From left: Mr. Gertinger, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Japan, and Mr. Frank Wundrak, Head of N
CAR /
NEWS
June 12, 2026
The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, reimagined with the most extensive enhancements in its history, has arrived in Japan.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Mercedes-Benz Japan has announced the introduction of the flagship S-Class, which has undergone significant enhancements, to the Japanese market. Initially, the diesel model "450 d 4MATIC" will be released, followed by the gasoline model "580 4MATIC long" scheduled for launch after September.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
New Personalization Program Now Available
The S-Class, featuring over 50 percent new or redesigned parts—approximately 2,700 components in total—and undergoing the most extensive enhancements in its history, has been launched in Japan.
The exterior is distinguished by a larger radiator grille, approximately 20 percent wider than before. For the first time in the S-Class's history, an illuminated radiator grille has also been adopted.
The chrome-finished louvers have been increased from three to four, and combined with the chrome-finished star pattern, Mercedes-Benz claims a more distinguished design.
The rear also features new combination lamps, framed by chrome, with a striking triple-star design on each side, emphasizing the brand's identity. Sophisticated accents have been added.
The interior design has also been significantly revised. The instrument panel and door trims, among other elements, have been newly designed. The "MBUX Superscreen" (media display: 14.4 inches, front passenger display: 12.3 inches), powered by the newly developed "MB.OS," harmoniously blends digital and analog luxury, creating a new spatial experience.
Progress has also been made in cabin air quality. The air vents, featuring elegant lighting, automatically adjust according to the selected ventilation mode. A new electric filter ionizes and removes particles up to 1,200 times finer than table salt particles, purifying the cabin air approximately every 90 seconds to maintain a consistently clean environment.
Regarding the exterior and interior, Mercedes-Benz Japan has also announced "MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure," a personalization program for select top-end models, coinciding with the S-Class's introduction to Japan.
This program reflects the individual sensibilities and aesthetic preferences of each customer in the vehicle's interior and exterior. The exterior offers over 100 color variations, including colors from past iconic Mercedes-Benz models, allowing heritage to be projected onto contemporary models.
The interior selection includes over 400 colors and more than 80 stitching options. Through one-on-one consultations with expert advisors, a cohesive coordination is achieved throughout the vehicle.
Additionally, the program accommodates custom embroidery of desired text or logos on headrest cushions, floor mats, and seat cushions, as well as changes to the color and text of illuminated step covers.
"MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure" is being introduced with this S-Class and will be progressively expanded to other top-end models, including the Maybach S-Class and G-Class.
The significant enhancements to the S-Class also include a revamped infotainment system. The in-house developed "MB.OS" integrates various vehicle functions and enables Over-The-Air (OTA) wireless updates via connection to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud.
MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) has evolved to its fourth generation, featuring navigation based on Google Maps and an MBUX Virtual Assistant powered by generative AI. This assistant integrates ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, and Google Gemini, allowing for natural conversations akin to speaking with a friend.
In terms of safety, "MB.DRIVE" is employed. AI algorithms, trained on vast amounts of data, process sensor data to accurately perceive surrounding traffic conditions and provide support for parking and driving.
The powertrain options include two types: gasoline and diesel. The "450 d 4MATIC," released first, is equipped with a 3-liter inline-six diesel engine. The "580 4MATIC long," scheduled for release after September, features a 4-liter V8 gasoline engine producing a maximum output of 395 kW and a peak torque of 750 Nm. Both engines are paired with a mild-hybrid system.
The S-Class is equipped with AIRMATIC suspension featuring intelligent dampers, developed in-house by Mercedes-Benz. This system adjusts damping when bumps are detected and also automatically adjusts the suspension before other Mercedes-Benz vehicles, sharing data via the cloud, approach the same spot, contributing to a comfortable ride.
The price for the S-Class is 15.98 million yen for the "450 d 4MATIC," which is now available, and 23.65 million yen for the "580 4MATIC long," scheduled for release after September. Deliveries for the "450 d 4MATIC" are also scheduled to begin after September.
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Learn More About the Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Q. What is the significance of the S-Class for Mercedes-Benz?
Mercedes-Benz positions the S-Class as its flagship model, always incorporating the full extent of its available technology and serving as the "benchmark for the automotive world." It plays a role in continuously redefining "luxury for the modern era," encompassing "design pursuing sensual purity," "cutting-edge human-centric technology," and "further pursuit of safety." The new model is born from a lineage that has embodied every innovation, from the patent for the automobile in 1886 to the latest electric vehicles.
Q. How has MBUX evolved over time?
Since its introduction in 2018, MBUX has significantly expanded its functions with each generation. The second generation, introduced in 2022, featured the MBUX Hyperscreen, and the third generation, introduced in 2024, enabled the use of third-party apps. The fourth generation, now featured in the new S-Class, has evolved beyond an infotainment system to become a system that integrates the intelligence of the entire vehicle, centered around the in-house developed MB.OS.
Q. How do intelligent dampers differ from simple ride comfort adjustments?
What makes this technology unique is its ability to utilize road data transmitted to the cloud by other Mercedes-Benz vehicles that have traveled the same route, rather than relying solely on the sensors of the current vehicle. Information about speed bumps is stored in the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud for up to 14 days, allowing other vehicles approaching the same spot to adjust their suspension in advance. This technology is Mercedes-Benz's proprietary development and is patented. Please note that the service for this feature is scheduled to commence at a later date for the Japanese specifications.