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Mercedes prepares S-Class facelift as robotaxi testing begins
The seventh-generation W223 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, launched globally in September 2020 as a four-door limousine, is approaching a mid-cycle refresh for the 2026/2027 model year. Spied prototypes and a recent teaser campaign from Mercedes-Benz hint that the updated flagship is almost ready. In early December 2025 the company also revealed a robotaxi pilot with ADAS partner Momenta and local tech partner Lumo, a move that directly involves camouflaged S-Class test cars operating in Abu Dhabi after UAE approval.
Why the facelift matters
The S-Class remains Mercedes’ technological and luxury showcase. A facelift typically refreshes styling, updates lighting and grille treatments, and brings incremental tech upgrades to infotainment and driver assistance. For buyers and fleet partners — including the emerging robotaxi programs — the mid-cycle update keeps the limousine competitive against rivals such as the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8.
Alternative design: a CGI take on the refreshed limo
While factory prototypes suggest Mercedes will borrow several polarizing cues from recent models — dual LED star DRLs in head- and taillights and a very large chrome grille reminiscent of the new GLC with EQ tech — digital artists are imagining different directions. Turkish virtual designer Evrim Ozgun released speculative renders that rework the facelift into a more restrained, athletic flagship.
Key highlights from the unofficial CGI reinterpretation:
- Single three-pointed LED DRL star in each headlight instead of dual pixel stars
- Larger, 3D-sculpted radiator grille that reads more premium than oversized-chrome
- Muscular front bumper with boomerang-shaped elements and sporty dual side intakes
- Classic sedan profile with modern flush door handles and bigger chrome alloy wheels
- Minimalist rear with a full-width LED light bar and quad exhaust tips replacing the pre-facelift duals
These renders also show two paint options — traditional silver and an elegant blue — plus a brief interior tease that suggests Mercedes might move away from portrait-oriented central screens for the flagship.
Design debate and market context
The S-Class facelift is stirring debate among enthusiasts and designers. Some welcome the shared design language across Mercedes line-up while others wish the S-Class would adopt the sleeker Vision Iconic concept GT cues. The CGI approach by Ozgun represents the “what if” crowd: a more sculpted, less corporate expression of the limousine.
Bullet points — what to expect from the real facelift:
- Refreshed front and rear lighting signatures
- Updated grille and bumper treatments
- Minor interior and infotainment refinements
- Improved ADAS and connectivity to support robotaxi testing
Bottom line
Mercedes is balancing tradition and modernity as the W223 S-Class enters its mid-life update. Official spy shots and the company’s autonomous vehicle pilots make one thing clear: the facelifted S-Class will play both roles — a luxury flagship for private customers and a technology platform for autonomous mobility. Whether the final design leans toward the bold OEM treatment or a subtler, CGI-inspired look remains to be seen, but anticipation is high among car lovers and industry watchers alike.
Quote: "The S-Class facelift will prove whether Mercedes doubles down on brand consistency or embraces a fresh, sculpted direction for its flagship."
Source: autoevolution
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