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 essentially the most substantial but.

It’s going to represent a mid-cycle refresh for the flagship electrical car which arrived within the U.S. as a 2022 mannequin, and can embrace adjustments 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 continues 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 indicators.

2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS facelift spy photographs – 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 predominant objective nevertheless was to preview a redesigned CLA-Class that is additionally due subsequent yr, probably with a selection between hybrid and electrical powertrains.

The prototype additionally sports activities cameras mounted to every of the facet mirrors. This can be proof of a brand new camera-based system changing the traditional facet 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 generally known as Drive Pilot beginning with the 2024 mannequin. The system lets the motive force look away from the highway, although solely inside very restricted situations. And within the U.S., the system solely capabilities on choose highways in California and Nevada.

Mercedes has already indicated it desires to combine turquoise-colored lights to sign when a car 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 predicted to launch.

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

There isn’t any photograph of the cabin however adjustments to a number of the menus of the infotainment system are probably. We might additionally see a voice assistant that leverages synthetic intelligence to ship a extra customized 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 essentially the most highly effective choice with its 649 hp as commonplace and 751 hp (by way of momentary enhance) with the accessible AMG Dynamic Plus bundle included.

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