And yet, he is the best!
Whether we are lucky or unlucky, we live today in very difficult and unpredictable times.
Remember the phrase from the famous movie: “There is no stability... ".
In this time of instability, I wanted to distract for a few minutes all those who have paid attention to this work, to distract them from the avalanche of information about the SVO, negotiations, Greenland, Iran, Venezuela, energy truces, etc.
The fact is that a few days ago His Majesty the Automobile turned 140 years old.
On January 29, 1886, Karl Friedrich Benz patented the first automobile—a three-wheeled vehicle with an internal combustion engine and electric ignition. This day marked the beginning of stories global automotive industry.
Even today, 140 years later, Mercedes-Benz remains a brand that continues to shape the direction of the automotive industry.
The brand with the three-pointed star has been, is, and likely will remain a symbol of technical leadership, engineering precision, and innovation. And we can't ignore the prestige and pride of the proud owners and users of these cars.
That is why, on its anniversary date of January 29, 2026, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the new S-Class, a model in which 140 years of engineering expertise has been transformed into the current embodiment of ideas for the future.
The event took place at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. The location was no accident: here, the brand's past, present, and future merged, creating an environment that was perfectly suited for the presentation of the company's flagship model.
The internet portal mbpassionblog writes:
The museum presentation was deliberately calm and restrained—a departure from the often spectacular and flamboyant premieres of modern automobiles. Instead of visual highlights, the focus was on dialogue, details, and the opportunity to appreciate the car in person. This approach fully reflects the philosophy of the S-Class: luxury here is defined not by external presentation, but by its content.
With this act, Mercedes-Benz clearly demonstrated: the S-Class remains the benchmark – especially in an era of technological change.
I think that Matthias Geisen, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG responsible for sales, had every reason to make the statement:
The S-Class is the best car in the world. And it will remain so.
The new S-Class a few days before its unveiling. Covered in camouflage film, hiding it from prying eyes. Matthias Geisen poses nearby.
However, objectively speaking, the history of the S-Class W 223 series, a luxury car that debuted in 2020, has not always been accompanied by only enthusiastic reviews from sellers, auto mechanics and users.
Even within its home, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, the classic luxury Mercedes fell out of favor between 2020 and 2025.
At that time, the concern's stated primary goal was to transition to the production of fully electric EQS vehicles, thereby creating competition for itself. Furthermore, the Russian consumer was lost, while wealthy "new Chinese" consumers, big fans of the S-Class, switched en masse to domestically produced cars.
In 2025, it became clear that the environmentally friendly "green road" was leading to a dead end and would simply destroy the concern.
One of the characters in the Soviet film "Red Square" said:
A wolf can't look back; that's the way its spine is designed. But man isn't a wolf, and I look back and admit my mistakes.
And so the head of Mercedes, Ola Kolenius, finally publicly admitted that the previous decision was a mistake and announced the continuation of production of cars with internal combustion engines.
Words were all talk, but something new needed to be added that would attract attention and trigger luxury car purchases worldwide. And given that the company's profits had been steadily declining in recent years, and by 2025, compared to 2024, they had halved, there was no time left to develop and mass-produce anything completely new.
And then, in my opinion, an absolutely correct decision was made to carry out a deep “facelift” of the very successful S-Class W223 series model, which began in 2020.
Actually, a year ago, they had already done a little work on the car, but let's say it was a bit superficial.
S-Class 2025
And so, on January 29 of this year, Mercedes-Benz presented “the most extensive update in the entire history of a single generation of the S-Class.”
Once again, this beauty appeared before the public with 2700 new parts, components, assemblies, and elements of the exterior and interior, combined with elegant design, innovative technologies, and the stunning comfort characteristic of Mercedes, embodying the classic expectation of an S-Class: unrivaled tranquility combined with easy and smooth power delivery.
And how he imagined it, for the anniversary date, the 140th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz!
S-Class 2026
Exterior: status emphasized by light and chrome
Even before the facelift, the W223 body itself looked very, very solid, so the guys from Mercedes did not radically change its appearance, and this is right.
We did a little work on the front end and the rear lights, and I think we did a very good job!
The S-Class's grille has become noticeably larger, its area increased by approximately 20 percent. The 2025 model's three horizontal chrome bars have been supplemented by a third, further emphasizing the sedan's flagship status.
