Mercedes-Benz has continued to replace the EQS within the years since its launch, however the subsequent replace, a prototype for which has been noticed testing, is shaping as much as be probably the most substantial but.

It would represent a mid-cycle refresh for the flagship electrical automobile which arrived within the U.S. as a 2022 mannequin, and can embrace modifications to the outside design, judging by the prototype.

Search for the replace to be launched in 2025 for the 2026 mannequin yr within the U.S.

Improvement remains to be at an early stage however camouflage gear on the entrance and rear of the prototype factors to new fascia designs at each ends. The headlights are a brand new design and have Mercedes-Benz star-style logos that function each the daytime working lights and switch alerts.

2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS facelift spy pictures – Picture credit score: Baldauf

The design trait was first previewed on the Idea CLA-Class that Mercedes rolled out on the 2023 Munich auto present. The idea’s major objective nonetheless was to preview a redesigned CLA-Class that is additionally due subsequent yr, possible with a selection between hybrid and electrical powertrains.

The prototype additionally sports activities cameras mounted to every of the aspect mirrors. This can be proof of a brand new camera-based system changing the traditional aspect mirrors in some markets, or presumably camera-based sensors for brand spanking new automated driver-assist applied sciences. The EQS, along with the S-Class, already options an SAE Stage 3 automated driver-assist system often known as Drive Pilot beginning with the 2024 mannequin. The system lets the driving force look away from the street, although solely inside very restricted situations. And within the U.S., the system solely features on choose highways in California and Nevada.

Mercedes has already indicated it needs to combine turquoise-colored lights to sign when a automobile is being pushed in automated mode. The automaker late final yr was granted permission to check the turquoise lights in California, and to promote them to public in Nevada beginning with the 2026 mannequin yr, or when the up to date EQS is anticipated to launch.

2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS facelift spy pictures – Picture credit score: Baldauf

There is not any picture of the cabin however modifications to a number of the menus of the infotainment system are possible. We may additionally see a voice assistant that leverages synthetic intelligence to ship a extra personalised expertise, one thing Mercedes previewed simply final month throughout 2024 CES.

It is not clear whether or not any powertrain updates are deliberate. The 2024 mannequin yr noticed the EQS 450+ and EQS 580 grades given extra energy. The AMG EQS 53 stays probably the most highly effective possibility with its 649 hp as commonplace and 751 hp (through short-term enhance) with the accessible AMG Dynamic Plus bundle included.

Comparable updates deliberate for the EQS also needs to make their approach to the associated EQS SUV, and the smaller EQE and EQE SUV which share a platform with the EQS fashions.