10 things you need to know about the refreshed 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

KUALA LUMPUR: This new S-Class refresh is not about a new bumper and calling it a day.

Mercedes-Benz says more than half the car has been reworked, and the biggest changes are the ones you will notice at night and the ones you will not see at all, like the new MB.OS software architecture.

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Here are 10 quick takeaways.

1) This is a deep update, not just new bumpers

Mercedes says more than 50% of the car has been newly developed, updated or refined, around 2,700 components. That is an unusually wide sweep for one generation.

2) New look at night, illuminated star and a larger illuminated grille

For the first time, there is an optionally illuminated Mercedes star on the bonnet, paired with an illuminated grille that is about 20% larger. It is clearly designed to make the S-Class instantly recognisable after dark.

3) DIGITAL LIGHT gets a major lighting hardware upgrade

The new twin-star DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps use micro-LED tech and Mercedes claims a 40% larger high-resolution illumination field than before. ULTRA RANGE high beam is quoted at up to 600 m, with smarter light distribution to improve night visibility without dazzling other drivers.

4) MB.OS is the real story, the S-Class becomes software-led

The S-Class now runs on MB.OS (Mercedes-Benz Operating System), a new computing and electrical architecture that connects systems into one ecosystem. The big benefit Mercedes is pushing is over-the-air updates for multiple vehicle functions, to keep the car current longer.

5) Driver assist is upgraded with a heavier sensor suite

Mercedes lists 10 external cameras, 5 radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors, managed by a new high-performance control unit and AI processing. Standard kit includes MB.DRIVE ASSIST functions like adaptive cruise with steering support and lane change assistance.

6) MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO depends on your market

The flagship assistance feature, MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO, is described as supporting point-to-point driving in dense urban traffic. Availability is market-led, Mercedes says it starts in China, then the United States, and other markets follow only when regulations allow.

7) Parking tech adds new tricks

Parking assist now detects spaces earlier, supports angled parking, and can even help the car exit a parking space after a manual park. There is also an upgraded 360-degree camera interface, including rim protection warnings in certain functions.

8) The MBUX Superscreen is now standard

Inside, the new S-Class standardises the MBUX Superscreen, combining a 14.4-inch centre screen and a 12.3-inch passenger display under one glass panel. Passenger content is managed to reduce driver distraction, depending on local rules.

9) “Hey Mercedes” goes more AI-driven, plus Google-based navigation

Mercedes says the latest MBUX brings more natural dialogue and multi-turn conversation, and it also integrates navigation based on Google Maps, including a 3D surround-style guidance view and an augmented reality head-up display to make city navigation clearer.

10) Rear seat is still a big flex, now with more “boardroom” features

If you are the type who spends time in the back, Mercedes is leaning hard into it. The First-Class rear setup can include dual 13.1-inch rear displays, two detachable remote controls, and built-in support for video conferencing. It is basically aiming for “mobile office” credibility.

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