Widely regarded as the benchmark for the full-size luxury sedan segment, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class gets even more luxurious for 2026. This big four-door competes with the Audi A8, the BMW 7 Series, the Genesis G90, and the Lexus LS, among others.
2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The latest W223 generation S-Class was launched for the 2021 model year and it quietly continues with only minor changes for 2026. Four trims are available, from a fuel-sipping hybrid to a rip-roaring AMG V8 producing over 1,000 pound-feet of torque.
For 2026, the exclusive MANUFAKTUR program has been updated with 40 different paint colors and 25 Nappa leather options. An Edition 580 package is now available with the S580 4Matic, adding Night Black Mango matte paint, black Nappa leather seats, and 19-inch AMG wheels. Finally, there's a new S500 4Matic Pinnacle configuration, giving the base S-Class access to Executive rear seats and four-zone climate control.
Design
The S-Class exterior exudes classic elegance, starting with an iconic Mercedes grille accented by the three-pointed star badge and hood ornament. There's no conventional illumination to be found here, as the S-Class uses only LED lighting inside and out. The S500 and S580 trims can be livened up with the AMG Line package that features sportier front and rear bumpers and exclusive 19-inch wheels. The AMG S63 E Performance comes with unique bumpers and 20 or 21-inch wheels.
Powertrain
The base S500 model is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 442 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. The S580e adds a plug-in hybrid system to the same six-cylinder engine, upping the output to 503 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque and providing 46 miles of all-electric range. Under the non-hybrid S580's hood is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that boasts 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The top-of-the-line AMG S63 E Performance pairs the same V8 with a plug-in hybrid system for a total combined output of 791 hp and a staggering 1,055 lb-ft of torque. No matter the powerplant, every S-Class is fitted with a nine-speed MCT transmission and Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
Interior
Depending on the rear-seat configuration, the S-Class sedan offers seating for four or five passengers. With the Executive Rear Seat Package Plus—a new option for 2026—the S-Class does its best impression of a business jet, giving rear passengers power seats with footrests and optional folding rear tray tables.
Technology
Every S-Class comes standard with an impressive 12.8-inch LED infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 15-speaker Burmester sound system is also standard, while an optional 30-speaker Burmester system delivers one of the best in-car audio experiences on the market. The 3D Technology package adds an augmented reality head-up display, a 3D instrument cluster, and facial recognition.
Safety
Every S-Class comes with a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, from adaptive cruise control to a self-parking system. With the E-Active Body Control system, the S-Class scans the road ahead and adapts the suspension for greater control. In the event of a side impact, this system will raise the suspension to help protect passengers.
Pricing and Release Date
As of this writing, 2026 S-Class prices range from $119,500 for the S500 to $189,800 for the AMG S63 E Performance. In between, you'll find the $130,400 S580e and $130,700 S580. Prices for the top AMG trim can easily cross the $200,000 mark depending on which options you choose. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is available now.
