Unparalleled confidence: More S-Class than ever

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Design refinement, MANUFAKTUR and the new S‑Class GUARD

• Confident new face: Larger illuminated grille and optionally illuminated Mercedes star on the bonnet for the first time
• Signature light design: Twin-star headlamps, star welcome projection and new rear lights with chrome-framed stars
• Elevated interior architecture: New standard MBUX Superscreen, instrument panel and centre console with extended sculptural trim surfaces
• New material worlds: Three new trim designs incl. open-pore woods and high-gloss metallic textile blend, new upholstery colour “Beech Brown”
• Leather-free elegance: New “stormy grey” colour first time in an S‑Class interior with refined Mirville textile highlights
• Expanded MANUFAKTUR choice: New sparkling black and verdesilver magno paints and vivid interior colours
• MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure: Over 150 exterior and 400 interior colours with pre-approved options, and new leather packages
• Made to Measure consultation experience: One-to-one expert advice with immersive Visualiser, Center of Excellence and Studio
• Dynamic presence, elevated: AMG Line & AMG Line Plus bring a sportier, more expressive interpretation to the S‑Class
• Unparalleled protection, refined: The new Mercedes‑Benz S‑Class GUARD with VR10^[1], the highest civilian protection level

Sovereignty in perfect form: New radiator grille signals status

One of the most striking changes is the even more prominent radiator grille, which is around 20 per cent larger than before. It now features four horizontal chrome bars instead of three, creating a particularly distinguished and status-enhancing appearance. For the first time in the history of the S‑Class, the grille is also illuminated. Tiny, hot-stamped stars in a chrome finish lend it a three-dimensional depth effect. As part of the Night Package, a dark chrome grille is available, paired with colour-matched flush door handles, among other features.

For the first time, the standard upright Mercedes star on the bonnet can be illuminated as an optional feature.^[2] A high-gloss black insert visually links the headlamps and radiator grille as a single unit. With a new twin-star headlamp design, the S‑Class boasts a distinctive look by day and night. Another innovation is the optional integrated light projector^[3] in the side sills, which casts Mercedes‑Benz lettering onto the ground to welcome and bid farewell.

The rear has also been reimagined: new taillights with three chrome-framed stars reinforce the model and brand image. The two-part trim strip on the boot lid, now finished in chrome and high-gloss black, is a testament to Mercedes‑Benz’s legendary attention to detail and provides a delicate finishing touch to the extensive exterior update.

Inside, the updated S‑Class is also a confident statement of status. The new instrument panel, door trim and centre console create an entirely new interior experience, blending digital and analogue luxury at the highest level. The highlight is the standard MBUX Superscreen, whose deliberately slender display unit appears to float above the trim surface. This extends into the doors, creating a new sense of spaciousness and generosity. The central air vents are now broader, forming a louvred band that also extends into the doors — a design cue echoed in the rear. The side air vents are innovatively integrated into the display landscape, while the seamless, three-dimensional lighting graphic surrounds the galvanised metal vent bodies.

The newly designed centre console further enhances comfort by emphasising the premium material experience with a larger trim surface. The centre consoles in front and rear can now be individually specified with a wide range of trim options. Three new trim designs make their debut: open-pore oak, a native wood that brings natural surface character to the S‑Class; open-pore amber-brown fishbone-pattern wood, where walnut features a V-groove and is tailored precisely to shape; and, as a technical-luxury counterpoint, a high-gloss metallic textile blend.

The new “Beech Brown” colour, inspired by the world of luxury fashion, is a highlight of the diverse interior palette. Contrasting piping and stitching in light tones showcase its luxurious character to perfection.

For the first time, the S‑Class is available with a leather-free interior in the progressive “stormy grey” shade. Alongside finely grained artificial leather, the high-grade “Mirville” mélange textile, crafted from linen and recycled polyester, is used. With its distinctive natural fibre look, this textile sets off the seat inserts and is paired with refined artificial leather side bolsters and deep white piping. An exclusive topstitching graphic, featuring open-edged diamond quilting that continues into the door panels, completes the package.

A wide range of customisation options through the MANUFAKTUR programme

For more than 120 years, Mercedes‑Benz has set the benchmark for automotive personalisation at the highest level—a legacy that continued in 2021 with the introduction of MANUFAKTUR, offering an even broader array of bespoke features. The new S‑Class is a prime example of the extensive individualisation options offered by the MANUFAKTUR programme. With a wide selection of exclusive paint finishes, leather and trim elements, the vehicle can be tailored almost entirely to individual preferences.

