Mercedes Planning a 'Major Upgrade' for the S-Class in 2026

Electric C-Class and GLC are also coming.

By: Adrian Padeanu

Feb 20, 2025 at 3:55am ET

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Although Mercedes has already confirmed a next-generation S-Class with combustion engines and electric drivetrains, the current model has yet to receive its mid-cycle update. The facelifted model will hit the market in 2026 when the company's flagship model gets a "major update." The German luxury brand shared the news today as part of a broader announcement about how it plans to get back on track after a sales slump in 2024.

Last year, Mercedes' CEO Ola Källenius spoke briefly about the refreshed range-topper, saying the company "invested a lot more in the model update of the new combustion engine S-Class than we normally spend on a facelift." We reckon some of the investments relate to making the gasoline and diesel powertrains comply with the forthcoming Euro 7 and China 7 regulations.

At the other end of the sedan lineup, the product onslaught is starting this year with the third-generation CLA, complete with combustion engines and electric power. Mercedes also confirms plans for purely electric versions of the GLC and C-Class. Interestingly, it doesn't refer to these models as the EQC SUV and EQC. We're wondering whether it's because the cars will adopt the new "with EQ Technology" suffix used by the electric G-Class.

What do you think?

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AMG also has a busy schedule, with a "string of BEV and electrified high-tech ICE" models coming in the next few years. The high-performance division from Affalterbach has already teased its first bespoke electric products: a swoopy sedan to replace the GT 4-Door Coupe and a large SUV. The identities of the hot hybrids are not being disclosed for now, but we're thinking CLE63 and/or E63. As previously announced, the V-8 is not going away, so the downsizing bug won't bite all fun cars.

Mercedes intends to launch dozens of facelifted and next-gen cars between now and the end of 2026.