Mercedes-Benz has long been known for pushing the envelope, especially when it comes to its flagship model—the S-Class. The luxury automaker consistently aims to innovate rather than merely rely on past achievements. Although a major facelift for the S-Class is still in the works, Mercedes has rolled out a modest but meaningful refresh for the 2025 model year—or 2026 model year in North America. At first glance, the changes might appear subtle, but they include significant enhancements in technology and personalization that elevate the vehicle’s overall appeal.
A notable advancement is the expansion of Mercedes’ Drive Pilot system. Previously restricted to slow-moving traffic with a top operating speed of just 60 km/h, Drive Pilot can now function at speeds of up to 95 km/h on highways under normal traffic conditions—at least in Germany. This enhancement moves the system from being a convenience in traffic jams to a viable hands-free driving solution for more real-world scenarios. However, for the time being, this upgraded capability is limited to the German market. In the United States, Drive Pilot remains capped at 60 km/h as Mercedes-Benz awaits regulatory clearance. The company has confirmed that these improvements are currently exclusive to Germany and have not yet been approved for use on U.S. roads. Additionally, the AMG Line and Night Package associated with the new model will not be offered in the U.S., remaining exclusive to regions such as Germany.
Unlike many semi-autonomous driving systems, Mercedes’ Drive Pilot is a true Level 3 autonomous system. When activated, it allows drivers to divert their attention from the road completely, freeing them to read or watch videos while the car handles driving duties. This is far more advanced than conventional adaptive cruise control or driver-assist features. The system uses over 35 sensors—including LiDAR, radar, ultrasonic sensors, and cameras—to gather the data needed for safe operation. Mercedes is also experimenting with turquoise-colored indicators to signal when the system is active, although this feature is still in testing phases and hasn’t been implemented in customer vehicles yet.
On the tech front, the S-Class also gains enhancements to its MBUX infotainment system via over-the-air updates. These updates introduce ChatGPT integration into the voice assistant, along with Microsoft Bing search functionality and Google satellite imagery for navigation. Entertainment features are expanded as well: customers can now opt for the Entertainment Package Plus, which brings YouTube access and Sony’s RIDEVU streaming service for rear-seat passengers.
Customization has also reached new heights. For the 2026 model year, the Manufaktur personalization program becomes globally available, offering over 50 new exterior paint options and 25 fresh interior themes, including elegant wood trim selections. Mercedes has also introduced a new trim level, the S-Class Edition, featuring the AMG Line and Night Package. It comes in a selection of five paint colors, such as Night Black Magno and Opalite White Bright. Unique touches include blacked-out accents, 20-inch AMG wheels, three premium Nappa leather options, and a distinctive emblem displayed in the infotainment system.
All in all, this refresh might be visually modest, but it introduces a suite of powerful upgrades in automation, entertainment, and personalization—reaffirming Mercedes-Benz's commitment to keeping the S-Class at the forefront of luxury and innovation.