Mercedes is preparing the next generation of the S-Class, and the Vision Iconic concept previews the upcoming design direction. Instagram user Kelsonic transplanted the new grille onto the current S-Class, and we believe it’s the most imposing S-Class of recent decades. What do you think?
Photo: Kelsonic/Instagram
Launched in 2020 on the updated MRA platform, the Mercedes S-Class W223 is now in its sixth year of production. A major facelift for the combustion-engine version is scheduled for 2026, which will remain in production for a few more years. Then, in 2028, an all-electric version—also called S-Class—will arrive to replace the EQS.
Although the two models use completely different platforms—MRA for the combustion version and MB.EA for the electric one—both will feature a four-link front axle and five-link rear suspension, as well as a similar overall design.
As a preview of the new S-Class, Mercedes has unveiled the Vision Iconic concept, which gives us a glimpse of the brand’s future design language. The Vision Iconic evokes memories of the Maybach Exelero concept, but its radiator grille has a different, perfectly vertical shape, reminiscent of the legendary W108, W111, and Mercedes 600 Pullman models.
The Vision Iconic continues the “iconic grille” theme that debuted on the Mercedes GLC EQ, featuring four chrome-outlined slats, an illuminated contour, and the three-pointed star emblem. The new grille is larger than the one on the GLC EQ and stands completely upright, unlike the smaller, more slanted grille of the current S-Class.
Instagram user Kelsonic created an impressive rendering by placing this new grille on the current Mercedes S-Class, and the result is stunning. No other S-Class generation has ever looked as commanding as this rendering. The large, vertical grille perfectly complements the S-Class profile.
At first glance, this oversized grille seems to suit the S-Class far better than the BMW 7 Series, whose large grille sparked plenty of debate.
In the rendering, the grille is flanked by sleeker, teardrop-shaped headlights with LED daytime running lights shaped like the Mercedes logo, just as seen on the concept and on the new CLA and GLC models.
We hope that Gordon Wagener and his design team see this rendering, because we believe this could be the best-looking Mercedes S-Class of all time.
Additionally, with the introduction of this new design, Mercedes showcased in the Vision Iconic concept the adoption of steer-by-wire technology and Level 4 autonomous driving, both of which will make their way into the production model.
The electric version will use the MB.EA platform with 800V architecture, allowing for high charging power, as well as ZF’s new One-Box braking system, which promises a much more linear brake pedal feel.
It’s still unknown when the new grille will debut—whether on the facelifted S-Class in 2026 or the electric version in 2028—but one thing is certain: both will share a similar design.
