Happy Birthday Mercedes Benz, and say hello to the all-new 2026 #MercedesBenz #SClass!
For the first time in its history, the three-pointed star on the bonnet lights up. It seems Mercedes has finally decided to make a statement again. And it needs to, the W223 S-Class while a great seller — was a safe design, which was refined, predictable, and arguably a little too subdued for what is meant to be the ultimate #Mercedes. This facelift feels like an attempt to correct that, with the most extensive facelift the S-Class has ever received. Not just visually, but technically too - where Mercedes claims around 50% of components are new
More crucially, we have a completely renewed engine line-up that doubles down on combustion. First an all new revised V8, an updated straight-six petrol, new diesel, and plug-in hybrid — and even a V12 in the S Class Guard!
Mercedes calls this a “Welcome Home” for S-Class customers. The question is: have they actually achieved it? So today’s episode is a first look and fairly deep dive of thw new car — I’ll break down what’s really changed, inside and out, using RBR’s VFX approach to show you the detail most channels simply can’t.
In this video we cover:
Why the W223 needed a major facelift in the first place
Exterior design changes and road presence
The illuminated Mercedes Star & New grille
Technical updates beneath the skin
The new M177 EVO V8 Engine + AMG Link
Straight-six petrol and diesel EVO engines
Plug-in hybrid layout and electric range
Suspension, rear-steer, and E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL updates
S-Class GUARD VR10 and the return of the V12
Interior review and details
What this facelift tells us about AMG, Maybach, and the future S-Class
This car marks 140 years since Carl Benz’s Patent-Motorwagen — and there is no other manufacturer that can make that claim with more legitimacy than Mercedes-Benz. The S-Class has always been the reference point, so let’s see if Mercedes have strengthened its appeal in this facelift!
