Mercedes-Benz is preparing a major update for its flagship S-Class sedan, set to launch in 2026. The revamp includes significant exterior and interior revisions, alongside a new high-performance V8 engine featuring a flat-plane crankshaft – a design previously reserved for top-tier AMG models.
Extensive Redesign: A New Era for the S-Class
This update is described by the company as the “most extensive in one generation” for the S-Class, which debuted in 1972. Over 50% of the vehicle’s components have been redeveloped or re-engineered. This signals a substantial investment in the model, positioning it as a key part of Mercedes-Benz’s ambitious product launch program. Prototypes are already undergoing final road testing, with the full reveal expected within weeks.
Flat-Plane Crank V8: Power and Efficiency Combined
The core of the update lies in the engine bay. The existing ‘M176’ V8 will be replaced by the new ‘M177’ engine. This engine, already found in high-performance AMG models like the S63, the Aston Martin DB12, DBX and Vantage, utilizes a flat-plane crankshaft instead of the traditional cross-plane design.
The shift to a flat-plane crank offers several benefits. Flat-plane crankshafts reduce internal friction and allow for higher engine speeds, leading to increased power and improved efficiency. While the engine retains its 4.0-liter displacement and twin-turbocharging, output increases from 496 to 530 horsepower, reducing the 0-62mph sprint to approximately 4.0 seconds.
Sound and Performance: A Distinctive Upgrade
The difference between cross-plane and flat-plane V8s is most noticeable in their sound. Cross-plane V8s produce the classic, uneven burble at low revs, while flat-plane cranks deliver a higher-pitched, more refined engine note at high speeds. The new engine will first appear in the mild-hybrid S580 model before being rolled out to other high-performance AMG vehicles, including the upcoming CLE 63.
“The move will help to reduce emissions, but not at the expense of power.”
The decision to adopt a flat-plane crank in the S580 is notable: it suggests a broader push for performance-oriented engines across Mercedes-Benz’s luxury lineup. The company aims to balance power gains with improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, making this update a step towards a more sustainable future without compromising driving experience.
The 2026 S-Class update marks a significant leap forward for the flagship sedan. By combining extensive redesigns with a high-performance engine, Mercedes-Benz reaffirms its commitment to innovation and luxury in the automotive industry.
