Bottom Line Up Front
Mercedes‑Benz will unveil a heavily updated 2026 S‑Class featuring a flat‑plane‑crank V8, fresh styling and a higher price tag.
2026 Mercedes S-Class Launch: Flat-Plane Crank V8, New Design, Price & Mileage
Image: 2026 Mercedes S-Class Launch: Flat-Plane Crank V8, New Design, Price & Mileage – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
The seventh‑generation S‑Class gets its biggest facelift in a single generation. More than half of the parts are new, giving the sedan a sharper front grille, slimmer LED headlights and a sleeker rear diffuser. Inside, the MB.OS infotainment system is upgraded with a new electrical architecture that promises faster response and more over‑the‑air updates. The long‑wheelbase version adds 30 cm to the wheelbase, turning the rear cabin into a space that feels like a first‑class airline seat.
Performance & Mileage
The old M176 4.0‑litre twin‑turbo V8 is replaced by the M177 flat‑plane crank engine. It still displaces 4.0 L and keeps twin turbos, but the flat‑plane design lets the engine rev higher and cuts emissions. Power climbs from 496 bhp to 530 bhp, shaving the 0‑62 mph time to just under 4 seconds. The new S‑580 will be the first mild‑hybrid model to use this engine, while the ultra‑luxury Maybach S‑580 will receive the same unit tuned to 603 bhp, replacing the outgoing V12.
Mercedes did not release official fuel‑economy numbers, but the flat‑plane crankshaft is expected to improve efficiency slightly compared with the previous cross‑plane V8.
Price & Rivals
In the UK the refreshed S‑Class is slated to arrive later this year with a starting price a little above the current £100,000 baseline. The Maybach variant will sit higher, reflecting its 603 bhp output. Main competitors include the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8, both of which also offer mild‑hybrid V8 options but still use traditional cross‑plane engines.
| Engine | Mileage | Price (UK) | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 L M177 flat‑plane V8 (530 bhp) | Not officially released – expected slight improvement over previous V8 | From £100,000+ |
|
FAQ
- What is the power output of the new 2026 S‑Class V8?
The flat‑plane M177 produces 530 bhp, up from 496 bhp in the previous engine. - Will the 2026 S‑Class be more fuel‑efficient?
Mercedes says emissions are lower, and the new crank design should give a modest fuel‑economy gain, though exact mpg figures are not yet published. - Is the updated S‑Class worth buying over its rivals?
If you value cutting‑edge tech, a spacious rear cabin and a high‑rev V8 note, the 2026 model offers a strong alternative to the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8.
What do you think of Mercedes’ flat‑plane V8 move? Leave a comment below.
Source: Read Official News
