The New Mercedes-Benz S-Class combines luxury craftsmanship with next-gen intelligence making it their smartest vehicle yet
Published on Jan 29, 2026 at 10:16 PM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody
Last updated on Jan 29, 2026 at 10:52 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
Mercedes-Benz wants to overhaul the luxury sedan, and they’re starting with the S-Class.
The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is coming with all-new tech, comfort, and driver assistance systems.
The luxury carmaker is trying to prove that sedans aren’t a dying segment.
And after a closer look at this new S-Class, they might be right.
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The S-Class will be packed with new technology
The S-Class has long been used by Mercedes-Benz as a showcase for new technology.
Features that appear here often set the tone for future models.
This update follows that pattern, with Mercedes-Benz confirming that more than half of the S-Class has been newly developed or reworked.
A major part of that work sits in the car’s digital foundation.
Mercedes-Benz has introduced a new in-house operating system called MB.OS, which connects infotainment, navigation, driver assistance, and vehicle controls.
In simple terms, it acts as the central brain of the car, allowing different systems to work together more smoothly.
It also enables over-the-air updates, meaning some features can be updated after the car has been delivered.
Inside, the S-Class adopts the latest version of the MBUX infotainment system, now spread across a wide, high-resolution display layout.
The screens are designed to adapt based on who is sitting where, showing relevant information to the driver and passengers without unnecessary clutter.
Mercedes-Benz has also updated voice control so it can handle more natural requests, reducing the need to memorise set commands.
Driver assistance systems are also getting an update.
The S-Class uses a network of cameras, radar sensors, and ultrasonic sensors to support functions like adaptive cruise control, lane assistance, and automated braking.
While these systems are designed to assist you in heavy traffic and on longer journeys, Mercedes says it still requires the driver’s full attention behind the wheel.
Navigation now includes a visual representation of surrounding traffic and road layouts.
Rather than simply following arrows, drivers can see nearby vehicles and how the car understands its surroundings.
The aim is to make the system easier to trust by showing what the car is reacting to in real time.
Comfort still comes first in the new luxury sedan
Despite the emphasis on software, comfort remains a defining feature of the S-Class.
Mercedes-Benz has introduced a series of updates aimed at improving how the car feels over long periods.
These include improved climate control, advanced air filtration, and features such as heated seat belts, which are designed to improve comfort in colder climates.
Rear-seat passengers’ comfort hasn’t been forgotten either.
The S-Class offers larger screens, more control over climate and entertainment, and expanded connectivity options in the back.
This reflects the car’s continued role as a chauffeur-driven luxury sedan in many markets, where rear comfort matters as much as the driving experience.
The updated S-Class is offered with several powertrain options, but the standout is the continued presence of a V8.
At a time when large-capacity engines are disappearing from most brands, Mercedes-Benz is still offering a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 in the S 580, producing 537 horsepower, a decision that feels increasingly rare in this segment
Mercedes-Benz has focused on refining these drivetrains for smoother operation and improved efficiency, while ensuring the model meets current and upcoming emissions requirements.
The update also says something about where Mercedes-Benz believes the luxury sedan is headed.
While SUVs continue to absorb much of the market’s attention, the level of development behind the S-Class suggests the segment is not being written off.
Instead, Mercedes-Benz is continuing to refine the sedan as a technology-led flagship, one that prioritises comfort and digital capability over outright size or height.
In that context, the S-Class stands as a reminder that the luxury sedan still has relevance, even as the wider market continues to shift.
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Callum has vast and varied experience, presenting a radio show and founding his own magazine to name just a couple of his accolades. In addition to his role as PR & Partnerships Coordinator, liaising with the most prestigious car brands in the world, Callum also heads up the website’s daily news. When he's not at his desk he can be found testing out the ASMR and driving UX of the latest supercar and EV launches.
