Mercedes-Benz is preparing to unveil a comprehensively updated S-Class, with the flagship limousine set to receive far more than a typical mid-cycle refresh. Due to be revealed in the coming weeks, the facelifted S-Class represents a significant investment from the German brand as it looks to reaffirm its position at the pinnacle of the luxury car segment.

Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius has previously indicated the company has spent considerably more on this update than on a conventional facelift. More than half of the S-Class’s roughly 2700 components are said to be either completely new or extensively re-engineered, underlining the scale of the changes.

Ahead of the official reveal, journalists were given a brief preview ride in a late-stage prototype at Mercedes’ Stuttgart headquarters. Unsurprisingly for a car designed to chauffeur heads of state and business leaders, the rear seat was the focus – traditionally the S-Class’s strongest suit.

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Although the prototype wore heavy camouflage, several exterior changes were evident. The front grille appears larger and more imposing, while new headlights are expected to feature Mercedes’ signature three-pointed star lighting motif. Similar detailing is likely to appear in the tail-lights, alongside revised wheel designs.

Inside, the transformation looks just as significant. The current portrait-style touchscreen is expected to be replaced by a wide “Superscreen” layout similar to that used in the latest E-Class. This will run the newest version of Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system, powered by the brand’s MB.OS software architecture, designed to deliver a more personalised and intuitive digital experience.

Powertrain updates are equally notable. The revised S 580 4MATIC will feature an updated 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing around 395kW and 750Nm, paired with mild-hybrid assistance for smoother start-stop operation and added responsiveness. The engine’s deep, refined exhaust note stands in contrast to the S-Class’s otherwise serene character.

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Six-cylinder petrol and diesel options will continue, including updated diesel engines designed to meet future emissions standards, featuring electrically heated catalytic converters to reduce pollutants more quickly after start-up. A plug-in hybrid variant is also expected, offering more than 95 kilometres of electric-only driving.

Ride comfort has been further refined through an upgraded air-suspension system with intelligent damping. Using road data collected from other Mercedes vehicles, the system can anticipate surface imperfections and adjust accordingly, although it currently prepares only for individual events rather than learning repeated routes.

As ever, the rear cabin remains a highlight, with lavish leather upholstery, rich wood trim, generous legroom and deeply reclining seats that create a first-class travel experience.

Whether these upgrades will fully reassert the S-Class as the undisputed luxury leader remains to be seen, but Mercedes is clearly sparing no expense in trying.

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