For the first time, the grille with its small, three-dimensional chrome stars is illuminated. Furthermore, the classic vertical star on the hood can now be illuminated, at the customer's request. This option is sure to resonate in the key markets of the US and China.
Visually, the update is understated and demonstrably confident. Subtle changes to the front and rear, redesigned headlight graphics, and refined details have made the exterior more expressive while maintaining the familiar lines of the flagship.
The headlights feature a new “Twin-Star” design, while the rear lights feature an LED optical system that forms three luminous stars.
Optics
The Digital Light system provides bright and clear illumination of the road.
The upgraded Digital Light system delivers a more powerful light output than its 2025 predecessor, with an illuminated area that's increased by a whopping 40 percent, and significantly more precise light distribution when cornering. This is made possible by the use of 25,000 micro-LEDs in each headlight, controlled by a powerful graphics chip.
Despite the increased luminous flux, engineers managed to reduce the weight of the headlights by 25% and cut the system's energy consumption in half.
One of the most impressive features is the ability to project high-resolution graphics directly onto the road. The optional Digital Extra package allows the headlights to "paint" warnings in front of the driver about lane departures, wrong-way signs, excessively short distances to the vehicle ahead, or a snowflake symbol when icy conditions are detected. During roadworks, the system automatically displays lane narrowing.
And finally, an innovation that's sure to please future owners and insurers alike. If a headlight is damaged, you can now replace the entire unit, which used to cost nearly €5000, instead of replacing the entire protective lens. A small change, but a nice touch!
All four wheels
A special touch are the new wheels. The multi-spoke 20-inch wheels are manufactured using high-pressure die-casting technology, making them lighter than traditional casting, with thinner walls and a sleek design.
Naturally, an AMG Plus Line version is also available. This includes AMG design, larger air intakes, a Night Package (tinted rear and side windows) with added black paintwork, 20-inch wheels, and dark chrome exhaust tips.
S-Class AMG Plus Line
My car is my castle
For high-ranking government officials and other citizens who require special protection and are willing to invest a certain amount of money in it, Mercedes-Benz offers the S 680 Guard, which provides the highest civilian protection level VR10.
The Mercedes S-Class GUARD is currently the only production saloon to offer factory VR10 certification for both transparent elements (glass) and opaque body elements (passenger compartment/vehicle structure).
The S-Class Guard's VR10 protection is provided by multi-layer armoured steel and composite materials, armoured glazing up to 90 mm thick, floor protection against hand grenades (ERV), and reinforced roof and pillars.
The S-Class Guard is equipped with Michelin PAX Runflat tires, which allow the vehicle to continue driving for up to 30 kilometers even with damaged wheels.
A vehicle with VR10 protection can withstand hits from 7,62×51mm NATO, 7,62×54R (SVD rifle cartridge), and armor-piercing incendiary bullets (B-32). All this can be achieved from a firing range of approximately 10 meters, with bullet speeds of 830–880 m/s.
Under the hood of the 4,2-ton Mercedes is a 6,0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine. With 612 hp and 830 Nm of torque, the armored limousine accelerates to 210 km/h (the previous version reached 190 km/h).
As the first GUARD sedan with 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a 6,0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine, the S 680 GUARD guarantees confident and effortless handling. Despite the added weight of the comprehensive safety system, the car achieves fuel consumption of 19,1 l/100 km.
The armored Merin is equipped with special security systems.
They include:
- A fire extinguishing system capable of fighting fire not only in the engine compartment, but also under the bottom.
- Fresh air supply system - at the touch of a button, up to 900 liters of compressed air can be supplied to the cabin, allowing passengers to avoid inhaling hazardous gases.
- Threat alarm systems and external communication systems.
The doors are equipped with a servo drive, as well as hydraulic window lifters, which are necessary for working with multi-layer armored glass of significant weight, which makes it possible to lower and raise them even in the event of a failure of the vehicle's electrical system.
All this ensures safe everyday operation of the vehicle, as well as protection of the driver and passengers.
Mercedes-Benz has not yet announced prices for the updated armored version of the S-Class, but the previous generation of the S-Class Guard model started at €547,000 in Germany.
New interior
The most radical changes affected the car's interior. The vertical central display was removed and replaced by the MBUX Superscreen system in the standard S-Class trim.
MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) is a digital platform for controlling and interacting with the vehicle.
The AI-powered voice assistant uses ChatGPT-4o, which provides more natural speech understanding, context preservation, and seamless conversational interactions. The system also works with Microsoft Bing and Google Gemini.
MBUX is context-aware and capable of engaging in coherent dialogue. To expand multimedia capabilities, Disney+, YouTube, RIDEVU, and Amazon Music are directly integrated into the system.
As part of the current update of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the developers have abandoned the installation of the latest generation of Hyperscreen, first introduced on the electric models of the EQ family.
Instead, the luxury flagship retains the familiar MBUX Superscreen architecture used in the EQS and EQE electric models.
A decision that some experts interpret as a step backwards, in practice reflects a more restrained and measured approach.
Unlike the Hyperscreen in the EQS, where even the instrument panel is housed under a single glass surface, here the 12,3-inch driver display (optionally available with a 3D display) remains a separate element. Meanwhile, the 14,4-inch central screen and the 12,3-inch front passenger display are united by a single glass panel, creating a visually seamless technological space.
Naturally, the Head Up Display remains an integral driver assistant.
The S-Class is equipped with a high-tech Head-Up Display, which projects key information directly onto the windshield in front of the driver. The system displays speed, navigation directions, driver assistance data, and traffic alerts, allowing the driver to stay focused on the road. It also supports augmented reality, such as lane highlighting, turn indications, and hazard warnings, creating the sensation that the information "appears" right on the road.
While assessing all these electronic gadgets, many experts still believe that the designers deliberately abandoned the ultra-modern and future-oriented Hyperscreen from the GLC EQ, thereby protecting their flagship model from too bold changes – perhaps for fear of alienating their conservative core clientele.
Even in its relatively "conservative" configuration, the new Mercedes' interior looks like a movie theater or concert hall from the future. And since we're talking about a movie theater, how can we not mention the sound?
A concert hall on wheels
The interior of the new S-Class is equipped with the Burmester® 3D Surround audio system, which creates real 3D sound thanks to special Burmester® algorithms and additional speakers built into the ceiling.
Music surrounds occupants from all sides, not just the doors. Each speaker is actively controlled using advanced digital signal processing, delivering incredibly expressive, detailed, and natural sound.
The top-of-the-line Burmester® High-End 4D Surround system adds a unique "fourth dimension. " The seats are equipped with vibration elements that pulsate and vibrate in time with the music, allowing you to literally experience your favorite tracks with your entire body.
In total, the 1,750-watt system includes up to 39 speakers, four exciter elements, and Dolby Atmos® support, transforming the interior space into an elite concert hall—all at the touch of a button.
Ventilation, switches, displays, etc.
The change to the front panel resulted in a new ventilation architecture.
Instead of four separate round air vents, a concealed slot-type air intake system is integrated into the upper portion of the dashboard beneath the decorative lighting. This solution visually cleanses the interior and emphasizes its horizontal structure.
One of the key technical innovations is the Digital Vent Control system (air flow direction adjustment). The system offers preset modes, including "Focus Driver" (for the driver) and "Relax Fond" (for the rear seat) – a draft-free experience.
Ventilation is controlled via the MBUX system or automatically, though manual adjustment is also possible. The driver can control the rear air vents directly from their seat.
There is one more small but extremely useful change.
Mercedes responded to the criticism by replacing the touch controls for the cruise control, Distronic (automatic distance control), and volume controls with mechanical ones. Now you don't have to fiddle with the plastic to find the right position.
For the first time, heated front seat belts (up to 44°C) are available for the model. According to Mercedes, this solution improves both comfort (the "warm hug effect") and safety, as the driver and passenger are more willing to forgo bulky winter clothing that restricts movement.
Rear passengers are provided with two removable MBUX remote controls, allowing them to control vehicle functions such as climate control and sunshades. The displays located behind the front seats have been increased in size to 33,3 cm. These screens are equipped with integrated HD cameras and are suitable for business video conferencing via Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Webex.
Hundreds of shades and safety
As befits an update, the S-Class received new trim options, including decorative panels, wood types and leather materials.
For the first time, a completely leather-free interior is also available for the model. The "Manufaktur Made to Measure" program offers approximately 150 exterior paint finishes, 400 interior colors, and a wide range of customization options for the flagship sedan.
