More than half of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is new, around 2,700 components deep, and the V8 car now reaches 100km/h in 4.0 seconds.
The updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class went on sale in Australia on 6 August 2026. Around 2,700 components are newly developed, updated, or re-engineered, which covers more than 50% of the car. It is the most comprehensive update a single generation of the S-Class has ever received. It is a signal of how sensitive the market has become to having the latest and greatest gear as the competition heats up.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class range starts with the S 450 4MATIC at $264,200 MRLP then the S 580 L 4MATIC at $353,900 MRLP, including GST and LCT, but not other on-road costs. Mercedes-Benz Australia drive-away pricing is, as with all brands, available on their website.
Both Engines Cut Their 0 To 100 Times
The S 450 4MATIC uses the M256M EVO 3.0L turbo inline six petrol 48V mild hybrid, updated with optimised fuel injection and higher compression ratio. Power stays at 280kW, but torque gets a bump up to 560Nm, with a quick overboost to temporary 600Nm, and the 0 to 100km/h is a brisk 4.9 seconds.
The S 580 L 4MATIC is a new-generation M177 EVO twin-turbo V8 48V mild hybrid, with 395kW and 750Nm. Improvements include: new flat-plane crankshaft to cut rotating mass and improve throttle response, a reworked the injection system and intake and exhaust ports, the intake camshaft, the compressor wheel, and the turbocharger housing. 0 to 100km/h drops from 4.4 seconds to 4.0. Both modles have a 9G-TRONIC automatic and 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
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ABOVE: The 2026 S-Class
Rear Wheels That Steer And A High Beam Reaching 600 Metres
Every Mercedes-Benz S-Class variant has 4.5 degrees of rear-axle steering as standard, and up to 10 degrees is optional, presumably by subscription. AIRMATIC suspension and E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL are optional, with damping that now adapts ahead of the road surface.
Vehicle sensors detect speed bumps and store them in the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud for up to 14 days, so the next equipped car to approach the same bump can prepare its suspension in advance. The feature works through Car-to-X, needs a Mercedes me ID, and can be switched off by the owner.
DIGITAL LIGHT moves to a new generation using micro-LED technology and a new chip. The high-resolution illumination field is 40% larger than before, and high beam reaches up to more than adequate 600 metres. The Mercedes star headlamp signature is standard across the range, and the tail lamp graphics are also redesigned.
The grille is roughly 20% larger, with a three-dimensional chrome star circled by light, and the front and rear styling is similarly refreshed. AMG Line exterior is now standard, and includes high-gloss black with chrome highlights. The shiny new 20-inch AMG cross-spoke alloys come in Himalaya grey with a high-sheen finish. The Exterior Elegance Package is a no-cost alternative to the slightly blingy AMG Line, and it brings 20-inch forged alloys instead. Extra paint finishes and interior colours are also part of the update.
Screens, Seats, And Air Inside The Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The dashboard has a now-ubiquitous 14.4-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and the MBUX Superscreen adds a display for the front passenger. This is the newest generation of MBUX, with an enhanced Zero Layer interface and MBUX Surround Navigation. The MBUX Virtual Assistant handles natural language better than before, adds biometric authentication, and keeps multiple user profiles. MB.OS supports over-the-air updates across numerous vehicle functions.
Key Terms Explained
- MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience): The overarching name for the digital instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment, and voice-control system inside modern Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
- Enhanced Zero Layer Interface: A home screen design powered by artificial intelligence. Instead of making you dig through multiple submenus to find common features (like your phone, radio, or climate controls), the system proactively surfaces the tools and applications you need directly on the main screen based on your habits and driving context.
- MBUX Surround Navigation: A feature that integrates the car’s driver-assistance cameras and sensors to show a live, 3D graphical rendering of your immediate surroundings—including nearby traffic, lane markings, pedestrians, and buildings—directly on the display.
Digital Vent Control adjusts airflow to the chosen ventilation setting, and AIR BALANCE electric filtration refreshes the cabin air about every 90 seconds. Heated front seat belts appear for the first time from Mercedes-Benz. There is standard Burmester 3D surround sound with optional high-end 4D system with Dolby Atmos. MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment also stays on the options list.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class MB.DRIVE uses Nvidia-based computing hardware and the Mercedes-Benz Operating System. It is fed by a multi-sensor camera and radar system. The list takes in Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Emergency Stop Assist, Parking Assist with a 360 degree camera, PARKTRONIC, and a reverse manoeuvring function. There’s also a rim protection warning that pops up before you kerb a wheel. If only all cars had that.
The rear cabin has packages of its very own, and Comfort PLUS is an S 450 one such option. Comfort Complete adds rear multicontour seats with massage, neck and shoulder heating, the Chauffeur Package that slides the front passenger seat forward for rear legroom, PRE-SAFE Impulse, and adaptive rear lighting. On the S 580 L it adds an Executive Rear Seat with calf massage. The Business Class Package, an S 580 L exclusive, fits individual rear seats split by a full-length console, wireless charging, temperature-controlled cup holders, and folding tables. E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL, the Burmester 4D system, and the MANUFAKTUR finishes are priced separately. The tables below carry the lot.
S 450 And S 580 L Side By Side
| Specification | S 450 4MATIC | S 580 L 4MATIC |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L turbocharged inline six petrol, M256M EVO | Twin-turbocharged V8 petrol, M177 EVO |
| Electrification | 48V on-board system with integrated starter-generator | 48V on-board system with integrated starter-generator |
| Power | 280kW | 395kW |
| Torque | 560Nm, 600Nm on overboost | 750Nm |
| Transmission | 9G-TRONIC automatic | 9G-TRONIC automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4MATIC all-wheel drive | 4MATIC all-wheel drive |
| 0 to 100km/h | 4.9 seconds | 4.0 seconds |
| Price | $264,200 MRLP | $353,900 MRLP |
What The Options Cost
| Option | S 450 4MATIC | S 580 L 4MATIC |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort PLUS Package | $13,900 | Not offered |
| Comfort Complete Package | $14,100 | $16,100 |
| Business Class Package | Not offered | $11,900 |
| E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL | $17,100 | $17,100 |
| Burmester high-end 4D surround sound | $14,100 | $14,100 |
| MANUFAKTUR exclusive exterior finish | Not offered | $24,300 |
| MANUFAKTUR exclusive upholstery | Not offered | $27,600 |
| Exterior Elegance Package | No cost | No cost |
More Mercedes-Benz Stories
- 2026 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Adds AI Brain and No Leather
- Mercedes-Benz Studio Sydney Brings S-Class Class To Classy Martin Place
- Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG E-Class Editions Go Dark in Australia
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Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.
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