New Delhi, Feb. 2 -- We were granted an exclusive preview of the 2026 S-Class in Sindelfingen, Germany, two months ahead of its global unveil. Security was understandably tight: phones were taken away, and we were ushered deep into the factory, where massive black curtains concealed the car. When the curtains were drawn back, the silhouette was familiar-stately and elegant, yet the front told a very different story.

The nose is entirely new. In keeping with Mercedes-Benz's recent design direction, the grille has grown by 20% and now features four horizontal chrome bars instead of three.

Look closer and you will notice it is formed from intricate 3-D chrome stars and is fully illuminated. Even the upright three-pointed star on the bonnet...