⁠Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift teased as LiDAR robotaxi ahead of January debut

The current-gen Mercedes-Benz S-Class arrived over five years ago, but the luxury sedan is set to be replaced with a successor towards the end of this decade. Before the curtain call, however, the German carmaker will launch a mid-cycle update to keep its flagship competitive in its segment. While the car is expected to globally debut in January 2026, it has been officially teased as a robotaxi in camouflage.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift has made its first appearance as a robotaxi, which will, in its initial phase, be rolled out in Abu Dhabi under a partnership with Momenta. The sedan has been revealed with a roof-mounted LiDAR, which enables a Level-4 autonomous driving system certified by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). With this, Mercedes intends to establish a driverless shuttle service, which will eventually expand to more regions.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift: Exterior updates

The S-Class facelift will carry a range of cosmetic changes, including a new front grille that grows more angular over the current iteration. The bumpers, both front and rear, look more defined, while headlamps and taillights have been refreshed with the three-pointed star motif that follows all the latest models from Stuttgart. And of course, the car will be publicly sold without the LiDAR and the fender-mounted cameras.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift: Interior changes

The facelifted S-Class is expected to adopt a wall-to-wall display layout similar to the EQS, supported by the latest software

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The facelifted S-Class is expected to adopt a wall-to-wall display layout similar to the EQS, supported by the latest software

Mercedes will update the S-Class’s interior for a more tech-led experience. Expect the dashboard to be dominated by wall-to-wall displays, as on the EQS, which features a seamless glass panel over the three screens. This will likely be underpinned by the latest operating software.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift: Powertrain options

Although there are no official details on the updated model’s powertrains, it is expected to carry over the existing lineup of options. The range starts with a 3.0-litre mild-hybrid inline-six unit that makes 442 bhp and goes all the way up to a plug-in hybrid V8 engine that stops short of touching the 800-bhp mark. The Maybach lineup will likely retain the mighty V12 powerplant.

The S-Class facelift is expected to be launched in 2027 and will likely reach Indian shores. The sedan will continue to be sold alongside the EQS, its electric sibling, until the two nameplates are merged into a single model for the next generation.

Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2026, Best SUVs in India.