The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has always stood as the symbol of comfort, technology, and luxury in the brand’s lineup. The current generation, known as the W223, first made its global debut back in September 2020. Since then, it has served as the company’s flagship limousine, even as Mercedes quietly discontinued the coupe and convertible versions.

Now, more than five years later, it’s finally time for the traditional mid-cycle refresh.

A facelift that’s just around the corner

We already know Mercedes is preparing something new, thanks to the large number of camouflaged prototypes seen testing on public roads. The company even hinted at the update in December 2025 when announcing a new robotaxi partnership with Momenta and Lumo in the United Arab Emirates.

The project allows Mercedes to run autonomous S-Class vehicles in Abu Dhabi as part of a testing program. Interestingly, these robotaxi models wear heavy camouflage — a strong sign they belong to the upcoming facelifted S-Class lineup.

Digital creators step in with their own ideas

While fans wait for official photos, digital car artists are already imagining what the refreshed S-Class could look like. One of them is Turkish automotive designer Evrim Ozgun, who recently shared his personal interpretation of the new model.

Instead of simply copying Mercedes’ latest design language, he takes the S-Class in a slightly different direction, creating a vision that feels familiar, yet clearly more dramatic.

What the real facelift may bring – and why some designers disagree

Based on insider reports and earlier Mercedes models, the real-world S-Class refresh is expected to borrow design themes from newer vehicles in the lineup. That likely means:

• Dual LED star-shaped daytime running lights
  
• A much larger chrome front grille
  
• Updated rear lights with star-style elements
  

These cues already appear on the latest E-Class and the GLC with EQ technology. But not everyone is convinced they suit the elegant S-Class. Many enthusiasts, including some digital designers, prefer something closer to Mercedes’ futuristic Vision Iconic concept.

Ozgun’s version: bolder, sculpted, and sportier

In Ozgun’s CGI rendering, the sedan features:

• A single large LED star inside each headlight
  
• A bold 3D-shaped front grille rather than a flat chrome panel
  
• A muscular bumper design with sharp boomerang-style accents
  
• Sportier side intakes for a more aggressive appearance
  

From the side, the S-Class still looks classic and refined. It keeps its long, elegant proportions, smooth flush door handles, and shiny chrome wheels that match the luxury vibe.

The rear is noticeably cleaner and simpler, using a full-width LED light bar that stretches across the trunk. Unlike the current model, his version shows quad exhaust tips, which gives it a more performance-oriented look. See more Photos

Inside the cabin, fantasy vs. reality

The render also offers a quick peek inside. However, it’s unlikely Mercedes will switch back to a portrait-style center screen in real life. The brand has been moving toward wider, more integrated dashboard displays in its newest models, and that trend will likely continue.

Still, the digital designer clearly wanted to blend futuristic tech with traditional luxury, using both classic silver and deep blue paint options to highlight the car’s elegant personality.

Final thoughts: bold idea or too different?

The next S-Class facelift, whether it officially launches for 2026 or 2027, is shaping up to be one of the most interesting updates in recent years. Between autonomous testing programs, fresh styling, and new technology, Mercedes appears ready to keep its limousine at the top of the luxury market.

But as always, creative minds in the digital world enjoy imagining what could be. Ozgun’s take proves there are many ways to reinvent an icon without losing its soul.

So, what do you think, would you choose the real refresh, or the fantasy version?

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