Mercedes S-Class facelift boosts power, hybrids and steering dynamics

Mercedes’ 2026 S-Class facelift is a major mid‑cycle refresh with about 2,700 new or updated parts. It introduces redesigned powertrains: the M256 Evo inline‑six gains torque and overboost, and the M177 Evo flat‑plane V8 in the S580 makes 530 hp. A plug‑in hybrid S580e combines the six with an electric motor for more output and over 62 miles of WLTP range. All gasoline engines get a 17‑kW mild‑hybrid system and a 48‑V setup; diesels switch to the OM 656 Evo. Rear‑wheel steering becomes standard at 4.5 degrees (10 degrees optional), and the air suspension is refined with cloud‑based damping data. The S‑Class debuts January 29, with the Maybach variant arriving later.