Just before the holidays last year, our spies managed to take photos of the refreshed Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Unlike typical prototype vehicles, the automaker decided to put a gold livery on the S-Class to showcase the brand’s 140-year legacy and the updated sedan’s new technologies.

Based on what our spies managed to see, the facelifted S-Class will receive a revised front fascia, a larger illuminated grille, and what appear to be a new set of LED headlights. It’s scheduled to be revealed sometime later this year and will be available with a wide array of engine options.

Fast forward to January 2026, and it looks like the 2026 S-Class has already been revealed ahead of its public debut. A leaked photo of the supposedly refreshed S-Class was recently posted on social media, and it looks like the real thing.

If the leaked photo is to be believed, the 2026 S-Class will get a new set of LED headlights that feature the brand’s signature three-pointed star design. These can be partially seen in what our spies were able to capture last year, and they largely resemble the ones that are in the leaked photo. 

Also worth mentioning is what appears to be an updated grille and bumper design for the 2026 S-Class. Based on their appearances, it seems both the front bumper and grille were inspired by the latest Mercedes-AMG vehicles, thanks to the sporty and blacked-out appearance. Ever-present, however, is the three-pointed star hood ornament that has since become a staple on S-Class models.

We have yet to see the rear pictures of the 2026 S-Class, but more than likely, it will also get the new three-pointed star design, based on what our spies saw in 2025.

With the leaked photo seemingly confirming the refreshed look of the seventh-generation flagship sedan, perhaps we can expect Mercedes-Benz to launch it very soon.