Mercedes-Benz has been spotted testing prototypes for an updated S-Class expected on the market late next year as a 2026 model.as a 2021 model. Mercedes tends to launch an update for its cars after four years, which traditionally marks the midway point in the life cycle for the automaker's vehicles, though this update is a year behind that schedule.
It points to the current S-Class having a longer shelf life, likely part of the fallout of the automaker's recent decision to keep gas-powered carsKeeping current gas-powered models on sale for longer will buy Mercedes time to wait and see how the market for EV develops, and potentially prepare previously unplanned successors for its gas lineup.
The S-Class is currently offered in the U.S. with a base turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 with mild-hybrid technology in an S 500 grade, and the same engine paired with a plug-in hybrid system in the S 580e grade.receive the twin-turbo V-8 paired with a plug-in hybrid system good for a total 791 hp, while the range-topping S 680 grade from Maybach can still be had with a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12 good for 621 hp.