The substantially updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class is now available to order in Australia ahead of a local launch in November 2026, when the German brand’s flagship sedan will bring a choice of updated six- and eight-cylinder engines plus a bolder exterior design.
Mercedes-Benz has also confirmed the refreshed Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will arrive in Australia in the first half of 2027, though it hasn’t yet confirmed pricing.
Revealed in January 2026, Mercedes-Benz says the updated S-Class is the most comprehensive mid-cycle update in the model’s history, with more than 50 per cent of the extra-large luxury limousine (around 2700 components) being newly developed, updated or refined to better compete with rivals including the BMW 7 Series.
It’s priced at $264,200 before on-road costs for the base S450, rising to $353,900 plus on-roads for the V8-powered S580L.
Powering the S450 is a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder petrol engine that has been “comprehensively updated”, with enhancements including optimised fuel-injection and a higher compression ratio.
Power output remains at 280kW, while torque has been increased from 500Nm to 560Nm. This is further increased to 600Nm when using the overboost function.
The S450’s claimed 0-100km/h time is now 4.9 seconds, a 0.1-second improvement.
The S580L features Mercedes-Benz’s new-generation M177 Evo twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, which gains a flat-plane crankshaft and features a raft of other enhancements including a revised injection system.
Its claimed 0-100km/h time has been cut from 4.4 seconds to 4.0 seconds, while outputs have risen from 370kW and 700Nm to 395kW/750Nm.
Both S-Class variants continue to offer a 48V mild-hybrid system, a nine-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, rear-axle steering and adaptive air suspension.
E-Active Body Control is optional, and can now use Car-to-X information from other vehicles to analyse the road ahead and adjust the suspension accordingly.
Exterior revisions to the updated S-Class include a larger grille with an illuminated surround, new Digital Light LED headlights with star-shaped elements, and redesigned tail-light graphics.
The new-generation Digital Light headlights are claimed to have a high-resolution illumination field approximately 40 per cent greater than before, with light from the high beams projected up to 600m away.
All Australian-delivered S-Classes will now feature the AMG Line exterior package, complete with high-gloss black and chrome highlights, as standard.
The S-Class also rides on new 20-inch AMG alloy wheels painted in a high-sheen Himalaya grey finish.
Changes inside include new digital vent control and optional heated front seatbelts.
Standard equipment on the S-Class includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a Burmester 3D sound system, semi-autonomous parking assist, and a raft of safety features including active steering assist, active lane-change assist, and a surround-view camera.
The optional Comfort Plus package on the S450 costs $13,900 and adds:
- Augmented reality head-up display
- 3D Driver Display
- Four-zone climate control with digital vent control
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated front seatbelts
- Heated front and rear armrests
- Heated rear seats
- Rear MBUX remote control functionality and wireless charging
The Comfort Complete Package ($14,100, S450; $16,100, S580L) adds:
- Massaging multicontour rear seats
- MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment with two 13.1-inch displays, wireless headphones
- Executive Rear Seat and calf massaging (S580L only)
- Easy Adjust head restraints
- Adaptive rear compartment lighting
The Business Class Package ($11,900, S580L only) adds:
- Individual rear seats with full-length centre console
- Temperature-controlled cupholders
- Folding rear tables
Standalone options on both S-Class variants include E-Active Body Control ($17,100) and a Burmester 4D sound system ($14,100), while the S580L can be had with Manufaktur Exclusive exterior finishes for $24,300 and Manufaktur Exclusive upholstery for $27,600.
There’s also a no-cost Exterior Elegance Package with ‘classic styling’ and 20-inch forged alloy wheels.
Pricing
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| 2027 Mercedes-Benz S450 | $264,200 |
| 2027 Mercedes-Benz S580L | $353,900 |
