Ola Källenius Reveals First Details of the New Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius shares first insights into the new S-Class ahead of its January 2026 world premiere. Learn what has been revealed so far.

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is set to make its world premiere on January 29, 2026, and the company has chosen to reveal the first details of its flagship sedan ahead of the official debut. In the latest episode of the Inside the Icon video series, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius offers an early look at a camouflaged prototype, outlining the direction in which one of the brand’s most iconic model lines is heading.

According to Källenius, the new S-Class represents one of the most comprehensive updates in the model’s history. More than 50 percent of its components have been newly developed or extensively revised, amounting to roughly 2,700 parts. This scale of change highlights Mercedes-Benz’s intention not merely to refresh the model, but to fundamentally refine its core attributes.

Even under camouflage, the car projects a more confident and individual presence. One of the most symbolic design elements is the upright star on the hood, a detail that directly references the S-Class’s historical status and its long-standing role as a showcase for the brand’s engineering achievements.

Major changes also extend to the vehicle’s digital architecture. The new S-Class will introduce the next generation of digital intelligence based on the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), the company’s proprietary software platform designed to unify infotainment, comfort, and assistance systems within a single ecosystem.

Personalisation plays an increasingly important role as well. With the expanded MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure programme, customers will be able to tailor their vehicles more precisely, from materials to visual and tactile interior details.

Ride comfort remains a central focus for the flagship sedan. In the video, Källenius explains how the further refined AIRMATIC air suspension, featuring intelligent damping control, enhances ride quality, particularly over long undulating road surfaces commonly found in southern Europe and the United States.

The video format continues a series of early previews in which Källenius has previously introduced upcoming models such as the electric CLA, the electric G-Class, and, last year, the fully electric GLC. Now, attention turns to the world’s best-selling luxury sedan, the S-Class. This episode also features content creator Justin Tse and an unexpected video call from tennis legend Roger Federer.

The full scope of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be revealed at its world premiere on January 29. Even at this early stage, however, it is clear that the model once again aims to set the benchmark in the luxury sedan segment.