Naturally, ensuring driver and passenger safety remains a top priority for the car's designers. Depending on the configuration, it can be equipped with fifteen airbags, including rear-seat airbags, as well as the PRE-SAFE® active preventative protection system, which prepares the car and occupants for a potential accident in advance.
The PRE-SAFE® system analyses the road conditions and the driver's actions and, if a collision is imminent, automatically activates protective measures such as pre-tensioning the seat belts, optimising the position of the seats, closing the windows and sunroof, and preparing the brake system for emergency braking.
Engines: the pinnacle of engineering in the world of internal combustion engines V8 M 177 Evo
On the Mercedes-Benz website we can read:
The new S-Class's powertrain architecture is based on engines that combine cutting-edge technology with exemplary refinement. The flagship engine is the V8 M 177 Evo, found in the long-wheelbase S 580 4MATIC. Producing 395 kW (537 hp) and 750 Nm of torque across a broad rev range, it delivers confident performance while maintaining a consistently high level of comfort.
An upgraded injection system, optimized intake and exhaust ports, a redesigned camshaft, and modified turbochargers contribute to rapid response and high efficiency. Integrated mild-hybrid technology supports the engine at low revs, provides energy recovery under deceleration, and delivers an even higher standard of powertrain performance.
The 4,0-liter V8 biturbo M 177 Evo is a true masterpiece of engine engineering. The Mercedes engine in the S 580 utilizes flat-plane technology, a feature common in high-revving sports engines like the AMG GT Black series.
The M177 Evo V8 engine integrates a so-called "flat" crankshaft (180-degree offset pins), which makes the engine more lively, sonorous and sporty, and at the same time, the engineers managed to reduce vibration and maintain the comfort inherent in a luxury car.
Thanks to the new design and redesigned firing order, the engine now runs smoother, and the response to the gas pedal is faster and more direct.
The difference in shaft designs is clearly visible:
Flat-Plane: angles 180°, all necks in one plane.
Flat-plane V8: alternating firing order, cylinders fire at 180° angles, which gives a sharper sound and quicker response to the throttle pedal.
Cross-Plane: 90° angles, cross configuration.
Cross-plane V8: smoother firing order, cylinders operate at 90° angles.
M256 Evo
The in-line six-cylinder petrol engines of the S 450 and S 500 (M256 Evo) received a more powerful electric booster-turbocharger (eBooster/48 V mild hybrid system), which assists the turbine in the lower rev range and almost completely eliminates turbo lag, especially when overtaking or spontaneous acceleration.
A starter-generator (ISG) with a capacity of 17 kW is integrated into the engine-gearbox unit.
OM 656 Evo
And of course, His Majesty Diesel!
The OM 656 Evo in-line six-cylinder diesel engine used in the S 350D 4MATIC and S 450D 4MATIC features a redesigned and improved cooling system, which enhances its reliability and dynamic performance.
All powertrains are equipped with an EQ Boost integrated starter-generator (ISG) producing 17 kW (23 hp) and approximately 200–220 Nm of torque, operating within the 48-volt on-board network. This makes the start-stop system virtually unnoticeable, maintaining coasting mode and providing additional traction when starting off.
Improved sound insulation makes engine operation extremely comfortable and quiet.
Furthermore, the OM 656 Evo engine in the S 350D and S 450D models is the first mass-produced diesel engine with an electric catalytic converter, which heats up the exhaust gas cleaning system and significantly reduces emissions – a middle finger to the smart guys at the European Commission who are demanding a complete phasing out of “dirty” diesels.
To increase engine durability, the designers have implemented a number of improvements, such as active crankcase ventilation, a more reliable exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, an improved liquid cylinder block cooling circuit and optimized cylinder head cooling.
All these measures increase engine reliability and ensure stable operation under heavy loads and long-term use.
Well, since we've touched on the topic of "dirty internal combustion engines," it's worth noting that "hybrid" engines haven't been forgotten either.
For drivers who want to combine electric mobility with the classic comfort of a combustion engine, the S-Class offers two plug-in hybrid variants.
In the long-wheelbase S 580E 4MATIC and S 450E models, the system, consisting of a six-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, produces up to 430 kW (585 hp) and 750 Nm of torque – 55 kW more than the previous generation.
