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The updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class may look the same, but the brand says it has tweaked more than 50 per cent of the components in its luxury saloon, including a brand-new V8 engine.
Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off a thoroughly overhauled S-Class range, but from the outside, you could be forgiven for asking what has actually changed.
The German brand’s range-topping luxury flagship may still share its outgoing model's code (W213), but the updated S-Class has been significantly updated under the skin, with Mercedes-Benz noting that 55 per cent of the car (about 2700 components) have been changed.
Headlining the updates is a brand-new V8 engine, the M177 Evo.
The 4.0-litre twin-turbo mild-hybrid V8 is assembled in Affalterbach by the AMG performance division, and now features a flat-plane crank for reduced vibration, better response and increased operational efficiency.
Power is up 25kW and 50Nm on the outgoing S580 V8, to outputs of 395kW and 750Nm, with peak torque available between 2500rpm and 4500rpm.
The new design allows the engine to spin up faster, assisting response, but also makes it lighter – although the claimed fuel consumption of 10.6L/100km matches the outgoing 4.0-litre 'M176' V8-powered S580.
The M177 Evo is mated to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that incorporates a 17kW starter-generator unit to aid with the smoothness of the idle-stop-start system, as well as provide a top-end performance boost.
It’s not the first flat-plane V8 to wear a three-pointed star either, with the slightly less luxurious and significantly more angry 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series supercar sporting its own version of a flat-plane-modified M177 V8, known as the M178 LS2.
Not all new S-Class variants use the V8, with global markets able to choose from smaller petrol, diesel and even plug-in hybrid options.
The full Australian range line-up has not yet been confirmed, but Drive will keep you updated on local details as the updated S-Class sedan's local arrival draws closer, which we expect in late 2026 or early 2027.
The new S-Class will be available in standard and long-wheelbase variants – a longer Maybach version will also be part of the mix – but in terms of the exterior, changes are limited to expert spotters only.
The already-handsome W213 S-Class now sees ‘star’ motifs incorporated into the front and rear LED lights, and the grille has been enlarged by a not insignificant 20 per cent.
Some markets will see additional LED illumination on the grille and even on the three-pointed star on the bonnet.
There are new 20-inch wheels manufactured using a high-pressure casting process that utilises recycled aluminium and reduces weight, but allows more intricate designs to be incorporated into the wheels themselves.
Thanks to even more involvement from the Mercedes-Benz Manufaktur customisation program, you can now choose from a staggering 150 colour options, just to make sure your new S-Class stands out from the pack.
The other big update comes courtesy of the car’s on-board supercomputer (now liquid cooled) and multimedia system, with the inclusion of a new MB.OS (Mercedes-Benz Operating System) powers the car’s infotainment.
There is always-on internet connectivity, enhanced Vehicle-to-X cloud-based communication support, and even the addition of more consumer-level functionality, like Angry Birds games, Disney+ streaming and Microsoft Teams video conferencing.
To add to on-road ambience, a 1750-watt, 39-speaker, Dolby Atmos-supported Burmester 4D surround sound system is available – perfect for that Microsoft Teams ringtone to really reach into your soul.
User interfaces – now the fourth generation of the brand's MBUX – have been updated for both front and rear-seat occupants, with front passengers able to use the 14.4-inch central touch display or their own 12.3-inch ‘copilot’ screen.
Those in the back have access to twin 13.1-inch screens mounted on the back of the front seats, which, if occupants are too far away while reclined in the business-class-style seats, can be accessed with smartphone-like remote controls.
Here, passengers can adjust the car’s audio, lighting, climate and even navigation destination. Fingers crossed they come with a parent lockout function too.
The on-board virtual assistant has been upgraded with support from ChatGPT 4.0, the navigation uses Google Maps technology, there is an intelligent air purification and vent-positioning system, and you can choose from over 400 different interior trim combinations, but we think the most groundbreaking improvement of all deserves its own paragraph.
The updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class now offers heated seatbelts that can warm your chest to up to 44 degrees.
Suffice to say, onboard comfort has always been the mainstay of the ‘Sonderklasse’, and with this, plus those lovely duck-down pillows, it has reached new heights.
Safety and assistance technology has also been improved, with the new S-Class able to perform turn-by-turn supervised self-driving in some markets, which is considered 'Level 2++' autonomy.
There are 27 sensors on the vehicle (10 cameras, 5 radars, 12 ultrasonic), with enhancements made to active and passive safety systems (including airbags in the seatbelts) to help the car better avoid or prevent an accident, as well as survive one.
Furthermore, ride comfort and compliance are now managed by an optional E-Active Body Control function (connected to the car’s air suspension), which will adapt to the conditions and roads that the car is on.
It will even prepare for new and dynamic bumps, obstacles, potholes and other imperfections noted by other cars, and subsequently shared with the MB.OS cloud-based server.
For urban mobility, the rear axle has a standard 4.5-degree turning ability, with an option to extend this to 10 per cent for even better stability at speed, as well as greater manageability around town.
No official launch timing has been set for Australia, but Drive expects to see the new W213 Mercedes-Benz S-Class arrive locally in late 2026, or early 2027.
With over 20 years of experience in digital publishing, James Ward has worked within the automotive landscape since 2007 and brings experience from the publishing, manufacturer and lifestyle side of the industry together to spearhead Drive's multi-media content direction.
