Mercedes is keeping expectations high by sharing new details about its flagship model ahead of the facelifted S-Class launch on January 29. With the 2026 model year, the S-Class is receiving the brand's most comprehensive facelift in its model range to date. A total of 2,700 new or updated parts are included, a number that accounts for almost half of the vehicle.
- 20 percent larger front grille
- MB.OS operating system
- Star-motif front and rear lighting
- 2700 new or updated parts
The New S-Class Will Come with Heated Seatbelts
One of these major innovations will be heated seatbelts. This feature, confirmed by Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius, is not entirely a surprise, as heated seatbelts were also present in Mercedes' Experimental Safety Vehicle (ESF) concept introduced in 2019. At the time, the brand emphasized that this technology would enhance both comfort and safety.
Comfort that Promotes Safety
The logic is quite simple: in cold weather, the warming of the seatbelt encourages passengers to buckle up. It also helps reduce the risk of slack in the belt by prompting occupants to remove thick coats. In the GLE-based ESF concept, the seatbelts could reach body temperature from minus 10 degrees Celsius in less than four minutes. Furthermore, the system automatically activated with seat heating, and heating elements distributed throughout the belt were controlled by sensors.
Another significant advantage of heated seatbelts is efficiency. Automotive supplier ZF announced last year that its updated “Heat Belt” technology could provide an increase of up to 6 percent in electric vehicle range in cold climates. As less energy is expended to heat the cabin, the load on the battery also decreases. In ZF's system, the belt heats from minus 5 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius in less than two minutes, calculating the ideal heating level using data such as outside temperature, cabin conditions, and sunlight.
On the other hand, it remains to be seen how much this comprehensive facelift will address criticisms regarding the current S-Class's interior. A return to physical buttons or a reduction in screen dominance is not expected. However, it is hoped that complaints about material quality will have been resolved as part of this update.
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