The system is controlled via MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), the Mercedes-Benz digital driver interaction system. The battery, which powers the 120-kilowatt electric motor, has a usable capacity of 21,96 kWh, providing an all-electric range of 92 to 117 km, depending on the model and driving style.
It's quite enough for driving around the city.
Chassis and steering
The S-Class comes standard with Airmatic air suspension.
Airmatic-Luftfahrwerk is a proprietary Mercedes-Benz system that uses air springs with electronically controlled shock absorbers instead of traditional springs. It automatically adjusts the stiffness and ride height depending on speed, road conditions, and the selected driving mode, ensuring a high level of comfort and a smooth ride.
A more advanced system, E-Active Body Control, complements the air suspension with active hydraulic actuators on each wheel, allowing individual control of the force and virtually eliminating roll in corners, dive under braking, and body squat during acceleration, as well as actively lifting the body before uneven surfaces.
The key innovation of both systems is the intelligent damping control function. The suspension now uses not only data from the front camera, but also information received through the Car-to-X system (data exchange between vehicles and road infrastructure). If, for example, another Mercedes-Benz has already driven over a speed bump or uneven road surface, this data is stored in the cloud and then transmitted to other vehicles, preparing the suspension for the obstacle before it is visually detected.
In addition, Car-to-X transmits warnings about slippery surfaces, accidents, and other potentially dangerous road conditions, allowing the vehicle's electronic systems to adapt the suspension's operation in advance.
Rear-axle steering is now standard. In the base version, the rear wheels turn up to 4,5 degrees, improving maneuverability and stability at high speeds. At low speeds, up to 60 km/h (37 mph) or when parking, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels, reducing the turning radius and improving maneuverability.
At higher speeds, the rear wheels can turn in the same direction as the front wheels, creating a virtual lengthening of the wheelbase and increasing stability and road holding.
An optional system with a steering angle of up to 10 degrees reduces the turning circle to 10,8 meters, which is comparable to the level of compact city cars.
MB.OS is the electronic “brain” of the new S-Class
The new S-Class debuts the MB.OS electronics platform, which integrates the infotainment system, powertrain, and driver assistance systems into a single control center. Instead of multiple disparate units, all sensors and systems operate through a single, powerful computing unit, ensuring fast data processing and allowing the car to respond instantly to the road conditions.
The car is equipped with ten external cameras, five radars, and twelve ultrasonic sensors. Artificial intelligence algorithms analyze data from these sensors in real time, recognize other vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, and assess road conditions.
Depending on the MB.Drive system configuration, the platform helps the driver smoothly and safely control the vehicle, brake, and accelerate, adapting the suspension and other electronic systems to the current situation.
The new-generation navigation system displays a three-dimensional image of the surrounding area on the instrument panel. The route, vehicle, and other road users are displayed in three dimensions.
Technical data of the S-Class long (V223) 2026
Pricing and market launch
Mercedes hasn't yet released specific pricing information for all new models, but the 2026 S-Class is available to order today. The Mercedes-Benz S 350 d 4MATIC (W223) is available at a suggested retail price starting at €121,356.20 including 19% VAT.
True, you will have to wait at least a year for the beauty you ordered.
Incidentally, at the time of its market launch in 2020, the cheapest diesel S-Class cost around €93,000, while the petrol S 450 cost at least €106,000.
Conclusion
Well, dear friends, I think we've managed to get a pretty good, detailed look at and "feel" of the new flagship of the Mercedes-Benz empire.
Yes, thanks to the incredible efforts of German and EU politicians, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, like its fellow automakers, finds itself in an extremely difficult situation. But technological progress can be slowed, but not stopped.
The Germans have always distinguished themselves with their engineering prowess and have repeatedly managed to reach the pinnacle of technical thought and progress. This achievement, despite the fact that Germany was practically destroyed twice. We all know why and for what reason. And rightfully so!
The unveiling of a new car, embodying the connection between classic German automotive design and cutting-edge global IT technologies, once again confirms that progress can be slowed, but it cannot be stopped. Impossible, for now. человек разумный lives on our planet.
I would really like for reason to always win, because we are people, no matter what country we live in...
- Eugen Renk (Fachmann)
- Material and photos: Mercedes-Benz, motor1.com, JESMB, mbpassion.de
Source: https://en.topwar.ru