of $3,350 to $5,150, the lower figure belonging to the six-cylinder and the higher to the V-12 Maybach.

U.S. News notes there are fewer rivals than ever, since the Audi A8 and Lexus LS are bowing out this year, leaving the BMW 7 Series and the Genesis G90 as the main alternatives. The 2026 BMW 7 Series is rated 20 to 28 mpg combined at $2,750 to $3,900 a year, with a plug-in hybrid listed at 35 miles of electric range, and the 2026 Genesis G90 is rated 20 to 21 combined at about $3,700 to $3,900. On EPA figures the 7 Series is the most efficient of the three, and the S-Class plug-in's 48 miles of electric driving, per MotorTrend, is more than the 7 Series plug-in's 35.