New Models Mercedes S-Class Revamped With Electronics and AI

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FAULHABER Drive Systems

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Mercedes is revamping the S-Class. The luxury saloon has been given modernized drive systems, a clearer operating concept and enhanced comfort functions that even warm the hearts of passengers.

You don't reinvent icons, you refine them. After five years of building the S-Class (model series 223), the luxury liner launched by Mercedes at the end of 2020 is getting one of the most comprehensive model updates in its history. According to Stuttgart (Germany), the engineers have adapted or replaced more than half of all components in the world's best-selling luxury saloon. The most important component is the introduction of the MB.OS software architecture with cloud control and over-the-air updates.

From the outside, the S-Class is immediately recognizable as the top model in the portfolio. Its length of 17.0 ft (almost 18.0 ft with the long wheelbase) is an automotive force to be reckoned with. Nevertheless, the 2026 model looks fresher and more prestigious, with an even larger radiator grille and illuminated star on the hood for the first time. It lights up either completely or just its outline, sometimes permanently or only when stationary, depending on local legislation. At the rear, new tail lights with three star-shaped, chrome-plated light elements continue the visual line. There are also new wheel designs and additional paint finishes as well as individual equipment from Mercedes Manufaktur.

Interior With Heated Seat Belts

The changes are more clearly visible and noticeable in the interior. The first heatable seat belts are not to be found in an electric car, where they would save valuable heating energy, but in the S-Class. In the cockpit, the glass screen of the fourth MBUX generation, which extends to the passenger side, combines central and side displays and reduces the number of classic switches. The superscreen combines an almost 14.6 in-wide driver's display with a slightly smaller screen for the co-pilots. That sounds like great cinema, but doesn't look as oversized as in the E-Class. Sometimes less is more.

The operating logic has been streamlined, the menus have been reorganized with 40 new apps and the computing power has been increased, which should make the AI-supported system noticeably smoother to use. The voice assistant is supposed to recognize connections better and take over more everyday functions. For example, the rear passengers can also talk to the digital companion by saying "Hey Mercedes". As is usual for Mercedes, the navigation system streams a camera image of the surroundings into the instrument cluster, which visualizes the course of the road, junctions and other road users. Accompanied by 3D information in the huge head-up display.

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Wood And Leather Plus Dolby Atmos

S-Class buyers like to sit in the back, where Mercedes enhances comfort and functionality. The relaxation and entertainment program includes a new sound system from Burmester with Dolby Atmos, a cooling compartment and temperature-controlled cup holders, as well as two larger screens with various streaming portals. And if you want to work, you can connect to video conferences via integrated cameras. Seat adjustment, climate control and roller shutters are easier to operate, and further improved noise insulation is designed to ensure even greater peace and quiet. New materials, including open-pore woods and a leather-free interior, extend the range.

Those wishing to personalize the saloon to a greater extent will find more choice in the Manufaktur range than before. Over 150 exterior and more than 400 interior colors are offered. And those who don't want to visit the dealer can book a consultation appointment and have almost any combination put together on the basis of digital visualizations. This means that the S-Class is developing even more strongly in the direction of customization—a trend that is becoming increasingly important in the luxury segment.

Plug-in Hybrid With More Range, Diesel Ready for Euro 7

There is also more engine power. As the top engine, the V8 Bi-Turbo in the S 580 4matic now sends an impressive 395 kW/537 hp with 750 Nm to the wheels. An integrated starter generator smoothes the start-up behavior and improves energy recovery. The six-cylinder in-line engines are given a little more torque, up to 640 Nm in short-term overboost, and should respond more directly.

However, the plug-in hybrids have undergone the most changes. Thanks to a larger battery, the electric range increases to around 62 miles, and thanks to a more powerful electric motor, the proportion of electric driving should increase significantly, even at high speeds. The enhanced six-cylinder diesels with a 17 kW starter-generator are fitted with an electrically heated catalytic converter, which reduces emissions after a cold start and makes the units Euro 7 compliant.

Swarm Data for More Driving Comfort

Mercedes has also improved the suspension. The standard, cloud-based air suspension now reacts proactively to bumps. The data required for this comes from other networked Mercedes vehicles that have previously driven over potholes, bumps or streetcar tracks and sent this information to the Mercedes cloud.

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The optional active suspension also adjusts the spring and damping forces of each wheel, suppresses rolling, pitching and lifting movements and stabilizes the vehicle when changing direction quickly. Rear-axle steering is also included as standard. The steering angle is only 4.5 degrees as standard. This is sufficient for a dynamic driving style and increases stability during quick evasive maneuvers. However, the rear steering only shows its full potential with the optionally available larger steering angle. The wheels then turn up to ten degrees when maneuvering, which significantly reduces the turning circle despite the impressive dimensions.

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