Mercedes-Benz S-Class Gets Biggest Mid-Cycle Refresh Ever, Launching January 29

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is set to receive its most extensive mid-cycle refresh in history, with the updated model officially debuting on January 29. The Maybach variant will follow shortly thereafter. This overhaul includes approximately 2,700 newly added or redesigned components, with a strong focus on powertrain upgrades: the S450 and S500 will be equipped with the “M256 Evo” inline-six engine, delivering up to 600 Nm of torque (640 Nm in overboost mode); the S580 will switch to the “M177 Evo” V8 engine, producing 530 hp and 750 Nm of torque; and the plug-in hybrid S580e sees a system power increase of 74 hp, with an expected all-electric range exceeding 100 km under WLTP standards. All variants will now come standard with a 48V mild-hybrid system and incorporate emissions-reducing technologies such as gasoline particulate filters. On the chassis front, the refreshed S-Class introduces rear-wheel steering as standard for the first time, offering a default angle of 4.5 degrees (expandable to 10 degrees as an option), alongside enhanced air suspension that supports cloud-based road condition pre-adjustment for improved ride comfort. Additionally, the V12 engine will continue to power the Maybach S-Class, and the AMG S63 is also expected to make a comeback.