From 2026, the new S-Class will be available with additional MANUFAKTUR colours and further MANUFAKTUR options. A touch of stardust, for instance, is provided by the new MANUFAKTUR black sparkling exterior paint finish. The clearcoat over the deep black solid paint contains real glass flakes and sparkles like a starry sky. Also new is the MANUFAKTUR verdesilver magno paint finish as well as the interior colours tobacco brown, carmine red, lake green and corn yellow. The MANUFAKTUR Leather Package is now offered as an option in the S‑Class configurator, featuring a leather-lined roof, upholstered rear seat cushions and other exclusive leather-appointed elements.

Exceptional personalisation through dedicated one-on-one consultation

The new MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure individualisation programme elevates personalisation to an entirely new level, enabling customers to create a truly bespoke vehicle. It offers a broad selection of pre-approved options with fixed pricing and instant feasibility confirmation. For the new S‑Class, customers can choose from more than 150 paint colours and over 400 interior colours - and even explore the full spectrum of technically achievable colours, providing unmatched customisation options for both exterior and interior designs as well as additional equipment such as illuminated door sills with brand lettering, steering-wheel variants and emblem packages. Requests that go beyond this portfolio are assessed individually by the MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure experts.

With MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure, Mercedes‑Benz caters to its most discerning customers and delivers an exclusive, extraordinary experience. Consultations are provided by specially trained Made to Measure experts equipped with an extensive range of samples and materials. These tailored consultations can take place at the customer’s home, at a retailer or at one of the Made to Measure hubs.

The new Made to Measure Visualiser technology – a highly individualised consultation tool – allows experts to build immersive environments where customers can explore and visualise every detail of their ideal vehicle. The heart of the Made to Measure experience is the Center of Excellence, a pioneering facility near the Mercedes‑Benz main plant in Sindelfingen. This flagship location, staffed by the most experienced Made to Measure specialists, offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at interior craftsmanship – the essence of Mercedes‑Benz’s saddlery art. The new MANUFAKTUR Studio also provides a captivating view into a state-of-the-art, glass-walled facility where vehicle components are meticulously assembled in an advanced matrix production system.

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class – manufactured at the Sindelfingen plant

In 2026, production of the new Mercedes‑Benz S‑Class will begin at the Mercedes‑Benz plant in Sindelfingen. The top-end model is manufactured in Factory 56 – one of the most advanced assembly halls in the world. Flexible, digital, efficient and sustainable: Factory 56 embodies the future of production at Mercedes-Benz and sets new standards for the automotive industry when it opened. Thanks to maximum flexibility, Factory 56 enables the assembly of different models and drivetrains on a single line. At present, the Mercedes‑Benz S‑Class, the Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class and the all-electric EQS are produced flexibly on one line.

High-precision elegance: New 20″ multi-spoke wheel^[4] sets a new standard in design, manufactured with an innovative high-pressure casting method

The unique new 20″ multi-spoke wheel is produced using an innovative technology called ‘High-Pressure Casting’, which uses a precision-engineered mould to form complex aluminium components with exceptional accuracy and reduced weight, enabling new design possibilities and improved performance. Compared to traditional low-pressure die casting, the innovative ‘High-Pressure Casting’ allows significantly reduced draft angles, noticeably reduced castable thicknesses and more precise contours, resulting in very fine surfaces and therefore characteristic design themes. Mercedes‑Benz designers maximised these opportunities with the intriguing 50-cross-spoke expression to new aesthetic standards. ‘High-Pressure Casting’ also demonstrates advantages of sustainability, enabling lightweight construction and reduced machining requirements, thereby leading to a noticeable reduction in aluminium usage. Compared to traditional low-pressure die casting, the energy consumption is significantly decreased. Furthermore, a higher percentage of recycled aluminium can be utilised. The new 20″ multi-spoke wheel13F18F is presented in an attractive Tremolit Metallic High Sheen finish.

In addition, from market start, the new S‑Class offers further wheel choices, including a new 19-inch Mercedes‑Benz design, a 20-inch AMG Line wheel in several colour finishes and a new 21-inch AMG Line wheel colour option, giving customers even more freedom to tailor the car’s appearance.

Dynamic presence: AMG Line and AMG Line Plus

For customers who want a more expressive interpretation of the S‑Class, the AMG Line sharpens the car’s character with an AMG specific front bumper with large air intakes and chrome trim, a sporty rear apron and dynamic side skirts, complemented by AMG alloy wheels up to 21 inches. Inside, a sports steering wheel with a flattened lower section, stainless-steel pedals, exclusive sound profiles and a sporty red MBUX style underline the performance-focused atmosphere. Building on this, AMG Line Plus adds the Night Package, which can be chosen additionally to the AMG Line and darkens most bright and chrome elements on the exterior, giving the car a distinguished look, a distinctive 20-inch wheel with tinted clearcoat finish, dark chrome elements such as the tailpipes and boot-lid trim, as well as Nappa and Nappa Exclusive leather upholstery in black with grey contrast stitching, anthracite open-pore oak wood trim, illuminated black door sills with Mercedes‑Benz lettering and grey seatbelts for an even more exclusive and dynamic look.

Unparalleled protection, refined: The new Mercedes‑Benz S-Class GUARD with VR10, the highest civilian protection level

For almost 100 years, heads of state, business leaders and members of royal families have stepped into a Mercedes‑Benz special-protection vehicle with one expectation: to be as safe as possible – and yet to feel entirely at ease. As the home of protection in the Mercedes-Benz portfolio, the new Mercedes‑Benz S 680 GUARD 4MATIC combines an in-house developed Integrated Protection System (iSS) and a GUARD specific protective cell with a discreet aluminium outer skin is combined with a specially adapted chassis, engine and transmission. Despite the increase in weight, this ensures drivability, comfort, space and long-term durability at the level of a standard S-Class.

The S 680 GUARD combines the highest civilian protection level VR10^[5], with the latest refinements of the new S-Class, now based on the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz technology. The S-Class GUARD is currently the only series-production limousine to offer certified VR10 ballistic protection for both transparent (glass) and opaque body areas (chassis) ex factory. The protective effect of its specially armoured passenger cell has been verified using biofidelic dummies whose physical properties closely replicate those of the human body. This enables potential injuries in the event of ballistic or explosive attacks to be identified directly. The result: the S 680 GUARD 4MATIC has passed all tests with the highest rating, with three out of three stars. The S 680 GUARD 4MATIC is powered by a 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine (450 kW/830 Nm), ensuring effortless, confident performance even in demanding situations.

Inside, customers can tailor materials, colours, equipment and the rear-compartment layout to their personal taste, working style and security needs, while benefiting from many of the refinements of the new S‑Class – from comfort and craftsmanship to digital services. For many, the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment system with productivity-focused functions such as seamless video conferencing turns the rear cabin into a secure, fully connected business lounge.

Beyond the core protection package, a wide range of GUARD-specific equipment and options allows the S 680 GUARD 4MATIC to be configured precisely to its role and to demanding situations, while supporting safe day-to-day operation. The fire-extinguishing system, for example, can combat fires in the engine compartment or beneath the vehicle floor, while the emergency fresh-air system can help prevent harmful gases from entering the interior; if required and by the touch of a button, 900 litres of compressed-air provide a positive pressure within the passenger compartment to safely leave the danger zone. The Threat Alarm System (GAS) alerts the surroundings with visual and acoustic signals, and the integrated communication system allows occupants to speak with people outside the vehicle without opening doors or windows.

Optional servo-assisted front and rear doors enable effortless, even one-handed operation and stepless positioning, including on slopes. This is particularly important because the integrated protection components make the doors of the Mercedes-Benz S 680 GUARD 4MATIC significantly heavier than those of a conventional S‑Class. They can be opened and closed with minimal effort at the touch of a button, allowing the driver to remain fully focused on the surroundings. Additional GUARD specific options – from flagpoles for a representative appearance to hydraulic window lifters for discreet operation – further tailor the vehicle. Requirements beyond the standard equipment, such as special signalling systems, integrated document storage or bespoke electronic pre-installations, are developed together with the GUARD team as tailored solutions for authorities, governmental use and other highly specialised roles.

^[1] The certification to protection level VR10 is carried out by the Beschussamt Ulm in accordance with the test guideline of the Association of Test Laboratories for Attack-Resistant Materials and Constructions (VPAM).

^[2] Not available at market launch. The availability of the equipment, functions, features and services shown depends on the respective vehicle model, the individual configuration and the respective market.

^[3] Not available at market launch. The availability of the equipment, functions, features and services shown depends on the respective vehicle model, the individual configuration and the respective market.

^[4] The availability of the equipment, functions, features and services shown depends on the respective vehicle model, the individual configuration and the respective market.

^[5] The certification to protection level VR10 is carried out by the Beschussamt Ulm in accordance with the test guideline of the Association of Test Laboratories for Attack-Resistant Materials and Constructions (VPAM).

^[6] The specified values were determined in accordance with the prescribed measurement procedure WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light-duty vehicles Test Procedures). The energy consumption and CO₂ emissions of a passenger car depend not only on the efficient utilisation of fuel or the respective energy carrier by the car, but also on the driving style and other non-technical factors.